When it comes to protecting your teeth, preserving jaw comfort, and ensuring a restful night’s sleep, a custom night guard might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common issue many Australians experience, often without even knowing it. Waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth could be the first signs. But with a night guard, you can reduce the impact of grinding and clenching, keeping your teeth and jaw in top shape.
At Oak Park Denture Clinic, we understand the importance of quality and comfort. Here’s everything you need to know about night guards, how they help, and why investing in one could be one of the best decisions you make for your oral health.
Night guards are custom-fitted dental appliances made to wear over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. Their primary purpose? To protect your teeth and jaw from the effects of grinding and clenching. While stress is a common cause, other factors like sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, and misaligned teeth can also lead to these issues.
Here’s how a night guard can help:
Prevent Tooth Damage: The constant pressure from grinding can wear down your tooth enamel, leading to chips, fractures, and increased sensitivity. A night guard acts as a barrier, absorbing that pressure to protect your teeth.
Relieve Jaw Pain and Headaches: Grinding and clenching put a strain on your jaw muscles, often causing discomfort or pain that radiates to the head and neck. Night guards help reduce this tension, allowing for more relaxed jaw muscles.
Improve Sleep Quality: Grinding noises can disturb sleep for both you and anyone nearby. By reducing grinding, night guards promote a quieter, more restful sleep for all.
Night guards come in a few types, each suited for different needs:
Soft Night Guards: These are made from soft, flexible material and are generally more comfortable. They’re ideal for light to moderate teeth grinders who need a gentle solution for nighttime wear.
Dual Laminate Guards: A combination of soft and hard layers, these are best for moderate to heavy grinders. They offer durability on the outer layer while maintaining comfort inside.
Hard Night Guards: Made from a durable acrylic material, hard night guards are recommended for severe grinders or people with TMJ disorders. They provide the highest level of protection and last longer.
At Oak Park Denture Clinic, we specialise in crafting custom-made night guards that fit perfectly to your bite, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness.
While store-bought guards might seem like a quick solution, a custom night guard has several advantages:
Precise Fit: Each night guard is tailored to your unique dental structure, providing a secure fit that won’t slip or cause discomfort.
Maximum Comfort: A custom fit ensures the guard doesn’t feel bulky or obstructive, allowing you to wear it throughout the night comfortably.
Long-Lasting Durability: Custom guards are crafted from quality materials designed to withstand regular use, making them a better investment in the long run.
Getting a custom night guard involves a few simple steps:
Initial Consultation: We start with an assessment to understand your needs, evaluating signs of wear on your teeth and any symptoms of grinding or clenching.
Taking Impressions: Using our impression kit, we create an exact mould of your teeth, which serves as the foundation for your custom guard.
Fabrication: Our expert technicians craft your night guard to fit precisely, shaping it to follow your unique bite pattern.
Fitting and Adjustments: Once ready, we ensure it fits perfectly. If any adjustments are needed, we handle them in our Oak Park clinic.
By choosing Oak Park Denture Clinic, you’re opting for a night guard that doesn’t just “fit” but fits comfortably, reliably, and provides the protection you need.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can cause discomfort and pain in the jaw, often worsened by grinding or clenching. Wearing a night guard reduces strain on the jaw joint, offering relief from symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. At Oak Park Denture Clinic, we’ll assess if your grinding habits or TMJ issues make you a good candidate for a night guard, customising your device to suit your needs.
If you’ve invested in dental restorations, crowns, or fillings, a night guard can protect these from the wear and tear of grinding. It’s a great way to safeguard your dental work and preserve the quality of your smile. Plus, by reducing grinding, you’re setting yourself up for a quieter, more restful sleep, free from the disturbances of jaw pain or discomfort.
Q: How long does it take to get a night guard?
Typically, we can have your custom night guard ready within a few weeks after taking impressions.
Q: How do I know if I need a night guard?
Common signs include waking up with sore teeth, jaw pain, or headaches. Our team can assess your symptoms and recommend a night guard if grinding or clenching is the likely cause.
Q: Are night guards covered by insurance?
Many health funds offer rebates for night guards. We can provide a quote and help you explore your options with your health provider.
Q: Can I wear a night guard if I have braces or dentures?
Yes, but it’s essential to have a custom-fitted guard. At Oak Park Denture Clinic, we’ll work with you to create a night guard that accommodates any dental appliances you may have.
Q: Will a night guard stop my snoring?
While primarily for grinding, some night guards can reduce snoring by promoting better airflow. Let us know your symptoms, and we’ll discuss which type may suit you best.
With over 30 years of experience, Oak Park Denture Clinic is committed to delivering high-quality, custom-fitted night guards that provide effective protection. Our team works closely with each patient, ensuring every guard meets our standards for comfort and durability. We know that every mouth is unique, and our goal is to help you find relief from grinding, clenching, and jaw pain through a night guard that fits you perfectly.
Sleep peacefully, protect your teeth, and wake up feeling refreshed—get in touch with Oak Park Denture Clinic today and discover the difference a custom night guard can make.
Book an Appointment
Whether you’re experiencing jaw pain, protecting recent dental work, or seeking relief from grinding, our team is here to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a peaceful, pain-free sleep.
