How Does a Custom-Made Hard Nightguard Work?

Night grinding, also known as bruxism, is an extremely common problem among many individuals, and most of them are in the dark. Custom-made hard nightguards have been shown to be a highly effective remedy against this habit in helping protect the teeth and reduce discomfort from grinding. This blog post will share how these custom dental appliances work as well as the benefits they give.

Understanding Bruxism and Its Impact

Bruxism causes several dental problems from worn teeth to jaw pain and headache. The grinding occurs unconsciously while sleeping, but stress and misaligned teeth typically exacerbate the condition. A hard night guard that is specially made for Bruxism is used to cover the teeth to prevent them from contacting one another when the grinding episodes occur.

The hard nightguard special material is specially designed to absorb the force generated by grinding so that wear on the teeth is reduced. Unlike most other over-the-counter nightguards, which can cause discomfort, the custom-made hard nightguard is to the specific contours of your mouth for maximizing both effectiveness and comfort.

The Production Process of Custom-Made Hard Nightguards

The production process for a custom-made hard nightguard involves an exact and meticulous process:

First Consultation: The journey commences with a dental professional who will examine your grinding patterns and dental health. It is here that the necessity for a nightguard will be established.

Taking Impressions: The dentist will take detailed impressions of your upper and lower teeth. This part is the most important in accurately making a model of your mouth, showing its dental structure. Impressions can be done either by the older method with impression material or by digital scanning technology.

Preparing the Impressions: From the impressions, an impression is made of a mold using plaster or similar material. From this mold, the night guard will be constructed.

Construction: Using the mold, a custom-made hard night guard is constructed. Good quality materials are used that would ensure durability and effectiveness. This is done through heating and forming proper rigidity of the material that can be fitted into the mouth comfortably.

Once the nightguard is produced, you will return to the dentist for a fitting. The dentist will ensure that the night guard fits comfortably and correctly. Adjustments can be made, if necessary, to optimize comfort.

Instructions for Use: At the fitting appointment, you will be instructed on the proper use and care of your nightguard. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for long-lasting appliance life.

Benefits of a Custom-Made Hard Nightguard

A custom-made hard nightguard offers several advantages compared to an over-the-counter nightguard.

Tailored Fit: Since these nightguards are custom-made for your dental structure, they provide unadulterated comfort and prevent movement during the night.

Durability: Hard nightguards are designed to withstand the forces of bruxism thus they have a better life than softer nightguards.

Protection: They protect against the wear and tear on your teeth that grinding causes, thus the chances of developing more dental problems, such as cracks or chips, reduce drastically.

They can assist in creating a barrier that will help to maintain the proper alignment of the jaws; thus, they can minimize discomfort such as jaw pain or headaches associated with these conditions.

Easy to Use: Custom nightguards are user-friendly and can last for several years if taken properly care, making them a practical option for maintaining bruxism over the long term.

Conclusion

A custom-made hard nightguard is a proactive approach to managing bruxism and a risk to dental health. Understanding how these products work and what the manufacturing process involves will help patients make wise decisions about their dental care. Discuss your suspected bruxism with your dentist to determine just how a custom night guard can assist you. With the right appliance, you can have peace of mind and a great night’s sleep.