Many patients carry their stress in the jaw area. This stress leads to headaches and TMJ related symptoms. Some patients may also clench their teeth or grind their teeth during sleep. A night guard can help some patients alleviate discomfort. Dr. Grapevine offers TMJ therapy and a range of treatment options to restore a healthy bite and relieve your pain.
In severe cases, snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing many times during sleep. Our dentist in Plano, TX may prescribe a snore guard to help you alleviate symptoms.
A dental night guard is worn during sleep. These devices are custom-fit to your mouth to ensure maximum comfort and safety. With careful supervision by Dr. Grapevine and simple instruction, you can improve the quality of your sleep and wake refreshed and stress-free.
Snore Guards Treatment
Aside from the unpleasant effects to those around individuals who snore, there are health hazards that can be associated with snoring. We can help you reduce or eliminate your snoring problem. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Grapevine to see if a snore guard is right for you.
Snore guards are devices that prevent snoring by keeping the airways open. They are worn during sleep. The snore guard brings the lower jaw forward, which prevents the tongue from sliding back into the throat where it can obstruct your airways.
The snore guard will not only provide your loved ones with a more restful night’s sleep, but it will also help patients with sleep apnea. Many people who snore suffer from this condition, which is characterized by an occasional halt in breathing during sleep. This interrupts the sleep cycle, making you feel more tired and less rested in the morning.
Like night guards, snore guards are custom-fitted by your dentist. Your dentist will fit the snore guard to your top jaw, and make sure that it holds your lower jaw forward enough to keep your airways open. The snore guard will help you breathe evenly and deeply during sleep, preventing sleep apnea from interrupting your slumber.
Grinding your teeth and snoring at night can affect the quality of your sleep. Don’t ignore these symptoms because they may mask an underlying condition that can undermine your health if it is allowed to continue. A qualified dentist can fit you with a night guard or a snore guard to reduce teeth grinding or snoring, allowing you to get a restful night’s sleep and prevent long-term consequences to your health.
Night Guards Treatment
Night guards are specially-fitted dental devices that are designed to prevent you from clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night while you sleep. Night guards are cushioned trays that fit over your teeth. These devices prevent your teeth from touching or grinding against one-another, as well as cushions the force from clenching the jaw.
A dentist will custom fit the night guard to make sure that it relieves the pressure points and fits snugly enough not to slip while your sleep. By stopping these habits, the night guard prevents dental damage such as cracked teeth, worn enamel or loose fillings, as well as prevent the neck pain, ear pain, jaw pain, or headaches that result from clenching your jaw at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a sports mouthguard for TMJ?
No. We do not recommend using a sports mouthguard while you sleep. Sports mouthguards are best used while playing contact sports. They should only be sued for short periods of time. They are great for protecting your teeth and jaw from physical harm, but do not effectively realign your jaw while you are laying down. Do not use sports mouthguards for anything other than their main purpose.
Can night guards ruin your teeth?
No. Night guards do not harm your teeth at night. They are durable enough to work even in the presence of teeth grinding, but made from safe materials that won’t cause gum irritation or tooth damage. If you have a night guard that causes you tooth pain or other issues, it’s time to replace it. All types of night guards are not permanent and need to be replaced periodically.
Does sleep apnea go away on its own?
it is very uncommon for sleep apnea to go away on its own. There are things you can do to alleviate it without medical intervention. You can exercise more often, alter your sleep position, use a humidifier, avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.