Dental appliances in Atherton, CA

Yes, night guards are effective in helping with teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Here’s how they help:

• Protection: Night guards create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other.
• Jaw relief: Custom mouthguards help reduce the stress and strain on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
• Preventing damage: By preventing direct contact, night guards reduce the risk of tooth wear, fractures, and enamel loss.
• Pain reduction: Custom mouthguards are recommended by your dentist in Atherton as they can alleviate symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, and muscle soreness associated with bruxism.

For clenching, the best type of night guard is often a custom-fit, hard acrylic guard. These custom mouthguards are judged beneficial by our Atherton dental team because:

• They are durable: Hard acrylic guards are more durable and resistant to the pressure of clenching compared to soft guards. Their performance is therefore more efficient. 
• They have a custom-fit design: They are tailored to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness.
• They help with jaw alignment: They help maintain proper jaw alignment and reduce TMJ strain.

Night guards, when properly fitted by your dentist in Atherton and used correctly, do not ruin your teeth. 

However, potential issues can arise if:

• They are an improper fit: Over-the-counter night guards that do not fit well can cause discomfort, shifting of teeth, or even worsen bruxism.
• The patient has poor hygiene: Failing to clean your night guard properly can lead to bacterial build-up, which can affect oral health.
• Exercise excessive pressure: A poorly designed night guard can put excessive pressure on certain teeth, causing discomfort or damage.

Whether you wear a night guard on your upper or lower teeth depends on individual needs and comfort. Generally, upper night guards are more common and usually stay in place better.

On the other hand, lower teeth custom mouthguards are found to be more comfortable by some patients, especially if they have an overbite or a gag reflex.

Your dentist in Atherton can recommend the best option based on your dental structure and specific issues.

Yes, it is generally recommended by your orthodontist in Atherton to wear a night guard every night if you suffer from bruxism. Consistent use is essential to:

• Prevent damage: Continuous protection helps prevent tooth wear and damage.
• Relieve symptoms: Regular use reduces jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms associated with teeth grinding.
• Maintain effectiveness: Regular wear ensures the night guard remains effective in preventing teeth grinding.

The need for a night guard can change over time, but decisions should be made with professional guidance at your Atherton dental clinic. 

If teeth grinding symptoms significantly reduce or cease, your dentist in Atherton may advise a reassessment.

Also, it is important to note that periodic evaluations by your orthodontist in Atherton will help determine if continued use is necessary.

Temporary cessation can be considered under dental supervision to observe if grinding returns.

While night guards help with bruxism, they are different from dental appliances designed for sleep apnea.

Night guards:

• Primarily prevent teeth grinding.
• Protect teeth and reduce jaw pain.
• Do not address airway issues.

Oral appliances for sleep apnea:

• Designed to keep the airway open.
• Often reposition the jaw to prevent airway obstruction.
• Reduce snoring and improve breathing during sleep.

In cases where both bruxism and sleep apnea are present, your dentist in Atherton may recommend a combination of treatments or a specialized appliance that addresses both issues. Consulting with an Atherton dental professional will ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your specific condition.