Have you been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder or bruxism? Do you find that you’re waking up with jaw pain or headaches? Do you notice tension within the muscles of the jaw that may lead to soreness? If this sounds like you, you may need to visit a dentist in Camarillo, CA to ask about the use of nightguards. Dr. Mike Wygant and his dedicated team at Woodcreek Dental are here to assist patients with their dental health needs, including the fabrication of customized night guards to protect the smile from potential wear or breakage.
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a particular oral appliance custom fabricated by a dentist to fit securely around the teeth in the bite. They are quite small and made of clear plastic. The night guard is typically worn at night to reduce tension in the jaw from conditions such as TMD or bruxism that causes clenching and grinding. Night guards are designed to help protect the smile from damage caused by these conditions, resulting in unwanted wear on the natural teeth and even breakage of dental restorations such as veneers or dental crowns. Dr. Mike Wygant may recommend night guards to patients who deal with these conditions that can otherwise cause significant damage to the teeth and restorations currently in the smile.
Why do I need a night guard?
Patients who visit Dr. Mike Wygant and are advised to consider a night guard in Camarillo, CA will often ask why this treatment is recommended. Below are just a few reasons why patients wear night guards from their dentist:
- Preventing damage. Dental restorations can be costly, and it is best to avoid needing them in the first place. Dr. Mike Wygant recommends the use of a nightguard to reduce the damage caused to the smile that can become costly. It is always best to maintain the natural teeth and protect the enamel whenever possible, unlike dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and veneers.
- Easing pain and discomfort. Patients who have bruxism and TMD are often complaining of problems such as sore jaw muscles or chronic morning headaches. With the regular use of a nightguard, many of these complaints are eased, and patients will no longer need to rely on other pain management methods such as everyday pain medication use.
- Addressing problems such as TMJ/TMD. When patients excessively clench and grind their teeth, they may develop a temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition often causes symptoms such as chronic headaches, neck pain, and jaw pain. Some patients even experience locking of the jaw in the open or closed position. Night guards can reduce the risk of severe TMJ/TMD and alleviate discomfort.
How long should I wear a night guard?
Patients should wear their night guards each night as they sleep and remove them to clean and store during the day. Patients are advised to use these night guards for the rest of their lives to protect their smiles and reduce discomfort. Patients will want to bring their night guards to the dentist during their recall appointments to ensure proper fit and function over time and discuss replacement as needed.
Speak to a dentist in Camarillo, CA about the benefits of wearing a night guard
If you are located in or around the community of Camarillo and want to learn more about the use of a night guard to protect the smile, it is time to call Dr. Mike Wygant and his team at Woodcreek Dental. The office is located at 5301 Mission Oaks Boulevard, Suite B, and accepts new and returning patients who call (805) 482-6389 for an appointment.