Up to a whopping 200 pounds per square inch—that’s how much crushing force adult teeth have.
So, imagine how much damage that amount of force can do to the teeth of those who constantly grind or gnash their pearly whites.
Unfortunately, tooth grinding, or gnashing, affects between 30 and 40 million Americans. What’s more, this condition, also known as “bruxism,” is unintentional or involuntary. That’s why most people who have it usually do it in their sleep.
If you’re one of these people, a custom nightguard can help you stave off teeth and gum problems. It can do a much better job than regular or over-the-counter night guards.
Ready to learn all about the benefits of custom bite guards and their advantages over the OTC ones? Then let’s get right into it!
The Benefits of Using a Nightguard
Did you know that teeth enamel is harder than your bones or even steel?
That’s right. After all, hydroxyapatite, or mineralized calcium phosphate, makes up 97% of the enamel.
Unfortunately, as hard as the enamel is, it’s also more brittle than human bones or steel.
That’s why wear, tear, age, and bad oral hygiene can all cause the enamel to degrade over time. When you lose enamel, you’re at a higher risk of tooth sensitivity, dental cavities, and gum disease.
Bruxism makes things worse since the constant teeth grinding strips down the enamel. In fact, researchers found that bruxism puts a load of as much as 1000 Newtons on the teeth. That’s compared to the 20 to 120 Newtons exerted by normal chewing.
A nightguard prevents the teeth from grinding against each other with such great forces. This oral appliance, which you wear over your teeth, protects the enamel from early wear and tear. As a result, you’ll have less enamel stripped off your teeth, which then helps keep chips and cracks at bay.
Custom Nightguard vs the OTC Kind
If you need a bite guard, you should get one tailored to the exact structure of your teeth and gums. As the name implies, a custom nightguard is specifically made based on an impression of your own teeth. As such, it follows the exact form of your teeth, so the custom tooth guard will be a perfect fit.
An over-the-counter nightguard is usually of the preformed kind, so they’re “buy-and-wear.” They’re less expensive than the custom ones, but they’re bulky and lack adjustability. As a result, they can be a little too tight or too loose.
Aside from being uncomfortable, ill-fitting oral appliances can contribute to gum disease. Moreover, the bulkiness of OTC bite guards can make breathing difficult. Worse, breathing issues at night could pave the way for snoring.
Stop Depleting Your Teeth’s Enamel Now
There you have it, all of the important facts you need to know about wearing a custom nightguard. While it may be a bit pricier than OTC bite guards, a tailored bite guard protects your teeth better. Besides, the last thing you want is to ease bruxism but get gum disease or snore while you sleep in return.
So, as early as now, protect your teeth and its enamel from premature wear and tear! Use our dentist directory now to find a dental professional who can make you a custom dental guard!