Night Guards in Palatine, IL

You need a night guard if you clench and grind your teeth at night. At Tidy Smiles, your oral health is our primary concern. We offer night guards in Palatine, IL, to protect teeth and improve dental health. If you have a TMJ disorder, you likely need a night guard to wear during sleep to prevent tooth wear, jaw pain, and morning headaches.

Night guards play a crucial role in maintaining your dental well-being. When you understand their benefits, you can enhance your quality of life.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a dental device that fits over your teeth. It primarily prevents teeth grinding and clenching during sleep, a condition known as bruxism.

This can help reduce wear and tear on your teeth. Night guards are custom-made to fit the unique contour of your mouth, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. They can be made from various materials, including soft plastics and harder acrylics.

Bruxism, often triggered by stress and anxiety, can lead to severe dental problems if left untreated. A night guard acts as a protective barrier, mitigating the damaging effects of grinding. Understanding bruxism and recognizing its symptoms are essential steps toward addressing the problem. Symptoms often include jaw pain, headaches, and tooth sensitivity.

Our team is here to help you protect your smile and improve your oral health with a custom-made night guard. We offer personalized consultations to ensure that your night guard meets your specific needs.‍

Types of Night Guards

Several types of night guards are available, each tailored to different needs:

Soft Night Guards: These are made from flexible materials and suitable for mild cases of bruxism. They are comfortable to wear and can adapt easily to the shape of your teeth. However, because these night guards are too soft, they can encourage clenching and grinding. These guards can also easily wear down.
Hard Night Guards: Made from more rigid materials, these are ideal for severe cases of teeth grinding. They provide a sturdy barrier that can withstand intense grinding and clenching.
Dual Laminate Night Guards: Combining soft and hard materials, these provide comfort and durability for moderate to severe bruxism. The soft inner layer offers comfort, while the hard outer layer provides extra protection.
Boil-and-Bite Night Guards: These are over-the-counter solutions you can mold at home by boiling them and biting into the softened material. They offer a semi-custom fit and are more affordable than professionally made options. However, these night Guards do not last as long and do not provide an exact fit.

Consult with our dentists at Tidy Smiles to determine the best option for you. A professional fitting ensures that the night guard will be both comfortable and effective.‍

The Benefits of a Custom Night Guard

Teeth grinding can cause significant damage over time. A night guard acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping to prevent wear and tear. This can reduce the risk of fractures, chips, and other dental issues. Grinding can also erode your outer tooth enamel. This increases the risk of tooth cavities and sensitivity.

Night guards can also help preserve the natural shape and structure of your teeth. Continual grinding can alter your bite and lead to alignment issues. Night guards maintain the proper spacing between your teeth, ensuring that your bite remains correct.

Night guards also help to protect your teeth from the effects of clenching. Clenching can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even TMJ disorders.

When you wear a night guard, you can reduce these symptoms and maintain better overall oral health. TMJ disorders can cause discomfort and impact your ability to chew and speak properly.

In addition, night guards can protect dental work like crowns, fillings, and veneers. Grinding can damage these restorations. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs and replacements. When you wear a night guard, you can extend the life of your dental work. This can save you money in the long run.

Night guards can provide an added layer of protection if you wear braces or other appliances. They can prevent appliance damage and ensure that orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly. However, we do not recommend Invisalign if you need night guards. Teeth clenching and grinding can damage the clear aligners.

Get A Custom Night Guard in Palatine, IL

You can get a night guard after two office visits. First, we will take dental impressions of your upper or lower teeth. We will send these impressions to a lab, where technicians create your guard from high-quality plastic.

Then, after several weeks, you will return to our office. We will fit the guard over your teeth and make adjustments as needed. Once we get a proper fit, we will send you home with your new mouthguard and case.

How to Care for Your Night Guard

Proper care is essential to ensure your night guard stays effective and lasts long. Follow these steps when you clean your guard:

Rinse the night guard with cool water after each use.

Brush it gently with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. This will remove plaque and bacteria that can build on the night guard.
Soak it in a denture cleaner or a mixture of water and mild soap every week. This helps to disinfect the night guard and remove any odors.
Do not use hot water because it can damage the night guard. High temperatures can warp the material and reduce its effectiveness.

Consistent cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and ensures that the night guard remains hygienic. Ignoring proper cleaning can lead to unpleasant odors and potential oral infections. Following these simple steps can keep your night guard fresh and functional.

Proper storage is just as essential as regular cleaning. To store your night guard:

Keep it in a ventilated case to allow air circulation. This prevents moisture buildup and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid humid environments like bathrooms, which can promote mold and mildew.
Do not place it in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Excess heat can damage the material and compromise the night guard's effectiveness.
Do not wrap it in a paper towel or napkin outside of its case. You may accidentally throw it away.

‍Proper storage ensures that your night guard remains in good condition and ready for use. A well-maintained night guard can last for several years for consistent protection and comfort. A high-quality storage case can also make your night guard last.

Protect Your Smile

Contact us today to learn more about night guards and our other dental services. Our experienced dental professionals are here to provide the care and guidance you need. Protect your teeth, enhance your oral health, and enjoy a better quality of life with the help of Tidy Smiles.

Call 224-268-1797 or schedule an appointment online to get a custom TMJ night guard in Palatine, IL. We also serve Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove, Rolling Meadows, and Hoffman Estates.