What is a Nightguard?
A nightguard is a soft or firm plastic item that resembles a retainer. It can be worn on the maxillary or mandibular arch of teeth, covering the biting surfaces. A nightguard is molded specifically for each patient, taking into account their unique tooth patterns, so there’s no need to worry about it being too big or unpleasant. Because it goes by several names, it is the same item that dentists refer to when they discuss mouthguards, occlusal guards, bite splints, dental guards, or nocturnal bite plates. In this blog post, we will learn about different types of night guards recommended by a Upland dentist.
What Are the Types of Night Guards?
Over-the-counter night guards: You may get this kind of night guard in the sports supply or pharmacy shop in your neighborhood. You may anticipate OTC night guards to be less expensive because they are not often constructed with sturdy materials. Usually, they are produced as boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all protection.
Customized Night Guards: This kind of night guard is often created in a specialized laboratory using the patient’s mouth imprint to provide a custom fit that maximizes comfort and durability. Additionally, there are a few alternatives available for specially constructed night guards:
- Soft: Soft night guards, designed for patients who grind their teeth excessively, are usually composed of soft plastic, which also gives them a great deal of flexibility. Using a soft night guard has drawbacks, such as the potential for a shorter lifespan due to wearers’ increased propensity to bite down on the guard’s soft texture.
- Thermoplastic: Before being inserted into the mouth, thermoplastic night guards self-adjust when submerged in warm or hot water. After the material becomes slightly flexible and soft, cover your teeth to allow it to precisely conform to all of the angles of your teeth.
- Dual laminated: Because its exterior shell is composed of strong acrylic and its inside is composed of soft plastic, this kind of night guard combines the best features of both soft and hard night guards. For the patient, this combination offers durability as well as comfort.
- Hard: Compared to soft night guards, hard night guards are less flexible since they are composed of stronger plastic or acrylic. Patients who clench or grind their teeth more than normal are advised to use them. Hard night guards often have the drawback of needing to be redone if the patient needs to have surgery that might change the structure of their teeth or if the fit becomes loose.
In addition to shielding you from sports-related injuries and alleviating the symptoms of some medical illnesses, a mouth guard helps stop teeth grinding. Mouthguards come in a variety of styles. Discuss your best options with your dentist.