Night Guards (Mouthguards)
It is pretty standard for people to clench or grind their teeth throughout the day subconsciously. It is even more common for this to continue into the evening while we sleep. This condition is called bruxism. While it may not seem serious at first, it can eventually result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), enamel breakdown, and possible tooth loss. At Burnaby Square Dental, we examine patients for signs of bruxism and frequently recommend nightguards to alleviate the condition.
What are Night Guards?
Nightguards are trays that are custom-designed to fit your upper or lower teeth in the jaw area ideally. They are put around the teeth to keep them from grinding, clenching, and other physical injuries or trauma. They absorb the stress caused by bruxism and prevent your teeth from getting damaged. It may take some time to get used to using a nightguard, and it will be uncomfortable to wear for the first few weeks you use them. However, given time and frequent use, you will be able to find them easier to wear.
Is it Time to Get Night Guards?
Before you rush out to purchase a cheap night guard at your neighborhood pharmacy, keep in mind that the most effective and comfortable night guards are those that are custom-made for your teeth by your dentist. A store-bought mouthguard may have the same sensation in your mouth as those fake Halloween teeth! That will make sleeping difficult.
If you experience any of the symptoms, it is a good idea to speak with your dentist about getting fitted for a customized Nightguard:
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) consciously or in sleep is an oral habit common to individuals of all ages. Excessive teeth grinding can damage the teeth by weakening or wearing away the enamel, the outermost hard layer of the teeth. Once this layer is damaged, the teeth become more vulnerable and sensitive to pain, tenderness, or tension in the jaw muscles. The person may also experience headaches, but the symptoms and the intensity differ per individual.
Headaches on a Regular Basis
Teeth grinding can result in headaches as a result of the pressure it exerts on the jaw. If you wake up with a headache in the morning, you may have been grinding or clenching your teeth at night. When doctors are trying to determine what is causing a patient’s chronic headaches, they always consider the possibility of bruxism.
Jaw Pain
Your jaw structures, including your bones, nerves, muscles, and ligaments, may be harmed by the intense pressure caused by your nighttime teeth grinding or clenching. Prolonged bruxism may result in TMJD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, which may cause pain, muscle spasms, and an inability to open your mouth fully.
Sensitivity of the Tooth
Grinding your teeth can cause damage to your enamel. If your teeth have become too sensitive to hot or cold beverages, as well as sweet and sour foods, this indicates that your enamel has thinned. A dentist can examine your teeth and find out if the enamel has deteriorated.
Cracked Enamel
The habit of bruxism can also put too much stress on your teeth and possibly cause your teeth to crack.. Cracks in your teeth may or may not be visible; an indicator is sudden tooth pain and sensitivity.
Who We Are
Dr. Kamaei is a member of ICOI, CDSBC, BCDA, CDA. He specializes in Implant, Sedation, Invisalign, and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Kamaei is an ICOI, CDSBC, BCDA, and CDA member. He is an expert in implant dentistry, sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and cosmetic dentistry. With nearly two decades of experience and a commitment to continuous education, Dr. Kamaei is committed to offering and providing top-of-the-line dental treatments that are superior in almost all aspects of dentistry. He is licensed to administer Oral, Gas, and Moderate IV Sedation for anxiety-free appointments. He also offers Invisalign, which uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth. He has performed many implant surgeries and restorations and will ensure that you receive the smile that you deserve. With almost twenty years of experience and nonstop continuing education, he will make sure to give you a smile you deserve.
Dr. Sara is a 2008 graduate of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. She has received her certificate for accomplishing advanced training for cosmetic dentistry at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Shei has been exposed to the world of dentistry from her family and with her decade of experience. She also continues to adapt to only the up-to-date and advanced technologies for the optimum oral health care treatment for all of her patients.
Our dentists are highly qualified and certified to offer only the best dental treatments for you.
What We Do
We offer a wide variety of dental treatments to improve your oral health. At Burnaby Square Dental, we offer the following dental procedures:
Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer a Smile Makeover, Teeth Bonding, Porcelain Veneers, Botox treatment, and Gum Surgery, all for improving the aesthetic of your smile.
Family Dentistry
Our family dentistry services include Teeth Scaling, Restorative Fillings, Bridges, Crowns, and Dentures – which can be fixed or removable, as well as complete or partial endodontic therapies and oral and implant surgery.
Sedation Dentistry
For dental procedures that require sedation, we have local, general, and gas sedation that we can administer to alleviate a patient’s anxiety during the procedure.
Teeth-in-a-Day
We offer Teeth-in-a-Day, with the service depending on what dental service you may need.
Periodontal Therapies
Our periodontal therapies include gum injuries and surgeries, gum or bone grafting, periodontal flap surgery, and treatments for loose teeth and teeth occlusion. We also offer dental treatments for solving bad breath or halitosis issues, teeth grinding or clenching, and many others.
Geriatric Dental Health
We offer comprehensive dental health care to old age individuals, specifically those in their 70s and older.
Pediatric Dental Health
For children and adolescent individuals, we offer pediatric dental health services.
Emergency Dental Care
We also offer emergency dental care services for problems such as sudden toothache and dental trauma or stress caused by injuries.
Invisalign
Our clinic also provides Invisalign as an up-to-date treatment to straighten teeth.
Are You a Nightguard Candidate?
Mouthguards or nightguards at Burnaby Square Dental are available to individuals of all ages, gender, and health conditions. These custom-made guards are especially recommended to those who suffer from teeth grinding or clenching and all athletes or sports enthusiasts. We custom design each patient’s mouthguards based on their dental and medical needs and requirements. We make use of only high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology. You may contact us first then visit our office. Our team is dedicated to giving you only the necessary treatment and solutions for whatever dental issue you may have.
How to Take Care of Your Mouthguard?
The mouthguard, as with many dental instruments, has to be regularly removed and cleaned properly. After every use, make sure to scrub and clean it gently using tap water and your toothpaste before placing it in its safety case. Store it away from heat or sun exposure. For further maintenance, it is essential to consult your dentist regularly.
Mouthguards versus. Mouthpieces
Nightguards are highly recommended for those who experience Bruxism, a condition where you may unconsciously grind or clench your teeth. Nightguards prevent your teeth from getting worn out and fractured. While Nightguards are only worn at night, splints are supposed to be worn at all times. However, it is essential to note that occlusal splints are not meant for athletic or sports use since they are not strong enough to protect the teeth from that kind of stress. There are, however, athletic mouthguards available for activities that may require physical contact.
Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard
Reduces Jaw Tension and Pain
Wearing a mouth/Nightguard significantly decreases jaw tension and pain from TMJ. Since they are made to custom fit the structure of your teeth, they would perfectly fit into your mouth. As you sleep, the stress caused by the pressure on your jaw joints and muscles is removed, allowing your jaws to relax.
Prevents Tooth Damage
The use of a Nightguard keeps your top and bottom teeth from each other, allowing no direct contact as you sleep. Thus, it also prevents unconscious teeth grinding that damages your teeth.
Limits Sleep Apnea
Teeth clenching and grinding significantly impact your muscles and breathing, leading to lower air intake and more snoring. Mouthguards are used to keep your jaws apart more from each other as you sleep. With mouthguards, you can have better air intake to have a comfortable and relaxed sleep.
Reduce Headaches and Pain
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are associated with headaches, jaw aches, earaches, muscle strains, and neck pain, all of which are also symptoms of Bruxism. Many people claim that regularly wearing mouthguards alleviates all of these symptoms.
Final Words
For decades, we at Burnaby Square Dental have been assisting our dental patients in preventing damage and other complications associated with Bruxism. By taking impressions of your teeth and sending them to our laboratory, we can provide high-quality, custom-made Nightguards. The entire procedure is simple, quick, and painless.
Additionally, we perform dental treatments to repair existing damage caused by teeth grinding, such as worn-down enamel and tooth fractures, in order to alleviate painful symptoms. The sooner you address teeth grinding, the less damage your teeth and jaws will sustain.
Call us today at (604) 526-2725 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is ideal for those who experience teeth clenching and grinding while they sleep to wear a mouthguard. It helps keep the upper and lower teeth away from each other so that there is no excess pressure that may damage your teeth.
These day mouthguards are made of a clear, soft plastic material that is comfortable to wear all day. You can relieve pressure caused by daytime clenching and grinding by wearing a day guard on your bottom teeth.
Numerous studies since the 1980s have proven that wearing a Mouthguard compared to wearing none significantly decreases the risk of getting fractured teeth from an impact. Based on the ADA, athletes are 60 times more vulnerable to teeth damage if they do not wear mouthguards.
A Nightguard is worn to protect your teeth from damage. It is worn during sleep to prevent your teeth from grinding and clenching, a condition is known as Bruxism. If Bruxism is left untreated by mouthguards, your teeth may end up worn, fractured, damaged, and in need of extraction and replacement.
Upper Nightguards are often suggested since they are not as easily removed as lower teeth Nightguards. Although, dentists may suggest lower guards as well since they are easier to wear and get comfortable with. Regardless, the Nightguard you will need is the one that can protect your teeth without affecting your natural bite.
Bruxism or teeth grinding and jaw clenching is commonly associated with stress and anxiety. Although Bruxism does not always have symptoms, it may still give some people facial pain, headaches, and weakened teeth. Often the people with this condition do not realize they are grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw.
Yes, it is alright to drink water while wearing your mouthguard. Make sure to floss and brush your teeth before wearing them to ensure no food and bacteria will be stuck to risk tooth decay and Mouthguard stains.
Not wearing your Nightguard every night will not be able to prevent your teeth from getting damaged. It merely prolongs the time for your teeth to get hurt. That is why it is best to follow your dentist’s instructions to wear the Nightguard every night.
Make sure to store your Nightguard carefully. When not worn, put it in the provided container filled with cold tap water. It protects your Nightguard from any bacterial growth. Keep it stored in a place away from the reach of children and pets as well.
It is advised to wash your Nightguards at least once a month. You can clean it with non-abrasive denture cleaners, which you can find over-the-counter. Put your Nightguard in a container with water, and the cleaner dissolved into it.
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