Night Guard & Mouth Guard
A night guard or a mouth guard is a protective appliance for your mouth that covers your teeth to prevent or reduce injury to your teeth, gums, arches, and lips.
Night guards and mouth guards are usually recommended for several oral health issues, the most common being if you are suffering with either TMJ/TMD or Bruxism. Mouth guards, which are beneficial if you participate in sports or intense physical activity, are usually more affordable. Night guards are usually created in a dental lab and are custom designed for your bite.
The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental radiates compassion and enthusiasm. Every member embraces your individual comfort and dental needs. We seek balance in our practice, our procedures, and your health. You will find your entire dental experience with us comforting from start to finish. We balance exceptional, personalized dental care with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Call us today at 440-974-4449 to schedule your appointment for an evaluation regarding the benefits of a night guard or mouth guard for you. You can conveniently find us at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.
Night guards and mouth guards are effective treatments for preventing damage to your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health. If you have symptoms associated with TMJ/TMD or Bruxism such as headaches, chronic jaw pain, and a feeling of restlessness resulting from disrupted sleep then a night guard will benefit you.
Dr. Crystal
Dr. Crystal is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, School of Dental Medicine and went on to receive training at one of the most prestigious dental residencies in the nation, The Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital Advanced Education in General Dentistry in San Antonio, TX.
Inform & Educate
We empower you to make wise, well-informed decisions for your oral health through patient education and individual consultation. We do this through the modern technology we offer. Our digital x-rays are equipped with special cavity-detecting software, and we also utilize an intraoral camera to show you what we see in your mouth. We also make sure to stay up-to-date on your medical history, current medications and any other factors that might affect your dental health and treatment.
Insurance & Billing
We are an insurance-friendly office, so please call us about your plan. We will do our best to assist you in maximizing your benefits. At your first visit to our Mentor dental practice, we will ask you for your current insurance information. We may ask you to confirm this information at subsequent visits so we can stay up-to-date and fully informed to serve you. As a courtesy to you, we file all claim forms electronically, provide postage for special claims, and we track claims for you.
More Specifics on TMJ/TMD
TMJ/TMD refers to oral health ailments that can develop in your jaw that are evident by headaches, teeth grinding or pain in your jaw. If left untreated, these disorders can result in serious damage with your teeth and your jawbone.
TMJ, the temporomandibular joint, connects the temporal bones of your skull to your jaw and allows your jaw to move both up and down and side to side. When this joint becomes injured or inflamed, symptoms will now range from headaches, numbness in your face, pain, ringing in your ears, or a jaw that becomes difficult to open or locks.
TMJ disorders are classified into the following three categories:
- Myogenous TMJ problems: The most common type of TMD, Myogenous TMJ disorders include muscle related pain and are related to discomfort in the jaw, temple, neck, or shoulders. These are often treated successfully with night guards and even BOTOX® treatment.
- Jaw joint generated pain: When the pain is a result of an internal derangement of TMJ, which can be the result from an injury to the condyles, a displaced disc within the TMJ, or a dislocated jaw.
- Degenerative joint disease: Caused by health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
The exact cause of TMJ/TMD is often unknown, but potential contributing factors are:
- Arthritis
- Stress
- Bruxism
- Injury
- Dislocation of the Cushioning Disc
- Genetic predisposition
More Specifics on Bruxism
Bruxism is an unhealthy condition that is evident by the grinding, clenching, or gnashing of your teeth. Bruxism can occur while you are awake or while sleeping. If you have sleep bruxism you often have related issues such as sleep apnea or snoring.
Common signs of bruxism include the following:
- Worn Teeth
- Headaches
- Jaw Pain
- Fractures or Loose Teeth
- TMJ/TMD
- Hearing Loss
The Different Versions of Night Guards and Mouth Guards
- A Soft Night Guard- This is the most popular type of night guard for mild or occasional cases of Bruxism, not for severe teeth grinding. They are the most comfortable, the most adaptable and easy to wear and lower in price. This guard is not as durable and will not be a long-term solution.
- Dual Laminate Night Guards- This night guard for Bruxism is for moderately severe teeth grinding. They are hard on the outside but soft on the inside. They can handle heavy clenching and grinding, and last longer. They are also thicker and are harder to get acclimated to.
- Hard Night Guards- Hard acrylic night guards for Bruxism are extremely rigid. They can be used for severe cases of grinding, as well as TMJ. These are the most durable, they prevent your teeth from shifting and last the longest. They are made from an accurate dental impression at Dr. Crystal Dental, are the thickest and are the most uncomfortable.
Comprehensive Dentistry
Comprehensive dentistry with Dr. Crystal Schneider, involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums and jaw. She believes that preventive care is the most important aspect of comprehensive dentistry. Dr. Schneider aims to identify and treat problems while they’re still small, which can save you time, money and more extensive dental treatment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
An attractive smile can boost your confidence, help you make better first impressions on others, and improve your personal and professional life. We provide several cosmetic dental treatments that can subtly enhance your smile, and there are many other more dramatic treatments, often called “smile makeovers,” that can give you the smile of your dreams.
Specialized Dentistry
Missing teeth can take the joy out of the everyday things we love, from smiling and talking with confidence to eating our favorite foods. All of these things can become easier again with specialized dental care. Dr. Schneider offers advanced treatments that will not just restore your smile to its former health – they’ll make it look and feel even better than before!
Fitting and Sizing your Night Guard or Mouth Guard
Personalizing the fit of your night guard will vary on the quality and version. Here are the examples of night guards for Bruxism:
- “One-size-fits-all.” These are retail mouth guards that are not custom fitted. These will work if you are a random teeth grinder and are the lowest-cost option.
- “Boil and bite.” With this retail option you simply boil it in water and bite into it to leave your own impression. It is simple to do and is a popular option used. Good for simple sporting activities.
- Order online. These are night guards you order online. You need to send in your impression, and they mail back your fitted mouthpiece.
- Made in lab. The best alternative, you can get your guard created right at Dr. Crystal Dental. These will offer the most accurate fit because we create them with your impression in our dental lab.
If you suspect you might have a Bruxism issue it can be treated with a night guard. It is best to see us at Dr. Crystal Dental to see if we can diagnose the root cause and correct that before seeking other treatment. As an example, sleep apnea could be the underlying cause.
Our Devotion to Family Dentistry is Unparalleled
Our attention to detail is second to none. Either when it comes to your personalized dental care or the array of amenities in the relaxing comfort of our office. The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental goes the extra mile in providing communication and consultation, realizing that we collectively are committed to developing long lasting relationships with every patient. We find gratification in life changing healthy smiles. Call us now at 440-974-4449 to make an appointment to evaluate the benefits of a night guard or mouth guard for you. Our office is located at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.