The Benefits of Getting a Nightguard from Your Dentist

When you’re told that you need a nightguard to protect your teeth at night, your first thought might be to head to the store to pick one up. But while over-the-counter nightguards may be cheaper, the customized ones that your dentist provides offer several advantages that make them worth the investment. Here’s what you need to know before deciding where to get your nightguard.

What is a Nightguard?

A nightguard is an oral appliance that you wear in your mouth while you’re asleep. You may have to wear a nightguard if you suffer from bruxism, a condition that causes you to unconsciously grind your teeth while asleep. When left unaddressed, bruxism can cause facial pain and soreness in your jaw, and it can severely wear down your enamel.

Nightguards help keep your smile safe from bruxism by preventing the upper and lower arches of teeth from making direct contact with each other. This lets you avoid the damage that repeated grinding would otherwise cause.

Why Should You Get a Nightguard from Your Dentist?

When considering what kind of nightguard to get, it’s important to remember that there are several benefits to having one made by a dentist:

• Dentist-provided nightguards are customized so that they fit perfectly on your teeth. This makes them much more comfortable and enhances the protection they offer.
• Your dentist will be able to take your unique needs into account and help you explore the different kinds of nightguards available so that you can find the one that’s best suited for your smile.
• Nightguards that are purchased at stores or online are sometimes associated with unwanted teeth movement and can potentially be choking hazards. Generally speaking, a nightguard provided by your dentist will be safer since it will be made for your specific mouth.
• You can typically expect dentist-provided nightguards to last longer than over-the-counter ones because they are fitted for your smile by a professional and tend to be made out of higher-quality materials.
• In some cases, your dental insurance might include coverage for nightguards. This can help offset the higher cost of having an oral appliance made by a professional, making it easier to fit a customized nightguard into your budget.

Remember, the longer you go without wearing a nightguard, the more damage your teeth are likely to suffer at night. As soon as you find out you have bruxism (or notice warning signs like worn-down teeth that could point to bruxism), reach out to your dentist to learn about your options for having a customized nightguard made.

About the Author

Dr. Proshat Shahrestany attended the UCLA School of Dentistry, graduating in 1999. She has nearly new decades of dental experience and is a proud member of the California Dental Association and the San Fernando Valley Dental Society. At Studio City Dental Arts, she can provide customized nightguards to help her patients keep their smiles safe from bruxism. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Shahrestany, visit her website or call (818) 760-0200.