Night Guards and Mouth Guards
Arlington VA

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Night Guards and Mouth Guards

A mouth guard or night guard is a protective device or appliance for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, gums, arches, and lips. Mouth guards and night guards are dental appliances that are recommended for a variety of oral health issues, the most common being if you are suffering with TMJ/TMD or Bruxism (teeth grinding). Mouth guards are suggested if you engage in sports or intense physical activity regularly.

The team at Cherrydale Family Dental is dedicated to serving our patients at every stage of life. We understand specialized care for all members of your family, from infant to teenager to parents to grandparents. Our team finds enjoys in healthy smiles of all ages. If you have any questions regarding night guards and mouth guards, simply call Cherrydale Family Dental at 703-991-4348. You can find us at 4399 Langston Boulevard, Arlington VA 22207.

Both mouth guards and night guards are effective methods for the prevention of damage to your jaw, teeth, and overall oral health. If you have common symptoms associated with TMJ/TMD or Bruxism then using mouth guards or night guards can be very beneficial. You can alleviate headaches, chronic jaw pain, and a general feeling of restlessness caused by your disrupted sleep.

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Good Candidates for Night Guards

If you have been experiencing any of the issues mentioned, please contact Cherrydale Family Dental to see if mouth guards or night guards might benefit you. It may be tempting to order a guard online, but the best approach for treating your TMJ/TMD or Bruxism is having a guard that is customized to fit your jaw, teeth, and gums.

The Different Types of Night Guards and Mouth Guards

  • Soft Night Guard- This is the type of night guard used most often for Bruxism and used for mild or occasional cases. It is not applicable if you are a severe teeth grinder. They are the most comfortable fit, the most adaptable version and usually lower in cost. We realize that this guard is not as durable, usually only has a 6-month warranty and is not a long-term solution.
  • Dual Laminate Night Guards- This type of night guard for Bruxism is if you are a moderately severe teeth grinder. They are fabricated to be soft on the inside and hard on the outside. They work for heavy clenching and grinding, are designed to be longer lasting and usually offer a longer warranty than soft guards. These are a thicker version and are harder to get used to.
  • Hard Night Guards- Hard night guards for Bruxism are made from a rigid acrylic and are extremely They are prescribed for very severe cases of grinding, as well as TMJ. These are certainly the most durable, they prevent your teeth from shifting and usually offer the longest warranty. These are made from an accurate dental impression of your teeth, are the thickest option and can be the most uncomfortable.

More On TMJ/TMD

TMJ/TMD and Bruxism are oral health ailments that can develop in your jaw and face that are usually characterized by regular headaches, pain in your jaw, or teeth grinding. If you leave these symptoms untreated, these disorders can result in serious damage occurring in your jawbone and surrounding teeth. It has even been proven to damage your hearing.

TMJ, the temporomandibular joint, connects the temporal bones of your skull to your jaw and is responsible for the jaw being able to move sideways and up and down. When this jaw joint becomes injured or inflamed, the symptoms can range from pain, headaches, numbness in your fingertips and face, ringing in your ears, or a jaw that can become locked or difficult to open.

TMJ disorders are typically classified into the following three categories:

  • Myogenous TMJ problems: Then most common type of TMD, Myogenous TMJ disorders involve muscle related pain and the symptoms are discomfort in the temple, jaw, shoulders, or neck. These problems are treated with nightguards and sometimes Botox.
  • Jaw joint generated pain: This disorder is when the pain is caused by the internal derangement of TMJ, which might be the result of an injury to the condyles, displacing the disc within the TMJ, or a dislocated jaw.
  • Degenerative joint disease: Caused by issues like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

More Information on Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that is characterized by the clenching, gnashing, or grinding of your teeth. Bruxism can occur both while you are awake and while you are sleeping. If you have sleep bruxism you most likely have related issues such as sleep apnea or snoring.

Common signs of bruxism include the following:

  • Headaches
  • Fractures or Loose Teeth
  • Jaw Pain
  • Hearing Loss
  • TMJ/TMD
  • Worn Teeth

Are You a Candidate for a Night Guard?

If you have been experiencing any of these issues, you should call Cherrydale Family Dental for an evaluation and consultation. We can determine both the cause and then design the appropriate night guard for your personalized solution.

Proper Maintenance is Important for Your Night Guard or Mouth Guard

It is important to clean your mouth guard or night guard every evening. Before you handle your guard, always start by washing your hands. Once your hands are clean, you should rinse the guard first and then brush the guard using a soft bristle toothbrush and some toothpaste. Once the guard is thoroughly cleaned, place it on a clean surface and allow it to dry. When it is dry, store your guard in a proper case and preferably not in your bathroom, where it can warp due to the humidity. It is also best to avoid sugary foods or beverages or smoking while wearing your guard.

If you follow these care suggestions, your guard should last you quite some time. It is important to be aware that eventually your guard will need to be replaced. Make sure you bring your guard with you to your dental appointments so we can inspect your guard for any significant signs of wear and make sure that it is still fitting properly.

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Quality Dental Care for ALL Family Members

At Cherrydale Family Dental, 4399 Langston Boulevard, Arlington VA 22207, we exercise patience in developing trustful and long-standing relationships with each patient. We see more than just a smile, teeth, and gums when you enter our clinic. We see a patient that can develop into become a trusting member of our family. We want to contribute and participate in helping your family maintain good oral health. We will always look forward to seeing you and discussing what is best for everyone’s smile. Please contact us at 703-243-8288 to discuss the benefits of the fitting of a night guard or mouth guard to improve your quality of life.

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SMILE TODAY?

Modern dentistry techniques, affordable prices and financial options make it easier than ever for you to have a bright and healthy smile. We are currently accepting new patients and we would love to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Call us at (703) 243-8288 to book an appointment OR easily using the button below.