Alleviate Tooth and Jaw Pain with a Custom Night Guard

During sleep, many patients clench or grind their teeth, causing painful symptoms such as headaches and tooth sensitivity. Because it is an unconscious activity, it is uncontrollable. Many patients do not even realize they are grinding their teeth, and simply wake up with ailments that cannot be explained. Fortunately, Drs. Carson Ferris-Zeolla and Victoria Uryniak offer custom night guards to help patients alleviate pain and discomfort associated with bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Contact Walnut Pond Dental in Annandale, NJ to learn more.

About Night Guards

To reduce or eliminate the signs of bruxism, the teeth must be protected by a barrier. The type of night guard recommended will be determined by each patient’s unique needs. The most common types of appliances include:

·       Dual Laminate Night Guard: This option has a hard outer shell, but is lined with a soft material. This is typically used for patients with multiple porcelain crowns or veneers.

·       Acrylic Night Guard: The most durable option, an acrylic night guard is quite rigid, and is suitable for patients who suffer from severe bruxism.

Store-Bought vs Custom Night Guards

There are several over-the-counter night guards on the market. Some of these succeed at cushioning the teeth – and having something protecting the teeth is better than having nothing at all. However, they are much more bulky and cumbersome than custom-made guards. Many patients who have tried the store-bought brands only made it a few hours before taking the night guard out.

A custom-made night guard from Walnut Pond Dental is specially crafted to fit your mouth. The smooth and sleek design is comfortable to wear while sleeping. While custom night guards cost more than their store-bought counterparts, most patients find they are well worth the investment.

Symptoms of Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Symptoms of bruxism can manifest in a variety of ways. You may grind your teeth if you notice:

•        Worn-down tooth enamel
•        Fractured or chipped teeth
•        Loose teeth
•        Fatigued jaw muscles
•        Clicking or popping of the jaw
•        Extreme tooth sensitivity
•        Face, neck, or jaw pain
•        Earaches
•        Chronic headaches
•        Interrupted sleep
•        You bite the insides of your cheeks while you sleep
•        Your partner is often awakened by the sound of you clenching or grinding your teeth

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

Severe bruxism can ultimately lead to issues with your TMJ. Painful disorders of the TMJ often occur when the articular disk that cushions your jaw joint is either damaged or moves out of its original position. Additionally, clenching your teeth can result in overworked muscles. You may be suffering from TMJ disorder if you experience:

•      Pain or tenderness in one or both jaw joints
•        Soreness of the jaw
•        Radiating pain around the ear
•        Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
•        Difficulty opening or closing your mouth

Contact Us to Learn More about Custom Night Guards

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of bruxism or TMJ disorder, a custom night guard may help reduce or altogether eliminate pain and discomfort. To learn more about this service, contact our office online, or call us at (908) 200-7007.