Do you find yourself grinding and clenching your teeth while you sleep? Does it cause you to wake up with a sore jaw and difficulty speaking or eating? You may need a night guard to protect your teeth against further damage and give you relief from the pain. But which one should you choose – a dentist night guard or an over-the-counter one?
We understand how challenging it can be to make the right decision regarding protecting your teeth with a night guard. That's why it's important to have all the facts before you make a purchase. In this article, we'll discuss the features materials, functions, and benefits of dentist night guards and over-the-counter night guards to help you decide which one is best for you.
Features
When it comes to the features of dentist night guards, they provide a custom fit to match the individual shape of your teeth. In addition, dentist night guards are made from dental materials that are durable and long-lasting. They also protect the alignment of your teeth and your teeth from further grinding or clenching.
In comparison, over-the-counter night guards are made from boil-and-bite thermoplastic materials that can be softened in hot water and molded to your teeth. They're less expensive than dentist night guards, but they don't last as long due to the material quality. Over-the-counter night guards also don't provide the same level of protection as a dentist night guard does.
Materials
Dentist night guards are typically made of more rigid and more durable materials such as acrylic or dental resin. This ensures that the night guard can withstand the pressure of your grinding or clenching and help protect your teeth.
Over-the-counter night guards are generally made of softer materials, such as boil-and-bite thermoplastic. Unfortunately, these materials are less durable and may not withstand the pressure of grinding or clenching.
Functions
Dentist night guards provide a perfect fit, as they are custom-made to match the unique shape of your teeth. This helps to ensure that your teeth are protected from the pressure of your grinding or clenching and provides the best possible protection. Dentist night guards also help to protect your teeth from any further damage and can help to relieve pain in your teeth and jaw.
Over-the-counter night guards can also help relieve pain from your teeth and jaw and protect you from further damage. However, due to the softer material, they may not be able to adequately protect your teeth.
Benefits
The main benefit of dentist night guards is the custom fit, which ensures that your teeth are adequately protected and receive the best possible protection. Dentist night guards are also more durable and long-lasting than over-the-counter ones and can relieve the pain of grinding and clenching.
Over-the-counter night guards are less expensive than dentist night guards and can relieve the pain of grinding and clenching. However, due to the softer material, they may not be able to adequately protect your teeth from the pressure of grinding and clenching.
It's important to consider your individual needs when deciding between a dentist night guard and an over-the-counter night guard. For example, a dentist night guard may be more expensive, but it will provide you with a perfect fit and the best protection. On the other hand, over-the-counter night guards may be more affordable but not provide the same level of protection.
No matter your choice, a night guard is essential to protecting your teeth and relieving pain in your teeth and jaw. However, if you're concerned about the cost of a dentist night guard, you can look into online dental labs, making it more affordable.
We hope this article has helped you better understand the features, materials, functions, and benefits of dentist night guards and over-the-counter night guards. If you're still unsure which option is best for you, we recommend speaking to your dentist or orthodontist to discuss your individual needs.
