Dental Night Guards, otherwise known as mouth guards, bite splints, or a multitude of different names, are a cost-effective dental solution for people who are concerned about the overall safety, health and look of their teeth, as well as those who may suffer from a wide-array of dental or health troubles.
Night guards come in different variations and styles, including hard, soft or hybrid. They are often custom-molded specifically to the wearer’s jaw for comfort and best results. Some cheaper, over the counter styles can be purchased at drug stores with less custom-fit quality, but these are not recommended, and can often cause problems due to poor fit and misalignment, as well as discomfort.
Hard Guards are often made of tough acrylic and can last up to about 3 years. They can greatly aid in biting and clenching through the night, though can be less comfortable due to the thickness and firm structure.
Soft Guards are usually made of a flexible vinyl and can be quite comfortable. Although, they tend to have a shorter life span than hard guards, and are only effective in cases of mild bruxism, or grinding and clenching of the jaw and teeth. Those with a more severe case of bruxism, could easily bite or chew through the softer protective layers of the guard over time, with extended wear.
Hybrid Guards are highly effective for mild to severe bruxism. They are made of a dual-laminate material with a harder exterior, and softer interior. They are not always as comfortable as soft guards, but last much longer and with proper custom-impression molding specifically to the wearer’s mouth, they can be quite comfortable as well.
It is highly recommended to visit a dentist or to get the recommendation from a professional before purchasing and using a night guard. Depending on your mouth shape and specific needs or ailments, choosing the right mouth guard is important. By selecting the right style and fit for your needs, as well as obtaining one with a custom-molded fit to your mouth and bite, you may find that they are a great tool, both affordable and comfortable to help aid and prevent tooth damage and health concerns.