Nightguards for TMJ & Bruxism – Thorndale, PA

If you are noticing that your teeth look worn and damaged, it might be that you are prone to teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism. This common oral health problem typically occurs at night while you’re asleep, making it even more difficult to stop. What’s worse is that patients who grind or clench their teeth may also experience signs or symptoms associated with TMJ Disorder or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This can cause you to have chronic pain in your jaw, intense headaches, and earaches. To relieve the pain and reduce the wear and tear on your teeth, Dr. Mark Simone offers custom nightguards for TMJ and bruxism in Thorndale, PA. These unique oral appliances protect your teeth from coming into contact with each other and relieves pressure on your jaw. To find out how you can receive nightguards for TMJ and bruxism in our Thorndale, PA dental office, contact us to schedule an appointment today.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder and Bruxism

If you suffer from Bruxism, you can expect some of the most common signs and symptoms to include:

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Worn teeth
• Loose teeth
• TMD

It may be difficult to identify the problem since teeth grinding and clenching usually only occurs at night; however, if stress or anxiety is prevalent in your life, you might begin to notice that you do it more throughout the day.

You’ll notice that if you have one dental problem (Bruxism), it is likely you’ll develop the other that is most closely associated with it (TMD). For patients who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, the symptoms can include:

• Clicking or locking jaw
• Difficulty open or closing your mouth
• Jaw fatigue
• Pain in your neck, shoulders, face, and jaw
• Difficulty chewing, eating, or yawning
• Swelling

How Nightguards Are a Viable Solution

If you’re tired of watching your tear slowly wear away, or you’ve had enough of the continual pain caused by TMD, it’s time you discuss the possibility of a custom nightguard with Dr. Simeone. These custom-made oral appliances are not only comfortable, but they are effectively at treating TMJ and Bruxism. Protecting your teeth against teeth grinding and clenching, it will also alleviate much of the pressure and pain you experience with TMD. Nightguards are designed to give you a restful night’s sleep that is pain-free.

Process of Receiving a Custom Nightguard

After examining your mouth in its entirety, Dr. Simeone will survey the damage to your teeth and jaw before crafting a personalized treatment plan. Taking impressions of your teeth, he will send them to dental lab professionals who are equipped and trained to create custom nightguards based on the specifications of your individual case.

Once it is finished, you will return to our dentaloffice to be fitted with your new nightguard. Once Dr. Simeone is satisfied with the fit and comfortability, he will send you home with your new appliance and clear instructions on how to wear it and for how long.

How to Care for Your Nightguard

In order for your nightguard to last as long as possible, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to keep it clean. In order to do this, here are some suggested tips:

• Rinse your nightguard immediately after you take it out in the morning. This will remove harmful debris and any plaque that has built up on it throughout the night.
• Use your toothbrush to gently clean your nightguard. There is no need for toothpaste, as it can scratch your guard.
• Allow your nightguard to dry completely by placing it on a clean, flat surface. Allowing it to sit for 15-30 minutes should be fine.
• Anytime you are not wearing your nightguard, make sure it is in a protective case.
• Make sure to clean your case to keep bacteria from transferring onto your clean nightguard.
• Soak your nightguard at least once a week in a denture cleaner.
• Make sure to bring your nightguard with you to your regularly scheduled dental appointments.