Dental Nightguard near Osterley

Dental Nightguard near Osterley

Teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep can cause serious damage — wearing down enamel, cracking teeth, breaking fillings and causing jaw pain and headaches. A custom-fitted dental nightguard acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces of grinding before they can damage your teeth.

How does a nightguard work?

The nightguard fits over your upper (or lower) teeth and creates a smooth, hard surface that the opposing teeth slide across rather than grinding into each other. This prevents enamel wear, protects existing restorations and reduces the muscle forces that cause jaw pain and headaches. It does not stop the grinding reflex but intercepts the damage it causes.

Signs you may need a nightguard

Your dentist may recommend a nightguard if they notice flattened or worn tooth surfaces, chipped or cracked teeth with no apparent cause, sensitivity from enamel loss, jaw pain or headaches on waking, or if a partner has told you that you grind at night.

Custom vs shop-bought nightguards

Over-the-counter nightguards are bulky, fit poorly and in some cases can worsen grinding by creating an uncomfortable foreign body sensation in the mouth. A custom-fitted nightguard from your dentist is slim, precisely fitted and barely noticeable once you are used to wearing it.