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If you are performing a task that has a high chance of impacting your teeth, you need a product that safeguards your perfect smile. When it comes to your dental health, protecting your smile should always be a priority.
Either playing a sport or going through bruxism, you require a dental device for your protection. Multiple products promise enhanced protection to your teeth, such as a night guard or a mouth guard. Both of these products will help you in different conditions.
In this blog, we will explore the difference between a night guard and a mouth guard so that you can choose a suitable product for your smile.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular joints are present right in front of your ears. Their purpose is to connect the lower jaw to the skull, responsible for movements such as biting, chewing, or talking. A person experiences TMJ disorder when these joints are impacted by any injury or other dental conditions. In some conditions, it only impacts one side of your jaw, leading to pain and discomfort.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Around 5% to 12% of the adult population experience TMJ, but dentists are unable to find out the particular reason for this disorder. However, TMJ is most likely to occur in a person due to the following conditions:
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth)
- Arthritis
- Malocclusion
- Injured jaw during a mishap
How is TMJ Identified in a Person?
If you experience severe pain and discomfort on the sides of your jaw, that is a prominent symptom of this disorder. Furthermore, the below-mentioned conditions are other common symptoms to identify TMJ:
- Stiffness in your jaw and neck
- Jaw clicking
- Migraines
- Difficulty in opening and closing your mouth
- Pain while chewing and biting
- Swelling on your face
Understanding a Night Guard
It is an orthodontic device placed inside your mouth specifically designed to avoid bruxism or TMJ. Most of the night guards are made up of ethylene-vinyl acetate which is more effective and comfortable to wear. It acts as a cushion when placed between your jaws and protects your teeth at night.
Types of a Night Guard
Night guard for TMJ is recommended by a dentist depending on the severity of your dental condition. Following are some different types of night guards used under different conditions:
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Soft Night Guard
This type of night guard is recommended for a patient experiencing mild grinding and clenching. Soft night guards are made up of flexible material that acts as a cushion between your upper and lower jaws.
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Hard Night Guard
Unlike soft night guards, these are not flexible and are made up of hard material. It provides a strong and rigid grip to your teeth, preventing severe dental grinding.
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Hybrid Night Guard
If you are confused between hard vs. soft night guard for TMJ, this is a solution for you. As its name suggests, it is the perfect combination for soft and hard night guards. It is soft from the inside, providing comfort, and hard from the outside to provide rigidity.
ALIGNERCO offers hybrid night guards of 1mm or 2mm thickness so that you can choose according to your needs. If you want both convenience and protection, this can be the best night guard for TMJ.
Benefits of a Night Guard for TMJ
It is estimated that over ten million Americans are experiencing severe TMJ. To avoid this dental issue, choose a night guard and benefit your smile in the following ways:
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Improved Sleep Quality
People going through bruxism or TMJ can go through a rough time due to muscle tension, which impacts sleep. If you wear a night guard, your muscles may get relaxed, leading to a night of better sleep.
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Prevent Teeth Damage
Grinding at night can damage your teeth's enamel, which can make your teeth sensitive to hot or cold ```html items. Hence, wearing a night guard protects your teeth and jaws.
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Prevents TMJ
Since bruxism leads to TMJ, a night guard is a must for your dental health. It works by relaxing your jaws and temporomandibular joints.
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Prevents Severe Headache
Morning headaches are symptoms of bruxism and TMJ disorders. Once your teeth are protected at night, so you can wake up with no headaches.
Ordering a Custom Night Guard For TMJ
If you want to treat your smile and are looking for a trustworthy brand, ALIGNERCO is here to help you out. Furthermore, we offer night guards for top or bottom jaws, depending on your requirements.
Since night guards should be comfortable and convenient when you sleep, it is important to customize them according to your mouth size. A custom-fit night guard can be purchased online in three simple steps:
1. Make an Order
When you make an order for a night guard, you will receive an impression kit along with detailed guidelines.
2. Create Dental Impressions
By using this kit and following all the instructions, you need to generate teeth impressions. Once it is done, send them back to us for customization of your night guard.
3. Protect Your Smile From TMJ
Using your dental impressions, we will create a custom-fit night guard which will be delivered to you on your doorstep. Wear this dental product at night and prevent bruxism and TMJ.
Understanding a Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard also known as a sports guard, is a dental device used to protect your smile. These are horseshoe-shaped covers that go inside your mouth and act as shock absorbers while you play. It saves you from broken teeth or injured jaws.
What is The Purpose of a Mouth Guard?
This dental device is specifically designed for those who play intense sports such as rugby, cricket, or wrestling. The purpose of a mouthguard is to protect your lips, tongue, gums, and teeth. Not only this, but a mouthguard makes sure you focus on your game without worrying about your perfect smile.
Types of a Mouth Guard
Depending on your dental condition, there are multiple types of mouth guards protecting your smile while you play:
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Stock Mouth Guard
These are ready-made mouthguards available in just one size. These are cheaper and may not be effective for treating your smile.
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Boil and Bite
It is a thermoplastic material that is boiled to make it soft. After this, it is placed inside the mouth and adjusted with the help of your teeth and tongue. Once it is perfectly placed in the mouth, you are ready to step into the ring or a court.
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Custom Fit Mouth Guard
It is customized according to the size of your mouth to boost comfort and convenience while you play. It fits perfectly so you can focus on your game.
Differences Between a Night Guard and a Mouth Guard
| Night Guard | Mouth Guard | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protection from TMJ, bruxism, and severe headaches | Protecting teeth during intense sports activities such as hockey or rugby |
| Types | Soft night guard, Hard night guard, Hybrid night guard | Stock mouth guard, Boil and bite mouth guard, Custom-fit mouth guard |
| Material | Acrylic or hard plastic | Shock-absorbing material such as silicon or rubber |
To sum it up, a night guard and a mouth guard both aim to protect your smile but are used under different conditions. For insurance, a mouth guard is a dental device protecting your smile while playing, whereas a night guard protects your teeth from TMJ or bruxism. It is important to understand the difference between these products so that you can select accordingly. ALIGNERCO keeps notice of your needs and offers a custom-fit night guard.
FAQs
1. How does night guard work for TMJ?
A night guard is a dental device that helps prevent TMJ by keeping your jaws in place and avoiding bruxism. Experiencing severe headaches and jaw pains is a sign for you to wear a night guard.
2. How much is a night guard for TMJ?
ALIGNERCO offers the best range for night guards for TMJ. It has three different types available at different costs.
