The Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Nightguards
When seeking protection for your teeth, you might consider over-the-counter nightguards. However, these one-size-fits-all solutions often provide inadequate protection and can even worsen certain conditions. Professional custom nightguards from our Porterville dental office deliver superior benefits in several key areas.
Store-bought options typically offer a poor fit, uncomfortable wear, and limited durability. By contrast, custom-fitted nightguards from Dr. Hardt’s practice are precisely molded to your unique dental structure. This custom approach ensures maximum comfort, optimal protection, and a design that won’t interfere with your sleep quality.
The Custom Nightguard Process at Live Oak Dental
When you visit our Porterville dental office for a custom nightguard, the process begins with comprehensive dental impressions. These precise molds capture the exact shape and alignment of your teeth, allowing our laboratory to create a nightguard that fits perfectly against your dental anatomy.
Dr. Hardt evaluates your specific grinding patterns and jaw alignment to determine the ideal material thickness and design for your nightguard. Once your custom appliance is created, you’ll return for a fitting appointment where we ensure proper fit and comfort. We’ll provide instructions for nightguard maintenance, cleaning, and storage to maximize its lifespan and effectiveness.
Benefits of Professional Custom Nightguards
Custom nightguards from Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental offer multiple advantages beyond basic teeth protection. These professionally designed appliances provide TMJ pain relief by properly positioning your jaw during sleep. Patients often report improved sleep quality after beginning nightguard therapy, as the reduction in grinding and clenching allows for more restful sleep patterns.
The durable materials used in our custom nightguards provide long-lasting protection that withstands even the most severe grinding habits. Unlike over-the-counter options that may need frequent replacement, professional nightguards maintain their shape and protective qualities for years with proper care. Additionally, the precise fit minimizes discomfort and the need for adjustments, making it easier to consistently wear your appliance.
Nightguards for Athletes and Active Individuals
Beyond nighttime protection, our Porterville dental office also provides sports mouthguards for athletes. These specialized protective devices shield teeth during contact sports and high-impact activities. Custom-fitted sports guards provide superior protection compared to standard “boil-and-bite” varieties, offering better comfort and improved breathing capabilities.
Dr. Hardt can design multi-purpose guards that protect against both athletic impacts and nighttime grinding for active individuals who also experience bruxism. This comprehensive approach ensures your teeth receive continuous protection both day and night.
Treatment for TMJ Disorders and Chronic Jaw Pain
For patients experiencing more severe symptoms associated with TMJ disorders, nightguards often serve as a crucial component of comprehensive treatment. When teeth grinding contributes to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a properly designed nightguard can help reposition the jaw, relax strained muscles, and reduce inflammation in the joint.
Many Porterville patients find that custom nightguards can significantly reduce their TMJ pain and associated symptoms, such as headaches, ear pain, and facial soreness. By preventing the extreme clenching that aggravates TMJ disorders, nightguards allow irritated tissues to heal and help restore normal jaw function over time.
Schedule Your Nightguard Consultation in Porterville Today
Stop suffering from the effects of nightly teeth grinding and protect your smile with a custom night guard from Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental. Our Porterville dental team, led by Dr. Hardt and Dr. Jackson Lewis, combines advanced technology with personalized care to create comfortable and effective nightguards tailored to your specific needs. As a graduate of Loma Linda University with years of experience providing comprehensive dental care, Dr. Hardt understands how to address grinding and clenching issues with solutions that preserve your oral health for years to come.
Contact our office today at (559) 784-6523 or complete a contact form to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward nights free from grinding, clenching, and jaw pain. Located conveniently at 140 N Villa St in Porterville, Live Oak Dental welcomes new patients seeking relief from bruxism symptoms and protection for their smiles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it typically take to get used to wearing a nightguard?
Most patients adjust to wearing their custom nightguard within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Initially, you may experience increased saliva production, slight speech changes, or mild jaw soreness as your mouth adapts to the appliance. These symptoms are normal and typically resolve quickly. The key is wearing your nightguard every night during the adjustment period, even if it feels strange at first. If discomfort persists beyond two weeks or if the nightguard causes significant pain, contact our office for a possible adjustment to improve the fit.
Will wearing a nightguard change my bite or cause my teeth to shift?
When properly fitted by Dr. Hardt, custom nightguards should not cause permanent changes to your bite or tooth alignment. The appliance is designed to accommodate your natural bite while protecting against grinding forces. However, some patients may experience temporary bite changes immediately after removing the nightguard in the morning, which typically resolve within minutes as your jaw readjusts. If you notice persistent bite changes or teeth shifting after wearing a nightguard, schedule an appointment for evaluation and possible adjustment of the appliance.
Can I drink water or other beverages while wearing my nightguard?
You can drink small sips of plain water while wearing your nightguard if needed, though it’s generally recommended to remove the appliance for drinking. Avoid drinking anything other than water with the nightguard in place, as beverages like juice, soda, or sports drinks can become trapped against your teeth, increasing cavity risk. If you frequently need to drink during the night due to dry mouth or medications, discuss this with Dr. Hardt, as we may need to adjust your nightguard design or recommend additional preventive measures.
How can I tell if my nightguard is working effectively?
Signs that your nightguard is working include waking up without jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity that you previously experienced. You should also notice visible wear marks on the nightguard itself rather than continued wear on your natural teeth. Partners may report reduced grinding sounds during sleep. However, the absence of symptoms doesn’t always mean grinding has stopped completely. During regular dental checkups, Dr. Hardt can examine both your nightguard and your teeth for signs of continued grinding and assess whether any adjustments are needed.
What should I do if my nightguard becomes loose, cracks, or breaks?
If your nightguard becomes loose, it may no longer provide adequate protection and should be evaluated immediately. A loose fit can indicate normal wear, changes in your dental structure, or weight changes affecting facial structure. Small cracks or chips should be addressed promptly, as they can worsen and compromise the nightguard’s effectiveness. For complete breaks, stop using the nightguard immediately and contact our office for a replacement. Continuing to use a damaged nightguard can be ineffective and potentially harmful to your teeth and jaw.
