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What is a Night Guard?
Do you wake up with sore jaws, headaches, or sensitive teeth? You might be grinding your teeth at night without realizing it. At Urban Dental Studio, we offer custom-made night guards to protect your teeth and keep your smile healthy.
A night guard (also called an occlusal guard) is a clear, custom-fitted mouthpiece that you wear while you sleep. It acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth to prevent them from grinding or clenching together.
Why You Might Need a Night Guard
Grinding and clenching your teeth, especially at night, can cause serious damage over time. You may not feel it at first, but your teeth can slowly wear down, crack, or become more sensitive.
Understanding Abfractions
Have you noticed small, wedge-shaped notches near your gum line? These are called abfractions.
- Abfractions happen when teeth flex under pressure from grinding or a misaligned bite.
- This constant stress creates tiny cracks at the base of the tooth.
- Over time, those cracks grow into deeper grooves, damaging your enamel.
A night guard helps reduce this pressure and prevents new abfractions from forming.
Preventing Cracked Teeth & Expensive Dental Work
Grinding doesn’t just wear down your teeth—it can also cause them to crack. A cracked tooth often needs more extensive treatment like a dental crown or root canal.
Wearing a night guard helps protect your teeth from:
- Chipping or cracking
- Enamel wear
- Pain or tooth sensitivity
- Expensive treatments in the future
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FAQs About Night Guards
Abfractions are small, wedge-shaped notches near the gum line caused by pressure from grinding or a misaligned bite. A night guard reduces this pressure and helps stop these lesions from getting worse.