When you tend to wake up with a sore jaw, tension headaches or even when you find your teeth and gums are wearing out, you might be experiencing bruxism, or as it is more popularly referred to as teeth grinding. Such symptoms will silently damage your oral health over time. Hard Night guards are there and they will take care of your teeth and relieve your jaw tension, as well as make your sleep more comfortable in general.
You might also find in this guide all you need to know about hard night guards, including how they work and how to select the right night guard, so that you can make the best choice for your teeth.
What are Hard Night Guards?
Hard night guards are dental appliances that are worn during sleep to guard against the destruction caused by grinding or clenching. They are more rigid and stronger than soft guards hence are recommended to moderate and severe grinders.
Common Materials Used
- Acrylic: A strong and durable type.
- Thermoplastic: Feels a is slightly flexible but firm.
Dentists usually prescribe them due to their stability and their ability to last longer compared to soft ones.
Who Needs a Hard Night Guard?
The hard night guards, on the other hand, are fitted to individuals who grind or clench their teeth very hard during the night.
Signs You Might Need One
- You might need one as you tend to grind your teeth unknowingly.
- Grinding your teeth while sleeping is a good indicator that you would use one.
- The appearance of teeth which seem flattened, chipped, or sensitive is also a cause of concern.
- Your headaches may happen often, or your face may feel tight. This could indicate that you are exerting unwarranted pressure on your jaw.
- Another indication a hard night guard can help you is pain or clicking in your TMJ join
- Ideal Candidates
- Adults: The most appropriate because of well-developed teeth and jaw.
- Children: In most cases, the soft guards are the ones that are recommended since the mouth of a child is yet to develop.
When to Consult a Dentist
A dentist may determine whether a hard night guard is appropriate or not in case of persistent jaw pains, tooth hypersensitivity or whenever you have any evidence of a worn out enamel.
How Hard Night Guards Work
A hard night guard is used to provide resistance between your upper and lower teeth during sleep.
How they protect Your Teeth
- They prevent the touching of your upper and lower teeth to one another in the course of sleep.
- They distribute the tension of clenching iin a way that does not cause pain to any part of your teeth.
- They help you to wake up with less pain or tightness, take the stress off your jaw joints and muscles.
Mechanism of Action
The firmness of the guard causes tension to be absorbed and limits the excessive movement of the jaw so that the jaw muscles are made to relax.
Benefits Backed by Dental Research
Research often shows that consistent use of hard night guards:
- Lowers tooth irritation with continuous grinding and friction prevented.
- Reduces TMJ symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or stiffness.
- Reduces pain during sleep by preventing stress on your jaw and teeth.
Types of Hard Night Guards
In selecting a hard night guard, two major varieties of the same are usually available, namely Custom Made Hard night guards and Over the counter (OTC) Hard Night Guards. They both do the same thing guarding your teeth against grinding or clenching, and they are different when it comes to fit, longevity, comfort and price. The following is a breakdown to explain further about each type:
Custom-Made Hard Night Guards
A dentist, or a specialist dental laboratory, makes you custom-made night guards depending on your teeth. It is created with an accurate impression of your teeth and hence provides maximum comfort and protection.
Key Features
- Perfect Fit: Since they are crafted out of your oral mould, they are easy to fit and they are comfortable to wear.
- Maximum Protection: Best wherever there is moderate to extreme grinding of the tooth or discomfort of the TMJ.
- Durable Materials: This is generally composed of acrylic of a high quality and capable of lasting many years.
- Professional Adjustment: Dentists are able to increase or decrease the thickness or bite for increasing the jaw support.
Pros
- Best fit and comfort
- Long-lasting durability (often 5–10 years)
- Excellent for heavy grinding and clenching
- Less movement during sleep
Best For
Individuals, who excessively grind their teeth, have problems with their jaw, dental restorations and individuals who desire long-term protection.
2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hard Night Guards
Over the counter night guards are the products that can be purchased in the pharmacies, through online sellers or in the retail store. They are already prepared or in the form of boil-and-bite, where you warm the guard in hot water, bite it to mold it to your teeth.
Key Features
- Affordable: Much cheaper than custom-made guards.
- Quick Access: No waiting time—you can buy and use it the same day.
- Semi-Adjustable Fit: Boil-and-bite guards mold to your teeth, but are less precise than custom options.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Easy to purchase and use.
- Good for short-term or mild grinding
Best For
Individuals who have mild grinding, who are first time users of night guard or a backup one.
How to Choose the Right Hard Night Guard
Choosing the right guard ensures comfort and long-term protection.
Factors to Consider
- Fit: The night guard must be fitted well and not too tight.
- Material: Select an appropriate material, in most cases, acrylic is suitable in heavy grinders.
- Thickness: Choose the thickness according to your level of teeth grinding.
- Durability: Find high-quality durable material to ensure the guard can last longer.
Tips for a Proper Dental Impression
Take the impression instructions seriously to be able to obtain a proper one.
- Keep your jaw relaxed while making an impression.
- Use the same pressure to ensure that the shape is smooth and right.
Consulting Your Dentist
It depends on your grinding habit and the condition of your mouth, the dental professional can suggest the appropriate thickness and material.
Benefits of Hard Night Guards
There are a number of long term benefits of hard night guards:
- Stops cracks and wears on teeth.
- Relieves headache in the morning and jaw pain.
- Enhances the quality of sleep by lowering tension.
- Helps prevent TMJ flare-ups
- Coats the teeth restorations like veneers and crowns.
Risks and Considerations
There are some considerations with hard night guards although it is helpful:
Adjustment Period: A few nights may experience some discomfort or you may need a few nights to be used to wearing a hard night guard.
Cleaning Needs: This should be cleaned every day to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
Not Suitable for Everyone: It might not be the appropriate solution to all individuals who have serious teeth or jaw dislocation as they may require orthodontic care.
How to Care for Your Hard Night Guard
Using a well-cleaned, well-maintained hard night guard is a better way of ensuring that it takes you longer, remains clean, and does not damage your teeth. It can be done in a couple of simple steps on a daily basis.
Cleaning Routine
- Immediately you put it out in the morning, run it under some cool water to get rid of the accumulation and saliva.
- Clean a soft tooth brush with a small amount of mild soap. This will assist in killing germs without destroying the material.
- The guard may be bent or warped by hot water; lukewarm water should never be used.
Storage Tips
- A hole-filled case can allow air circulation, keeping the guard dry and free of bacteria.
- Being placed in a hot vehicle, near a window or anywhere that is hot may alter its shape.
Signs You Need a Replacement
- Even micro-cracks would be painful and minimize protection.
- The possibility of it remaining yellow and cloudy after cleaning may mean that it is getting old.
- When it becomes difficult or starts sliding when sleeping, then it is time to change to a new one.
Conclusion
Hard night guards are a necessary item that is used to secure your teeth against grinding, decrease jaw tension and long-term dental complications. You only need to select an appropriate night guard and take good care of it to achieve great results in compliance with making life more comfortable, your enamel stronger, and the process of slumber more peaceful. When a person notices signs of bruxism (jaw soreness, headaches, and crunchy teeth), it is always a good idea to see a dentist and decide what is the most appropriate solution to your problem.
When properly guided and assisted, hard night guards can be of a true help in the everyday well-being and the general health of the mouth. HY Dental Lab will never fail you in the quest to get to the right solution that will suit your unique dental needs
FAQs
Q. Is it true that hard night guards are more superior to the soft?
Hard night guards are stronger and appropriate for heavy grinders, whereas soft ones are good for less grinding.
Q. Are you able to wear a hard night guard on a regular basis?
Yes they are worn at night and offer maximum protection and consistency of wearing.
Q. What is the life span of hard night guards?
Bespoke types of guards tend to take 5-10 years, based on care and intensity of grinding.
Q. Will jaw clenching be prevented with a hard night guard?
It will not eliminate the habit but it will reduce the pressure, and the teeth will not be damaged.
Q. Should a night guard be covered on all teeth?
The right night guard must fit well in your upper or lower arch that will not make you uncomfortable.