At Dazzling Dentistry, our commitment is to provide you with comprehensive dental care that goes beyond the ordinary. We don’t just treat the symptoms. We look at the full picture of our patient’s oral health. As a result, we provide options to help prevent common dental problems. For example, we create custom mouthguards and offer splint therapy to treat a range of concerns and to ensure that your smile is protected. These preventive measures are part of our general dental care to maintain your overall oral health.
We craft our mouthguards and splints with precision and care, using cutting-edge technology to provide a personalized solution. Our team prioritizes your oral health and comfort, so we develop custom mouthguards to safeguard your teeth and enhance your overall well-being.
Understanding Splint Therapy
A mouthguard is protective device to guard your teeth from grinding and clenching forces, used most often while you are sleeping. This clear tray is designed to fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth. It can adjust the position of the jaw for a more relaxed airway and to prevent teeth grinding.
When crafting your dental splint, we employ innovative technology, including digital X-rays. This helps to make sure that our process is precise and accurate. Digital X-rays allow us to capture detailed images of your teeth and jaw. This view gives us a complete and comprehensive understanding of your oral structure and the fit of the bite. As a result, we can create a custom mouthguard in our Chicago area office tailored to your unique anatomy.
Evaluation
Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation of your oral health condition. At this time, we will discuss your concerns and any existing dental issues. It is important for us to assess the function of your bite to determine if splint therapy is the right solution for your needs.
Digital X-Rays
To provide the best fit, we utilize state-of-the-art digital X-rays and other technology to get a detailed picture of your teeth and jaw structure. This information is vital to create a mouthguard that fits snugly. Through this process, custom mouthguards offer optimal protection.
Impressions
Following our digital analysis, we take precise impressions of your teeth. These impressions serve as the foundation for your custom mouthguard. This makes sure that you have a comfortable fit that doesn’t compromise on effectiveness.
Once you have your custom mouthguard, we will instruct you on the best care practices. Taking good care of your mouthguard can help extend its lifetime.
How to Care for a TMJ Mouthguard
Follow these simple steps to maintain your custom nightguard:
- Clean it daily: Rinse your mouthguard with cool water after each use. Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste to remove bacteria and plaque. Don’t use hot water because it can warp the shape.
- Store it properly: Keep your mouthguard in its protective case when not in use. This helps prevent damage and keeps it clean. Before storing, ensure your mouthguard is completely dry to avoid bacteria or mold growth. Do not place your mouthguard on a napkin or paper towel because you can accidentally throw it away!
- Avoid damage: Don’t chew on or bend your mouthguard, as this can damage it. Keep it away from pets, as they might mistake it for a toy. Regularly inspect your mouthguard for cracks, thinning, or changes in fit. If it’s damaged or doesn’t fit well anymore, let us know so we can provide a replacement.
Splint Therapy and Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism is a common issue that can cause serious problems for your oral health. Splint therapy serves as a frontline defense against tooth damage. For example, bruxism can lead to significant wear and tear on your teeth, weakening tooth enamel over time. Splint therapy creates a barrier between your teeth. This absorbs the forces created when you grind your teeth.
Mouthguards can help alleviate jaw pain. Teeth grinding can often create jaw pain and discomfort. A well-fitted mouthguard helps distribute pressure evenly across your teeth. This reduces the strain on your jaw joints as well as your teeth.
Why Focus on the Bite?
Your “bite” is a way that we describe how your top and bottom teeth touch together. It doesn’t just help with chewing. Your bite plays a crucial role in your overall oral health.
An improper bite can lead to various dental issues. This can include jaw pain, headaches, and uneven wear on teeth. We may recommend custom mouthguards as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
If you have a well-aligned bite, it helps contribute to proper digestion. This is because your teeth are the first step in the digestive process. A good bite can positively impact your overall well-being. Custom mouthguards not only protect your teeth but can also play a role in promoting a healthy bite.
How Do TMJ Nightguards Compare to Sports Mouthguards?
TMJ nightguards and sports mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth but used for very different reasons. We make custom TMJ nightguards help with jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), or clenching while you sleep. They cushion your teeth and relax your jaw muscles.
TMJ nightguards are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly and are designed to be comfortable for long-term wear at night. You wear them at night to prevent damage from grinding or clenching.
Sports mouthguards protect teeth from injuries, such as being hit in the mouth. You wear these mouthguards during sports or activities where there’s a risk of injury. Sports mouthguards are thicker and focus on absorbing impact. They can be custom-fit or bought pre-made. However, custom athletic mouthguards provide a better fit and will not fall out of the mouth.
We do not recommend that you wear a TMJ nightguard during sports or wear a sports mouthguard at night for bruxism.
Fix Your Bite
Do you wake up with a headache or jaw pain? Get a custom mouthguard in Chicago, IL and Arlington Heights. Call Dazzling Dentistry today at (872) 276-8546. You can also schedule an appointment with us online.