Do you clench or grind your teeth at night? Do you often wake up with jaw pain? At Gettysburg Smiles, Dr. Rita Tempel can create custom nightguards for patients with TMD in Gettysburg, PA. Temporomandibular joint disorders can be caused by teeth clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism. Because of their bruxism, patients with TMJ disorders can also experience headaches, toothaches, and jaw pain.
Wearing a custom nightguard can prevent dental problems like tooth wear and help patients preserve their oral health. Store-bought nightguards are rubbery plastic that encourages patients to chew on the appliance. Over time, these nightguards wear down the jaw joints and muscles. Although they protect the teeth, they can exacerbate TMD problems. Professionally-made custom acrylic nightguards discourage teeth clenching and grinding.
TMJ Nightguards in Gettysburg, PA
Once you’ve invested in cosmetic dentistry, protecting that investment with a nightguard is important. A nightguard can help patients preserve their smiles, especially if they develop a bite disorder like TMD. Many patients with TMJ disorders experience bruxism. Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, can wear down the tooth enamel.
Patients can clench and grind their teeth unconsciously during the day or when asleep. Nightguards are oral appliances similar to mouthguards that can cover and protect teeth. These appliances can keep patients’ teeth healthy and intact.
Dr. Tempel takes dental impressions to create custom TMJ nightguards. The nightguard either covers the upper or lower row of teeth. Wearing a custom nightguard prevents further tooth wear, chips, and cracks in the tooth enamel.
The nightguard also alleviates pressure on the temporomandibular joints and jaw muscles. Often, patients who wear a nightguard can relieve additional TMD problems like morning headaches and migraines. Preventing teeth clenching and grinding also stops pressure on the facial muscles.
Get a Custom Nightguard at Gettysburg Smiles
Do you have TMD? Are you looking for a convenient, portable treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders? Call Dr. Tempel for a custom-made TMD nightguard at (717) 853-1552 or request your next dental appointment online. Please let Dr. Tempel know if you have questions about the nightguard process, and she can assist you.