Nightguards have many benefits in protecting your teeth but also some cons. Read more to know the pros and cons of wearing nightguards.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of wearing nightguards.
Pros
There are both pros and cons of wearing nightguards. Let’s explore the advantages of nightguards first.
Protect Your Teeth
Wearing a nightguard has significant benefits. It keeps your teeth safe and shields them from accidents or any impact from the outside.
For instance, if you grind your teeth in your sleep, the nightguard acts like a barrier between your teeth. Nightguards prevent them from grinding against each other directly, which could cause damage.
Prevent Enamel Erosion
Consider this advantage if you have bruxism (teeth grinding). One problem with grinding your teeth is that it wears down the protective enamel. This can lead to other issues, like sensitive teeth. Grinding your teeth at night is especially tricky because you don’t realize you’re doing it. But if you grind your teeth during the day, you can notice and stop it.
By stopping teeth grinding, a nightguard also stops the enamel from getting worn down.
Easy to Breathe
Nightguards are made easy to breathe through. They are often used to treat sleep apnea. The way they separate your upper and lower jaws helps keep your airway open, making breathing more accessible at night.
If you don’t have trouble breathing at night, wearing a nightguard won’t cause breathing problems either.
Comfortable
Nightguards fit your teeth well and are comfortable to wear. It not only makes it work better but also makes it comfortable.
Reduce Discomfort
Nightguards are not only comfy, but they can also make you feel better, depending on what problem they’re treating. For instance, if you have a condition like TMD, which can be caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), it can be uncomfortable. It might lead to jaw pain, headaches, and other aches. But nightguards can help ease these issues, which means less pain.
Cons
Before getting nightguards always consider the pros and cons of wearing nightguards. Here are some cons of nightguards:
Can Be Uncomfortable (If Not Custom-made)
Nightguards are comfy when made to fit your mouth. But if you choose a ready-made one, it might feel suitable and comfortable. The good news is that you can fix this by getting a custom-made nightguard.
Waiting for the Customs Guard
Sometimes, you might have to wait a few weeks for your custom nightguard to be ready. However, some dentists can make them faster, which is sometimes a problem.
You Have to Get Used to Them
While nightguards eventually become comfortable, wearing them might take some time. It’s like getting used to any other medical device. You must be patient; it might take a few nights or more to feel comfortable enough to sleep. But in the long run, it’s worth it for most people.
Besides getting used to wearing the mouthguard, you might need to get used to not wearing it. This depends on how your condition changes and whether your dentist says you can stop wearing it.
Require Replacement
Like many medical devices, mouthguards don’t last forever. So, you’ll need to get a new one at some point. This is more of a concern for kids because their teeth are still growing and shifting. But even adults may need a replacement if their mouthguard gets worn out and less effective or if it stops fitting comfortably.
But there’s a simple fix for this. If your nightguard becomes uncomfortable or less effective, you can replace it with a new one. Your dentist will likely check it during your regular cleanings to see if it still fits well and if you need a new one.
You Have to Follow the Instructions
To get the most benefit from a nightguard, follow your dentist’s guidance. It includes how to use it and how to keep it clean. If you don’t clean your nightguard regularly, it can gather bacteria.
But for most people, this is pretty easy to do, mainly because the nightguard instructions are simple. If you need clarification on using or cleaning it, ask your dentist.
Conclusion
The blog guides you on the pros and cons of wearing nightguards. Always consult your dentist before choosing nightguards and get one that suits you most. Contact Dentalsway for more details regarding the pros and cons of wearing nightguards. We are here to help you protect your dental health.
