Night Guards
Clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep may cause irreversible damage to your teeth. A night guard could be a simple and affordable solution for protecting your teeth and jaw from the damaging effects of bruxism (clenching and grinding). A night guard is a custom-made horseshoe-shaped (or retainer-like), plastic, appliance with shallow borders. It is designed to keep the upper and lower teeth from touching, and can be worn on either the top or bottom teeth. When properly made, a night guard can help reduce clenching, grinding, and TMJ problems by helping to relax the muscles in the jaw. Severe clenching and grinding (bruxism) can cause jaw pain, tense muscles, headaches, and excessive wear on the teeth.
Park Ave Dental Associates' family dental care serves patients needing night guards in Cranston, Providence, Johnston, and Warwick RI.