If you suffer from unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth - otherwise known as bruxism - then you know the impact it can have on your teeth and your overall health. You have also probably heard that a night guard is one of the best ways both protect your teeth and help to ease some of the other symptoms you may be experiencing, like headaches or jaw pain. But did you know that if you primarily clench your teeth rather than grind them, there are additional considerations to keep in mind when choosing a night guard? First, it’s important to understand the difference between grinding and clenching your teeth. Grinding involves moving the jaw with the teeth held together, while clenching is simply holding the teeth together and tightening the jaw muscles. The differences between grinding and clenching may seem subtle, but they do impact night guard choice, particularly the type of material the night guard should be made out of. When choosing a night guard for clenching, the key factor to keep in mind is the material. Among people who primarily clench their teeth rather than grind, some find that soft materials actually encourage their clenching. Because of this, a firmer or harder material might be more beneficial and less likely to encourage further clenching. Hard materials also tend to be more durable, depending on the severity of your clenching. Choosing a night guard with a harder material also impacts where you’re able to get your night guard. Over the counter boil and bite night guards are typically made of a soft material, which as we now know, might not be ideal for clenchers. In order to get one made of a harder material, you will likely need a custom night guard. Though getting a custom night guard online didn’t used to be an option, it’s now easier than ever to get a guard made just for you and your clenching needs from the comfort of home. At Chomper Labs, you can get a night guard custom made to fit your teeth exactly, including hard materials. Armed with the knowledge of what makes teeth clenching different than grinding and how that impacts the best night guard for teeth clenching, you’ll be well on your way to preventing damage and getting relief.
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Keeping your retainer clean may not be on the top of your priority list, but what if it would take less than a minute a day? Not only is cleaning your retainer quick and easy, but it will also go a long way toward keeping it bacteria free, stain free, and longer lasting. On a daily basis, the best way to clean your retainer is to rinse it in cool water and use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently brush away any debris. After rinsing and gently brushing, make sure to allow your retainer to dry completely before storing it. Making sure it is dry will effectively keep that growth at bay and keep your retainer bacteria free. For the deepest clean, the best way to clean your retainer on a weekly basis is to use a retainer cleaning tablet. Simply drop a tablet in a cup of water, add in your retainer, then let the fizzy bubbles work their magic as it soaks. Your retainer will be left squeaky clean and minty fresh. Chomper Labs’ custom formulated cleaning tablets are 99% anti-microbial, remove stains, and prevent discoloration of your retainer to keep it longer-lasting, and fresh for wear every day. The tablets couldn’t be easier to use and will keep your retainer fresher than using water alone. With how often your retainer is in your mouth, it’s very important to keep it as clean and bacteria-free as possible, both for the longevity of your retainer and also for your own health. If you have a hawley wire retainer and you’ve been neglecting to clean it, you may start noticing white deposits from calcium buildup. To get rid of this build up, try soaking your retainer in a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water for 15 to 30 minutes. Afterward, use a soft toothbrush to scrub away any remaining calcium and then rinse thoroughly in cool or warm water. When it comes to caring for your retainer, just a few minutes is all you need. Keeping your retainer clean will keep it bacteria free and lasting longer so you don’t have to worry about replacing it as frequently. The best part is, it couldn’t be easier! If you believe stress has been causing you to clench your teeth more, you’re not alone. Bruxism, or the act of clenching or grinding your teeth, typically at night, has long been related to the emotional wellbeing or mental health. In fact, a 2019 study showed that people who clench their teeth exhibited a higher than average level of stress hormones. This supports additional research that your psychological and emotional wellbeing is very closely tied to whether or not you might be clenching or grinding your teeth.
As a whole, clenching teeth stress as a broader condition has been closely observed to be a psychosomatic issue, meaning it’s very closely tied to one’s stress level and mental health. In addition to stress, other emotional and psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and others are also closely linked to bruxism and its side effects. During a fight or flight response, the human body can tighten specific muscle groups as a natural reaction to stressful stimuli. Specifically, your jaw muscle (the masseter) is one specific muscle group that can tighten up as a result of stress. The slight and consistent tightening of the masseter muscle can lead to soreness, tightness, or inflammation of the masseter muscle, which then leads to clenching your teeth as a way to relieve that muscle group. An occlusal guard, otherwise known as a bruxism splint, or a night guard, can definitely help. Among other things like cognitive behavioral therapy, prescription medication, and even botox, this is one of the easiest and proven ways to combat the harmful effects of bruxism. An occlusal guard is typically purchased from your dentist, which is custom made according to the exact shape and size of your teeth by the dental lab. These can often be cost-prohibitive but many online dental labs, such as Chomper Labs, are going direct to consumer to make a custom made occlusal guard at a much more affordable price point. The occlusal guard works by acting as a protective barrier in absorbing and distributing the clenching forces of your teeth, often during sleep but sometimes during the day as well. It may be daunting to evaluate your bruxism as a whole and attempt to consider the potential underlying psychological factors involved, but a night guard is definitely a good place to start! If you suffer from headaches on a regular or even daily basis, it can be not only painful but also frustrating, especially if you can’t pinpoint the cause or the solution. Of course, there are many potential reasons why someone might experience headaches. One cause that is becoming increasingly more common is bruxism, or the unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, especially while sleeping. Bruxism has many negative health effects, including frequent headaches. Though the cause of bruxism is difficult to determine and it’s therefore challenging to treat and eliminate at the source, there are options to help with, or in some cases get rid of, the symptoms. Getting a bruxism mouth guard is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help with the effects of bruxism, including headaches. A bruxism guard acts as a protective barrier between your teeth, helping to cushion and absorb the grinding and clenching forces of your jaw muscles. For many people, this reduced pressure helps to relieve muscle tension and therefore, also helps to reduce or eliminate their headaches. One important point to note is that if a bruxism mouth guard doesn’t fit properly, it may actually make grinding and headaches worse. That’s why it’s essential to make sure that your mouth guard is custom fit for your teeth. In the past, the only way to get a custom mouth guard was through the dentist. Now, you’re able to get a perfectly fitting bruxism guard online and complete the entire process from home at a fraction of the cost. Chomper Labs offers dentist quality mouth guards and guarantees a perfect fit. With customer support to help every step of the way, it has never been easier to get your guard and get headache relief. With its ability to absorb the tension from grinding and clenching, a mouth guard can help to lessen or even eliminate the daily pain of headaches for many people. Though everyone’s bruxism is different, mouth guards are often one of the best solutions for grinding headaches, and a bruxism mouth guard from Chomper Labs can bring you another step closer to relief. If you suffer from TMJ disorder, chances are it’s been recommended that you use a night guard to help, but it can be hard to know which one might be right for you. Not all mouth guards are equal in quality, durability, or effectiveness. But finding the best night guard for you and your TMJ is actually easier than it sounds when you keep a few key things in mind. The top consideration when looking for the best mouth guard for TMJ is the fit. Because TMJ disorder is impacted by your jaw alignment, it is critical that your night guard fits properly. There are boil and bite night guards that you can easily get at your local drugstore, however, these tend to fit poorly and may even cause more problems. A custom made night guard is the best bet to ensure that the fit is perfect and will not create further issues with your teeth and jaw. Another important aspect of finding the best night guard for TMJ is the material. A soft night guard offers the most comfort, but may not be as durable against heavier grinding and clenching. A hard night guard on the other hand offers superior durability, but some people may not find it as comfortable. There are also materials that offer a combination of both materials, with a hard exterior and soft interior that offer a balance of durability and comfort. You may also want to consider price when determining what will be the best mouthguard for you. Drugstore options may be cost effective, but tend to not work effectively for most people. A night guard from the dentist is much higher quality and is custom made, but for many people the very high price might be far out of their budget. There is a third option that combines the quality of a custom night guard, with a much lower price. You can now get a custom made night guard for your TMJ online at Chomper Labs. It’s easy, effective, and won’t break the bank! If you’re looking for the best mouth guard for TMJ there are many choices out there, but keeping our tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the one that’s right for you. If you grind or clench your teeth, you know how important it is to find a mouth guard that works for you. It’s not unusual for teeth grinders to spend a lot of time and money going through trial and error until they find something that does its job, fits their budget, and is comfortable enough for them to keep on throughout the night. If this sounds like you, we’ve got your guide to finding the best bite guard for teeth grinding. 1: Evaluate your Grinding The first step to finding your ideal mouth guard is to determine how severe your grinding or clenching is. Light grinders can typically go with a soft mouth guard or a mouth guard that is thinner. For moderate grinders, bite guards made of a thicker, more durable material that are typically either hard or have a dual layer of hard and soft material are best. For severe grinders, bite guards made of a hard and durable material would be best. 2: Think About Comfort The level of comfort you want is also important to consider when looking for the best dental mouth guards for you. If comfort is very important to you, you may want to go with a softer or less bulky bite guard. Hard mouth guards tend to be less comfortable, but offer greater durability and protection. 3. Consider Your Budget Like with any purchase, it’s important to consider price when choosing your bite guard. The cheapest options are over-the-counter boil guards that are available at most drugstores, but they tend to be made of lower quality materials and therefore need to be replaced very frequently. On the other end of the price range are custom dental mouth guards that you can get from the dentist. This type of bite guard is custom made for your teeth and made out of high quality materials but are very expensive! In the middle of the price spectrum, there are now custom night guards that you can get online. At Chomperlabs.com, you can get a custom made dental mouth guard for a fraction of the price of the dentist, but made of the same high quality materials and still custom made to fit your teeth perfectly. When it comes to teeth grinding and clenching, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what will help relieve your symptoms. Headaches, jaw pain, and teeth damage can have a major impact on your quality of life, and nobody wants the additional headache of trying to find a solution that will actually work! Custom night guards provide the highest level of protection for your teeth and also tend to be much more comfortable than over the counter night guards because of the precision of their fit. Thankfully it is no longer the case that you have to pay outrageous prices for a high quality night guard from the dentist. You can find the exact same quality night guards as the dentist for a fraction of the price online at Chomper Labs with options to fit every teeth grinder or clencher’s needs. When trying to figure out the severity of your grinding and clenching so that you can choose the best night guard for you, the main indicators to look for are your symptoms. Experiencing a tight jaw in the morning, but without wear on your teeth? You are likely a light grinder. If you’re experiencing jaw tension or pain that is noticeable, periodic headaches, or are starting to notice some wear on your teeth, you’re likely a moderate grinder. If you have jaw pain and tightness that limits your chewing, experience severe headaches or migraines, or have severe wear on your teeth to the point that there are cracks or the surfaces of your molars are flattened, you are probably a severe grinder. Now let’s take a look at the night guard options available at Chomper Labs. The Soft is perfect for light grinders who are looking for the most comfortable option. The Hybrid is great for moderate grinders and is made of a unique material comprised of a hard outer layer for increased durability, and a soft inner layer for comfort. The Hard is made of a hard and durable material made to stand up to the heaviest grinding and clenching. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to getting the night guard that’s perfect for you. If you wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding, you know how important it is for protecting your smile. Regular cleaning not only keeps bacteria and stains at bay, but also extends the life of your mouth guard. With just a few simple steps that are easy to incorporate into your routine, you’ll be admiring your squeaky clean night guard, and your mouth will be thanking you. If you’re looking for the best way to clean your mouth guard on a daily basis, simply using a soft bristle toothbrush and rinsing your night guard it in water is the best way to go. Remember to let it dry completely before storing because a moist environment is more likely to allow bacteria to thrive. It’s also best to avoid using toothpaste to clean due to the harsh abrasives. The best way to clean your night guard on a weekly basis is to deep clean using a cleaning tablet. Simply drop a cleaning tablet meant for use with dental appliances into a glass with water with your mouth guard and let it soak for 10 minutes. Those fizzy bubbles will work their cleaning magic and leave a fresh minty scent too. After soaking, rinse in cool water and allow to dry completely before storing. Just like your teeth, your night guard needs care and cleaning to keep it at its best. Incorporating these steps into your routine will go a long way toward not only keeping it fresh and clean, but also giving it the longest life possible. From everyday frustrations, to the pressures of work or school, to more serious life events, stress is something that most of us encounter, sometimes on a daily basis. We know that stress causes a whole host of effects on your physical and mental health, especially if it is prolonged. One common physical side effect linked to stress is teeth grinding and clenching.
Of course, decreasing the level of stress in your life or using positive coping strategies is ideal. However, we all know it isn’t always easy to reduce our stress in life - it’s often a lifelong journey. In the meantime, if you’re looking for another way to manage your stress-related teeth grinding, one of the easiest and most effective ways is with a custom bite guard. This way your teeth can be protected from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching, and it doesn’t have to be an added worry on your mind. A custom bite guard acts as a protective barrier between your teeth and absorbs the forces of grinding and clenching. This prevents damage such as chips, cracks, or wearing down of the surfaces of your teeth. It can also help relieve jaw tension which helps with headaches - another common side effect. There are several varieties of night guards to choose from, made of materials that range in durability, flexibility, and thickness. One common type is a soft night guard. A soft night guard is made of a soft, flexible material that provides the highest level of comfort, while still providing protection for your teeth. It’s perfect for light grinders or those with sensitive teeth. If you experience teeth grinding and clenching as a result of your stress, getting a night guard that is custom made for you can provide the protection and relief you’re looking for. Maybe you’ve just found out that you grind your teeth, or maybe you’ve been wearing night guards for years. Either way, if you’re considering getting a new night guard, read on to find out why getting a night guard that’s custom made for you might be the best fit for your teeth and your wallet. Until recently, there were only two main ways to get a night guard: through your dentist or at the drugstore. Night guards from the dentist are custom made using quality materials but tend to be costly, often ranging in price from $400-$700. This is a very high price to pay, especially when you consider that people who grind their teeth often grind through their night guards and need to replace them. On the other hand, there are inexpensive night guards from the drugstore. Though this option is cheap and convenient, these night guards often don’t provide the protection that they claim and can potentially make teeth grinding problems worse. At Chomper Labs, we believe everyone has a right to healthy, protected teeth. That’s why we make custom dental guards that you can get from the comfort of home. We send you an impression kit to take a mold of your teeth. We then use the mold to make a custom night guard in our dental lab that is the same quality you would get from the dentist, without the high prices. Our custom teeth night guards are made with care using quality materials to ensure that it fits you perfectly and provides your teeth with the best protection possible. When it comes to night guards, you don’t have to choose between affordability and convenience, or quality and protection. You can have the best of both worlds with Chomper Labs custom night guards delivered to your door. |
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