As a consumer, you have many decisions to make. Should you go with a professional-grade product or a more basic one you can buy over the counter. Many factors go into your choices, and sometimes the answer varies person to person. When it comes to selecting a nightguard for your mouth, understanding the differences between professional and commercial can help you identify the right one for you. Keep reading to learn why you would need one of these appliances and the advantages of both options.
Why Do I Need a Nightguard?
A nightguard protects your teeth from damaging themselves. When you sleep, if you grind or clench your teeth, they can not only wear down on the enamel but also chip or crack over time. This immense pressure can also place tension on the jaw joint, which can be painful.
Your dentist may recommend a nightguard if they notice significant changes in your teeth between checkups. Without intervention, you can suffer irreparable harm to your natural teeth and pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for repairs in the long run.
Benefits of Over-the-Counter Nightguards
At first glance, over-the-counter nightguards seem appealing for several reasons. You can find them at a good number of drugstores, which means you don’t have to wait a week or so for yours to be fabricated at a lab. Commercial ones from stores also tend to cost substantially less than custom, professional nightguards.
However, with ease and cheaper prices come some negative outcomes. Often, these nightguards are uncomfortable because they are manufactured for “general” smiles. That means they fit no one. While you sleep, the appliance may not stay in place or may cause some discomfort, which may discourage you from wearing one at all.
Benefits of Professional Nightguards
Although custom nightguards from your dentist’s office are more expensive than what you’ll find at a store or online, they have advantages you can’t ignore. For instance, the quality of the materials in a professional grade nightguard can supersede commercials ones. Over time, you may end up spending more money to replace cheaper quality nightguards than simply springing for the better one from the start.
Also, getting a nightguard from your dentist ensures a perfect fit. The impressions they make reflect the exact measurements and layout of your bite and arches, which means it should feel completely comfortable. You don’t have to choose between protecting your teeth and getting quality sleep because these custom nightguards give you the best of both worlds.
Knowing more about professional and over-the-counter nightguards can help you discern which one would best help you protect your teeth from preventable damage. Talk to your dentist today to talk more about nightguards!
About Williamsburg Dental
Williamsburg Dental only delivers custom care for each patient. Based on their individual needs, discussions, and goals, we create treatment plans that can help enhance their smile, meet their budget, and improve their quality of life. Our dentists have years of experience and clinical training in various treatments, including complex ones like dental implants, Invisalign, and more. To schedule an appointment at one of our locations, contact us online or call us directly.