Nightguards are used as a treatment option to prevent damage to the chewing surfaces of the teeth associated with grinding and clenching. It is a conservative treatment that is very successful and highly recommended for patients with TMJ dysfunction. By creating an acrylic pattern of your teeth, Dr. Vetter can help you protect your teeth from unnecessary wear.
Many times people are unaware that they are grinding their teeth. The grinding often takes place at night while patients are sleeping and can create extreme damage. It is our goal to treat the wear at an early stage so it is not allowed to advance to a severe state.
In addition to helping relieve head, neck, jaw joint and shoulder pains, treating bruxism (grinding) and clenching is cost effective compared to ignoring the condition and exposing teeth to continued grinding. If you wait too long for treatment or choose not to have nightguard therapy treatment; crowns, bridges, implants and dentures are often needed to repair or replace worn and damaged teeth.