Night Guard For Dental Implants
22nd Nov 2020
Dental implants are a reliable way to replace missing teeth. They look natural and can last a long time if properly cared for. However, if you grind your teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), it can cause damage to your dental implants. Using a night guard for dental implants is an effective treatment to protect them.
Teeth grinding puts extra pressure on your teeth and can wear them down over time. This can lead to problems like broken teeth, jaw pain, and even damage to your implants. With proper care and a night guard after dental implants, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications and maintain the longevity of your dental implants.
Night Guard After Dental Implants: Why It’s Necessary
Dental implants are strong, but they’re actually more prone to damage than natural teeth. Teeth grinding and clenching puts extra pressure on your implants and the surrounding gums . Over time, this can cause symptoms like:
- Loosening of the Implant: In some cases, constant pressure can weaken the bond between the implant and the bone.
- Damage to the Crown: The crown attached to the implant can crack or chip.
- Jaw Pain: Grinding can cause jaw discomfort, leading to headaches and other problems.
Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard after Dental Implants
Yes, it is safe to wear a mouth guard over your dental implants. In fact, it’s highly recommended if you grind your teeth, whether you have implants or not. A well-fitted nightguard can protect both your natural teeth and implants from the harmful effects of grinding and clenching.
The safety of using a night guard depends on how well it fits. A poorly fitted night guard can cause problems, especially if it puts uneven pressure on your implant. That’s why custom bite guards, made using an impression of your teeth, are the best choice. They are designed to fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring your implant isn’t stressed or pressured in a way that could cause complications.
Wearing a mouth guard for dental implants is one of the best ways to protect them. Here are the key benefits:
- Teeth Grinding Protection: A night guard acts as a cushion and helps shield your teeth from grinding and clenching forces, protecting your implant from damage.
- Prolongs the Life of Your Implant: By reducing wear and tear on the implant and surrounding teeth, a night guard can help your implant last longer.
- Eases Jaw Pain: A night guard can ease pressure on your jaw muscles, reducing TMJ pain and discomfort.
- Protects Surrounding Teeth: A night guard covers your natural teeth and protects dental restorations like dentures, crowns, or bridges from grinding.
Many patients find that investing in a custom night guard appliance not only protects their dental implants but also enhances their overall sleep quality.
Related Articles:
Choosing the Best Night Guard for Dental Implants
There are various types of night guards and they vary in quality and price. Selecting the right one is important, especially if you have dental implants. When choosing between over-the-counter or custom-fitted night guards, most dentists will recommend custom-fitted one for patients with dental implants.
Over-the-Counter Night Guards:
- Pros: These are readily available at pharmacies and are usually the most affordable option.
- Cons: They are not custom-fitted, which can lead to discomfort or inadequate protection, especially for dental implants.
Custom-Fitted Night Guards:
- Pros: Made from an impression of your teeth, these custom night guards are specifically molded to fit your teeth and provide the best protection. They are particularly recommended for people with dental implants because they ensure even pressure distribution.
- Cons: They are more expensive than over-the-counter options, but the added cost is worthwhile for the comfort and protection they provide.
Soft, Hard, or Hybrid Night Guard
Custom night guards can be made using a variety of different materials. Based on the severity of your teeth grinding and where your dental implant is placed, your dentist should be able to make a recommendation as to which type of mouth guard is best for you.
Soft night guards are made from a flexible material and typically more comfortable to wear. However, they’re less durable and wear out faster with heavy nighttime grinding. If you’re a light or moderate teeth grinder, they may be a good option.
Hybrid night guards have a hard acrylic outer layer and a soft inner layer. The soft inner layer cushions your teeth for comfort while the hard outer layer offers durability and defense against grinding and clenching. The combination of comfort and protection makes them the ideal option for many.
Hard night guards are made from a durable long-lasting acrylic material. They provide the best protection for heavy grinders; however, we do not recommend wearing a hard night guard on the same side you have an implant: e.g. wearing an upper hard night guard when you have an implant on an upper tooth. The hard material typically fits very snugly over your teeth and inserting and removing your night guard repeatedly has the risk of loosening your implant. If you prefer to wear a hard night guard with your dental implant, we recommend wearing it on the opposing teeth: e.g. a lower night guard if you have an implant on an upper tooth.
Related Articles:
- How Much Does A Mouth Guard Cost?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Night Guards?
- Night Guard For Bottom Teeth
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
FAQs about Night Guards for Implants
Will a Night Guard Damage My Dental Implant?
Many dental implant patients worry about whether wearing a mouthpiece could damage their implant. Thankfully, a properly fitted night guard actually protects the implant by shielding it from grinding forces. A custom night guard spreads out the pressure evenly, helping to avoid issues like loosening or discomfort. However, it’s crucial to have it professionally fitted because an ill-fitting one can cause problems.
How Long Does a Night Guard Last?
The lifespan of a night guard varies based on the material and how much you grind your teeth. On average:
- Soft Night Guards: Typically last 6 months to 1 year, depending on how much you grind.
- Hard Night Guards: Can last 2 to 5 years, making them a longer-lasting option.
- Hybrid Night Guards: Usually last 1 to 3 years, offering a balance between comfort and durability.
Helpful Tip: To make your night guard last longer, proper hygiene is important. Brush the surface area regularly with mild soap or toothpaste and water, and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent bacteria accumulation. Avoid exposing it to heat, which can cause it to warp. Regular dental consultation can also help keep it in good shape and ensure a proper fit.
Can a Night Guard Cause Discomfort with Implants?
It’s common to feel some impressions of discomfort when you first start wearing a night guard, especially if it’s new to you. However, a custom-fitted night guard should be comfortable overall. If the discomfort or pain doesn’t go away, it’s important to consult your dentist.
Discomfort can happen if the night guard isn’t fitted properly or if the material feels too stiff. That’s why a custom-fitted night guard is recommended for those with dental implants, as it provides a perfect fit and helps minimize discomfort.
If your night guard causes discomfort, your dentist can adjust it for a better fit. It may take a few nights to get used to wearing the guard, but once you adjust, it should be comfortable and provide the protection your implants need.
Conclusion
Wearing a night guard for dental implants is key to protecting your implants from the damage caused by teeth grinding. We understand that dental implants are a big investment, and you want to protect them. A custom-fitted night guard offers the best protection, combining comfort and durability while reducing the risk of damage to both your implants and natural teeth.
Many individuals may find that using a night guard not only protects their dental implants but also provides relief for symptoms related to bruxism and other jaw disorders. When considering a night guard for dental implants, it is crucial to follow the steps inside the manufacturer's instructions for proper care and maintenance to ensure both the longevity of the guard and the health of the implants it protects.
By choosing the right mouth guard for dental implants, you can prevent issues like implant failure, crown damage, and jaw pain. Regular use of a night guard not only safeguards your implants but also supports your overall oral health, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Dental implants are extremely durable, and they feel and act very similarly to your natural teeth. Nonetheless, after you get dental implants, you’ll want to make every effort to protect them. If you clench or grind your teeth and you also have dental implants, a night guard for dental implants can protect against damages. This can preserve your oral health, potentially reducing the amount of additional dentistry you’ll need in the future.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
