Mouth guards for grinding teeth?
 

I recently changed dentists and my new one suggested I start wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent me from grinding my teeth. Seems to be good protection now that I have several crowns and implants. It was covered by insurance so I did it. Uncomfortable the first few nights but getting better. It was made off of a mold of my teeth and fits very tight to my top teeth.

Anyone else use one?

Been using one for years as my DDS pointed out the wear on my choppers, particularly a couple of crowns. Think a lot happened before I retired due to work stress. I think it was about $400, all in.
At a point where I do not feel right going to bed without it.

I'm looking for a decent one. Same sitch here.
The occasional drool can be solved with a towel, but the nasty plastic taste I just can't seem to deal with.

I'm drinking more water, plus fish oil capsules, VitC, and Mg/Ca/Zn, to help the joints which cause the pain.

I got a two pack at the drug store for like $30

I was told my whole life I needed to wear one but couldn't be convinced until my dentist put a casting of an old man's teeth in front of me who had ground his teeth his whole life. I was convinced. I never wore my retainer after braces as a kid so I had gaps especially between my two front teeth so I went ahead and did Invisilign which then became my mouth guard. Now I wear them every night.

I’ve been prescribing night guards for decades. Very effective against teeth wear and helping with symptoms of TMJ.

If you are lucky, like Tobra, the store bought models will work. Maybe 30-40 percent of my patients can wear them. They tend to be bulky and big.

Custom fit mouth guards are by far more comfortable and obviously fit better. Typically they need to be replaced every 3 years or so. Their cost ranges from $200-$400 depending on material and where you live. Dental work costs more in Beverly Hills than in Fresno.

If you are wearing a night guard to protect your teeth/prevent grinding you will only need one for either the top or bottom arch. Usually patients prefer the top arch as it is usually more comfortable for the patient.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Looks like I made the right decision.

Good night. ;)

You did the right thing Paul. Every tooth in my head is cubic zirconia because I have ground my teeth for 20+ years. 16 crowns and 16 veneers. I wear an invisilign most of the day and night.

Only positive is I love my teeth now.

Once you get used to them, you can't live without. I'm went back to using my 20+ yo set as my second ones were designed to keep the dentist in money and I wore through them in a couple years.

I had one for the past 5+ years. Doc's been telling me to use it for more then 20. He said I have no mote teeth to grind if I keep this up. It took a few days to get use to it. I switched to top instead of bottom. Its much more comfortable. I use it nightly except if we travel.

I've worn one for decades. In my late 50's now. Can't sleep without it. Don't bother with the drugstore ones. A good one made by a professional will last 5 to 10 years. Be aware, your dog will eat it. Maybe the cat as well. Ask me how I know.......

I don't think I ever spent more than $7 on a mouthguard. I wore one at night for years until I started Invisalign. I'll be done with the trays in another four weeks and then, depending on how my night retainer feels, may go back to a cheapo rubber mouthguard. I never felt like I needed anything more than the cheapo ones in any grocery store.

Seems like a waste of money to realign your teeth and then not invest in a guard to keep them there. If i go a couple nights without my guard, my teeth definitely have to readjust to my guard.

It's my understanding that once my Invisalign treatment is done, I get a retainer I need to wear at night for the rest of my life. I don't know if it's a tray or a wire contraption. But if it's just something to keep alignment and not guard against grinding, then I'll get another mouthguard. I just don't know how a nighttime mouthguard that costs $400 is $393 better than the $7 ones I've always used.

You will get a final Invisalign tray meant to keep your teeth in place. The final tray is usually worn at night only and is similar to the trays you are wearing now.

It's amazing how much teeth move around! Some of mine can have their own zipcode if I don't wear my invisilign

I also have some crowns and implants, so I totally get why you're using a mouthguard. I've heard that Invisalign braces can also help with grinding, so that's another option to consider if you're looking for a more low-key solution.
As for me, I haven't used a mouthguard personally, but I have a few friends who swear by them. They say they can be a little uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly. And the peace of mind you get from knowing your teeth are protected is totally worth it. In short, props to you for taking your dental health seriously!

I did have to trim it a bit, but they work out okay.

I can buy off the rack suits too.

My dentist fit one for me about 10 years ago. He told me that the cause was most likely stress.

He nailed it. After a year or so and eliminating the stress...it's been fine without the thing.

You must an amateur grinder! That's a good thing. I've had to use the drugstore version a few times over the years. They will last me a few days and then be destroyed.