Teeth grinding, or as it is clinically known, bruxism, can cause serious damage to your smile. Although it may be a habit you are unaware of because you only experience it while you’re asleep, the long-term harm your teeth and jaw can experience is substantial. This is why your dentist will likely recommend a custom nightguard, but what makes a professional one better than something you might buy over the counter? Keep reading to find out.
Professional vs. Store-Bought: What is the Difference?
When it comes to nightguards, you can expect differences when choosing one created by your dentist versus one you can buy in your local drugstore. Some of these include:
- Creation: Professional nightguards are custom-made to fit your smile because of the impressions taken in-house. Store-bought varieties can come in one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite options.
- Cost: Professional nightguards are costlier than store-bought brands because they are custom-made. Those you can buy over the counter can range from $15 to $100, while those from your dentist may require several hundred dollars out of pocket.
- Time: OTC nightguards can be used the same day you purchase them, but professional ones require a few weeks after impressions are taken to receive the final product.
- Comfort: Most patients who wear a custom nightguard remark on how comfortable they are because of how they fit based on the impressions previously taken. OTC brands tend not to fit as comfortably, which is why many individuals end up taking them out.
Why is a Professional Nightguard Worth the Investment?
You will spend more money when choosing a professional nightguard crafted by your dentist, but there are countless reasons why it is worth the investment:
- You only have one natural smile. Keeping it properly protected will help you save money down the road by avoiding restorative treatment, emergency care, and even jaw therapy.
- A customized nightguard offers the most comfortable fit, as it is molded to your mouth with the help of dental impressions taken previously.
- A nightguard crafted by your dentist can be designed based on your unique needs (i.e., TMJ disorder).
- Custom nightguards are made using highly durable materials that can last several years, unlike OTC versions that tend to wear out much more quickly.
- Your dentist will ensure a proper fit during the final fitting phase of treatment. This allows you to go home with an appliance you know will be effective in protecting your teeth and smile.
Investing in a professional nightguard requires more money up front, but the results you can expect are well worth it. After all, your smile isn’t something you should gamble with.
About the Author
Dr. Haren Patel is the owner of Dream Dental and has over 20 years of experience in the field of dentistry. Practicing in the area since 2009, he is pleased to provide his patients with high-quality solutions that produce long-lasting results. When struggling with teeth grinding each night, Dr. Patel and our team can create a custom nightguard to reduce enamel erosion and jaw pain. If you have questions about what makes a personalized guard better than a store-bought version, contact us at (770) 592-7000.