Are Nightguards Painful?

Nightguards are not meant to feel painful. Other than some minor discomfort when getting used to wearing the device, you should not feel any lingering soreness. If you do, make sure to let Dr. Weiselberg know right away so she can adjust your device and ensure your comfort and peace of mind.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Regardless of the nightguard’s material, it will likely take two appointments to complete the process successfully. During your first session, an impression is taken of the teeth to ensure the device is highly customized and fitted to your jaw. After two weeks, your nightguard will be ready, and Dr. Weiselberg will see you in the office for a fitting to make sure you’re comfortable. You will go home with a special carrying case and instructions for using the nightguard while you sleep. If you require professional nightguard cleaning, an additional trip may be necessary.

How Long Until I See the Results?

It can take up to three months to begin seeing marked changes in your bruxism. After three months, your nightguard will feel like second nature, and you may hardly notice it.

What Are the Risks Associated with Bruxism Protection?

The use of a nightguard device to treat bruxism comes with the following risks: Mild discomfort or irritation inside the mouth A poor fit that leads to pressure, pain, or soreness Shifting teeth Worsening of TMJ Jaw misalignment

Bruxism Protection (Nightguards)

Fort Lee, NJ

Introduction to Bruxism Protection (Nightguards)

Bruxism is a jaw-grinding disorder that can not only wear the teeth down but can also lead to an array of physical and emotional ailments, including headaches, gum recession, arthritis, depression, and chronic pain. Only a highly trained dental professional, such as Dr. Weiselberg in Fort Lee, NJ, can correctly identify bruxism, differentiating it from problems caused by aggressive brushing, acidic drinks, or abrasive foods. Through a detailed evaluation and consultation process, Dr. Weiselberg will diagnose your bruxism disorder and provide treatment options such as nightguards that can help you reclaim your peace of mind and quality of life.

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What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a disorder involving grinding and clenching teeth. It is often grouped with sleeping ailments, as much of the damage occurs at night. In patients without bruxism, the chewing reflex is automatically disabled after bedtime, but for those suffering from the condition, the chewing reflex continues even when they are unconscious.

With bruxism, the incisors and the canines (the front six upper and lower teeth) will grind against each other, gnashing side to side. This puts strain on the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints, leading to a host of uncomfortable symptoms such as earaches and headaches. Emotional symptoms are also common, such as depression, anxiety, stress, alcoholism, and eating disorders.

What Causes Bruxism?

It is estimated that up to 31% of the population struggles with bruxism to some degree. Common risk factors for the disorder include the following:

Age: Bruxism is more common in younger people and tends to decline with age.
Stress: Individuals under a lot of stress typically grind their teeth more when they are feeling anxious.
Competition: Teeth grinding is prevalent in those who are fiercely competitive and aggressive.
Genetics: Patients whose parents have bruxism are more likely to develop the disorder.
Medications: Certain antidepressants can cause bruxism.
Stimulants: Caffeine and tobacco use have been known to contribute to bruxism.
Medical problems: Individuals who have epilepsy, sleep ailments, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and gastrointestinal disorders are most likely to clench their teeth.

Reasons to Treat Bruxism

The main reasons to treat bruxism professionally include the following:

Tooth loss and gum recession – Bruxism is a leading cause of tooth loss and gum recession, as the behavior can directly damage the soft tissue and create deep open pockets around teeth where bacteria can colonize and destroy the underlying bone.

Occlusal trauma – The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces can lead to fractures in the teeth, which may require restorative treatments.
Arthritis – In severe and chronic cases, bruxism can lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints (the joints that allow the jaw to open smoothly).
Chronic myofascial pain – The grinding associated with bruxism can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth. This can lead to debilitating headaches and muscle pain in the myofascial region.

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What Are the Treatments for Bruxism?

While there is no single cure for bruxism, there exists a variety of helpful devices and tools that can enhance quality of life. Common treatments for bruxism include:

Nightguards – An acrylic mouthguard can be designed from tooth impressions to minimize the abrasive action of bruxism during sleep. Nightguards should be worn long-term to help stabilize the chewing reflex, preventing damage to the teeth and the temporomandibular joint.
NTI-tss device – This device is fitted by a health professional and only covers the front teeth. Its goal is to prevent the rear molars’ grinding by limiting the temporalis muscle’s contraction.
BOTOX – BOTOX is an excellent treatment for bruxism because it weakens the jaw muscles enough to prevent grinding but not enough to interfere with everyday functions like chewing and speaking.
BiteStrip – More of a diagnostic tool than an actual treatment, a BiteStrip is an economical device used to detect bruxism at home. The electromyography senses and monitors any activity in the jaw muscles during sleep. The frequency and severity of the condition can then be assessed, and the best treatment plan can be formulated.

Other treatment methods include relaxation exercises, stress management education, and biofeedback mechanisms. Once bruxism has been controlled, Dr. Weiselberg can perform a variety of dental procedures such as crowns, gum grafts, and crown lengthening that can restore a pleasant aesthetic appearance to the smile.

What Are the Benefits of Nightguards for Bruxism?

Nightguards prevent the teeth from grinding while the patient is asleep, lowering the risk of tooth loss, chipped teeth, and gum recession. Benefits include:

Prevents headaches, lockjaw, and sleep disruptions
Reduces the likelihood of facial and neck pain
Helps patients avoid inner cheek damage
Convenient, easily removable devices
Affordable and cost-effective
Customizable for a natural fit
It may be covered by dental insurance

Who Are the Best Candidates for Nightguards?

If you are frustrated by signs of bruxism, such as worn-down teeth, jaw pain, headaches, or receding gums, you may be an excellent candidate for a customized device known as a nightguard. The only way to tell for sure is to attend a private and informative consultation with Dr. Weiselberg, who has extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating bruxism through various means.

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Let’s Get Started

What’s the First Step?

When you come into our inviting Fort Lee office for your bruxism protection consultation, you will meet with Dr. Ali Weiselberg, a knowledgeable and experienced dentist who will immediately set you at ease. She will thoroughly examine your jaw and your “bite,” take X-rays, and delve into your dental history so she can determine the underlying causes of your issues and curate a bespoke solution for you. Our patient coordinators will then help to schedule additional appointments.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

How Much Does Bruxism Protection Cost in North Jersey?

The cost of nightguards can vary in Fort Lee and the Northern New Jersey area. Pricing depends on the degree of customization and other factors. Dr. Weiselberg may combine nightguards with other types of treatments to reduce your pain and discomfort. After your in-depth consultation, she will offer you a clear and concise quote for services.

Why Choose North Jersey Dental Group?

Dr. Ali N. Weiselberg, D.D.S., F.I.C.O.I, created the North Jersey Dental Group, P.A. to provide Fort Lee area patients of all ages with personalized, comprehensive dental care. She has maintained licensure in both New Jersey and New York since 2006. Since 2009, Dr. Weiselberg has served on the Board of Directors of New York University’s College of Dentistry’s Alumni Association. Thanks to her skill, expertise, and caring bedside manner, she was nominated as one of the Best 50 Women In Business in the State of New Jersey by NJBIZ in 2011 and celebrated as a Professional Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women in 2009 and 2010. Dr. Weiselberg is a Lifetime Member of the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs. Additionally, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the North Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).