I have a history of bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) as a child and apparently now again as an adult. I had not been experiencing any problems until the dentist recently recommended a dental appliance/mouth guard. In the last 7-10 days, I've begun to notice slight jaw/facial stiffness and morning headaches. I don't want to spend $400-$500 on a custom made appliance...at least not yet. Can anyone recommend an over the counter brand? Any advice for a "newer" sufferer?
My office make NTI nightguards they are less then $2oo. They are fda approved to treat migrains.The NTI actually stops you from grinding traditional nightguards dont. You can go on there website to find a dentist in your area. NTI.com Hope that helps. J.
I had the same problem 25 years ago. The Dentist called it TMJ. He told me to become aware of my bite and that the only time teeth should touch is when you are chewing. The pain went away but my husband could hear me grinding my teeth at night during times of stress. It stopped after I had my teeth straightened. Back then braces cost me $5000. You can buy a mouthguard at Jewel or Walgreens. I dont know how good or comfortable they are.
My husband wears one due to teeth grinding which caused migraines. It completely works & he's been wearing the same one for oh, maybe 5 years. I think the key is having a good dentist make it for you. My husband went to Dr. Kakos in Arlington Heights. He's a wonderful dentist with many accolades & professional recognitions. I guess trying a store bought one would be a good first option, but I would discuss this w/ your dr. first.
I would give the $30 Walgreens version a try first. About 9 years ago I paid $500 out of pocket for a custom-fitted appliance. My teeth went through the appliance in the first week. The dentist made one replacement for free, out of a sturdier material, and that lasted about a year.
If you do choose to go with a custom-made appliance, find out if there is any replacement or maintenance plan. I wish I had asked more questions up front.
I tend to clench my teeth and have caused wear on them. Luckily nothing broken, yet. A friend of mine had really bad grinding and had to have a professional made for her. i have so far been fine using one I got at Walmart. I figured I would try that first before going to expensive route. One thing I try to do is be aware of how I am holding my jaw and stretch it if I feel tightness.
I would just buy the recommended one. I went the other route and bought numerous cheap ones. They always fell out of my mouth and ended up in the middle of my back when I slept. They just wouldn't stay in my mouth. I bought mine from a catalog like lillian vernon, but it wasn't that, it was the cheapie one that sells all the stuff on tv and their own helpful ideas...sorry, drawing a blank. Good luck, I know how it is.
I would recommend getting one made by the dentist. I have been wearing a nightguard for about 20 years now. The ones from the dentist are very well-made and can withstand more than I think an over the counter one. I have to get another one made and my insurance is covering all but $100 of it. Have you checked with your insurance to see if they cover it? Most of them do.
