Night Guard with Veneers: Is It Safe and Recommended?
While veneers are known to help enhance the look of your teeth, that does not mean they will necessarily solve problems such as bruxism. The reason behind this is the fact that veneers are seen as a cosmetic solution.
As your teeth take on the wear and pressure from grinding and clenching, not having an effective night guard can give you even more reason to worry — especially when you consider the investment you've made in your veneers.
So, can you wear a night guard with veneers? In this blog, we will talk about bruxism and the effect it can have on your veneers, how a night guard can help protect them, and what options may be available if you're looking for a solution that works with your cosmetic dental treatment.
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How Night Guards Protect Veneers from Bruxism
If you're wondering if it's necessary to wear a night guard when you have veneers, the answer is yes. While veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth, that doesn't mean they're immune to wear and damage over time. Clenching and grinding of the jaws will exert too much pressure on your natural teeth as well as the veneers. Because of this, people with bruxism are often advised to use a night guard to help protect their teeth and cosmetic dental work while sleeping.
How Teeth Grinding Can Affect Veneers
Bruxism, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the unconscious grinding and clenching of one's teeth. This behavior can happen both in the daytime and in sleep and may be caused by several things, including stress, some health conditions, medication side effects, and sleep disorders.
When it comes to veneers, one study in the National Library of Medicine reported that people who suffer from bruxism are at a higher risk of developing fractured and debonded veneers. In addition, the study indicated that having no dental guards increases the risk of damage by up to 8 times.
Why a Night Guard Helps Extend the Life of Veneers
There are several benefits to wearing a night guard with your veneers, including:
Protects Veneers from Grinding and Clenching Damage
The main purpose of dental guards is to relieve the pressure coming the tooth grinding and jaw clenching, distribute that pressure uniformly, and alleviate the jaw of any added stress. The dental guards are used to prevent the upper and lower teeth that have veneers from grinding together.
Reduces Stress on Your Teeth and Jaw
As the night guard reduces strain from clenching, it might be beneficial in lowering the risk of having painful jaws, sore face, and headache in the morning.
Helps Preserve the Lifespan of Your Cosmetic Investment
Veneers have a lifetime of anywhere between 5 to 15 years and even more, depending on proper care. But if you suffer from bruxism without any treatment, the lifespan of your veneers can be affected. A night guard helps you protect the money you spent and prevents further costs on the replacements.
Custom Night Guards Reduce Risk of Damage to Veneers
OTC solutions, particularly boil-and-bite guards, may cost less but are not necessarily the best choice for individuals who have veneers. These mouthpieces are designed in such a way that biting onto soft material will allow for proper molding. This can cause unnecessary stress on the veneers.
Want to learn more about the difference between custom-fit and generic night guards? Check this article next: Custom vs. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: What's the Difference?
Protect Your Veneers with a Custom-Fit Night Guard
If you suspect that you grind your teeth or clench your jaw during the day or night, a custom night guard can help protect your veneers and reduce the risk of damage over time. If your dentist recommends a night guard and you're looking for a reliable and affordable option, you're in the right place.
ClearClub Custom Night Guards have been designed to offer comfort and protection against damage to your teeth due to bruxism. If you want to ensure that you protect either your newly installed veneers or the old ones, using a custom-fit night guard will definitely work wonders for you.
Start protection your veneers today with a night guard made to fit your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What type of night guard is safest for veneers?
Custom-fit night guards are generally considered the safest option for veneers because they are designed to fit your teeth accurately. Poorly fitted or generic dental guards may cause discomfort, uneven pressure, and an inaccurate fit.
❓ Can I sleep with a night guard if I have veneers?
Yes, it is safe to wear a night guard overnight even with veneers. However, it may be best to wait until your treatment has fully settled before using one regularly.
❓ Do dentists recommend night guards for veneers?
Yes. Dentists may recommend a night guard if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, especially if you have veneers. It helps protect your veneers from damage caused by bruxism.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQs section.