Mouth Guard/Night Guard Advice

[tarheelpride]

This is a long shot, but I'd figure I'd ask

I have a problem with grinding my teeth hard when I sleep at night. Led to overall sensitivity of my teeth and me waking up to splitting headaches and a pounding head on some mornings.

My dentist recommended I go out and get a night guard. Problem is I chew through them very quick in my sleep. They barely last 4-6 weeks and they're supposed to last me months. I've tried guards from drug stores to Wal-Mart and even Amazon, to no real noticeable effect. They get shredded in my sleep and I still sometimes have these headaches and sensitive teeth.

I changed my toothpaste for the sensitive teeth but I'm looking for some ideas for the teeth grinding at night. Anyone experienced this? Any advice/recommendations? This is very annoying to say the least.

[Kettle]

Just went and got my teeth cleaned this week, and I'm having the same problem, only not as severe. My dentist does impressions for a custom night guard that is supposed to be more of a spacer and not something to bite into. Only thing is insurance doesn't cover it. If I were going through a guard a month though, the $250 would be sensible I think. I was told it would last a year.

[tarheelpride]

My dentist quoted me $500 for a pair that'll last about 9 months or so. So I went the cheap route.

I may have to cave in and try it but not if I'm going through them like crazy.

[Bama Panther]

I've worn a night guard since about 2000. The first one, which I got from my dentist, lasted about eight years. My new one has lasted the past four years. They were both made by my dentist at the time.

They were both extremely hard plastic that almost lock onto your teeth when you put them in. I notice small gouges from grinding in mine, but I have not had one break, crack, splinter, etc. In fact, the only reason I got a new was due to having my wisdom teeth removed, which changed the fit of my old ones. The kind you buy at a store typically suck.

[Hotsauce]

I have bought the Walmart ones, they really hurt my teeth

[tarheelpride]

May just have to save up and get a dentist to do them in that case. The cheap ones aren't doing me any good. Mostly afraid with how hard I clench and grind my teeth that I'll go through those made at the dentist too in no time.

Guess it won't hurt to get another opinion on it. I'll look into it whenever I get back to the dentist.

[Joscott]

I know my mom just had to pay about $450 after the doctor diagnosed her with TMJ disorder. She was complainging about pain similar to yours from grinding her teeth in her sleep. Made it so she couldn't really function some days and was a pain to eat.

Do yourself a favor and spend some money now so you don't have to go through that pain. If it's anything like hers, it'll be worth it.

[Kettle]

They are much less expensive than route canals which could be in your future without proper care.

[2jakefansinva]

take care of your eyes, feet, back and teeth........,,,,,,,....what ever the cost.

[tarheelpride]

It'll be a few months before I can even do anything. Gotta get settled in to my new job and actually get some benefits.