Night Guards
Most of us grind and clench our teeth. For some of us this grinding and clenching can become a problem.
Bruxism is excessive clenching or grinding not related to normal chewing.
Bruxism can lead to very worn-down teeth, sensitivity, tooth pain, headaches, jaw pain and cracked teeth.
If you often wake up with headaches or jaw stiffness it may be worth having a consultation with your dentist to see if tooth grinding is a factor. Your dentist will do an examination of your teeth, gums, jaw joint as well as noting your dental and medical history and discuss any other factors in your life that may be contributing to your discomfort such as stress or physical illness.
For some people a nightguard might be suggested. This is custom fitted and constructed from hard-thermo-acrylic, it fits snugly over your teeth and is normally made to fit over your top teeth.
First-Time Patient?
Pristine Dentistry has been providing exceptional, high quality dental care to the community for over 35 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need regular check-up?
Regular check-ups are highly important and recommended to avoid costly surprises and prevent problems. If you are aware of a problem early, you will have time to choose the best treatment option. Where if you have a dental emergency, getting you out of pain is the main priority. If a problem is dealt with in an early stage, the treatment is more successful and it can save you a lot of money and time.
I clean my teeth at home, why do I need a professional clean?
Even though you brush and floss your teeth daily, it is very important for your overall health and recommended that you have a professional clean every 6 months. However, some people will require more frequent appointments, especially if periodontal disease is present and being managed. When plaque remains on your teeth, it combines with your saliva to harden into tartar or calculus. If left untreated you can develop bleeding gums, bad breath, a receding gum line and eventually teeth mobility. Getting your teeth cleaned and polished, not only gives you a great smile but it also prevents future decay, gum disease and bad breath.
Is fluoride effective?
Yes, fluoride strengthens the teeth and has been clinically proven to lower decay rates significantly. Fluoride can also reverse early decay and combat sensitivity. Professionally applied fluoride is a lot stronger than what you can get in a toothpaste and our therapist and hygienist selects the right fluoride treatment for keeping your teeth healthier and stronger.
Why do I need X-Rays?
Dental x-rays are a valuable tool in examining and screening the teeth and gums, especially as they can see more than the naked eye.
Bitewing x-rays are taken on the left and right side of your mouth and are recommended to be taken every 2 years. These x-rays show between your teeth, detecting any early decay, which if detected early enough, could be stopped and reversed without the need of a filling.
OPG x-rays is a panoramic view of your whole mouth, showing your teeth, jawbone, joints, and sinuses. It shows us areas beyond the reach of the smaller bitewing x-rays, like the presence of your wisdom teeth even before they start to erupt and cause and damage. It is recommended to have your OPG x-rays updated every 3 years.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Our dental x-rays have an extremely low radiation dose, while giving the highest resolution images. The radiation dose from an x-ray from our machine is the same dose you would get if you were to eat around 20 bananas. Nevertheless we are committed in our practice to use aiming devices and lead aprons if required to ensure your safety.