Nightguard is the most effective and important way to protect your teeth if you are facing teeth grinding or clenching. However, their lifetime can matter, and it's important to understand how long a nightguard lasts. This will help to maintain the nightguard in better condition. After knowing about their lifespan, you can know the time for replacement.
Understanding how long a nightguard lasts is very important. The durability of a nightguard depends on a few things, including the quality of its material, how much you care for it, and the severity of the teeth grinding. If a nightguard is made with good material, it is long-lasting, and preparing it with low-quality material is not effective and is used for a short time.
If you see cracks, changes in shape or less comfort, then this is the time to replace it. In this article, you can learn everything about the night guard's protections and how long they can last. Let's start to explore it deeply.
Understanding Night Guards
You can also call them dental guards or mouthguards, which are custom made. They are specially made to protect your teeth from the damaging effects caused by teeth grinding and clenching. The need for these night guards occurs mostly while you are sleeping, and they create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
Night Guard Lifespan
They are mostly used for protecting your teeth from the damaging effects of teeth grinding and clenching. As compared to other dental products, they also have a limited lifespan. Several factors show how long your night guard effect lasts:
|
Factor |
Impact on Lifespan |
|
Severity of Bruxism |
Severe bruxism can lead to faster wear and tear, necessitating more frequent replacements. |
|
Oral Hygiene Habits |
Poor oral hygiene can contribute to the buildup of bacteria and plaque, which can degrade the material of your night guard. |
|
Dietary Habits |
Consuming acidic or sugary foods and beverages can erode the material of your night guard over time. |
|
Storage Conditions |
Improper storage, such as leaving your night guard exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, can accelerate deterioration. |
Night Guard Lifespan and Replacement
- Typical Lifespan: Most night guards last between 1-2 years.
- Signs of Wear and Tear: Look for cracks, chips, or a loose fit.
- Decreased Effectiveness: If your night guard no longer prevents teeth grinding or clenching, it's time for a replacement.
- Discomfort and Pain: If your nightguard causes discomfort or pain, consult your dentist.
Factors Affecting Night Guard Lifespan
The durability of the nightguards depends on several factors. Let's explore these factors that influence their durability:
- Material Quality: Material used in the manufacturing of nightguards plays an important role in increasing their lifespan. Harder materials can be long-lasting but not comfortable. On the other hand, soft materials like thermoplastic are more comfortable but not used for a long time.
- Usage Frequency and Intensity: How can you use your night, and how much is the severity of teeth grinding? All these things have a big effect on the durability of the nightguard.
- Proper Care and Maintenance: If you take good care of your nightguard, it will increase the time period, and you can use them for longer. To increase its lifespan, you have to wash it with a soft brush with mild soap and store it in a safe box when not in use. Do not place it in a hot place, and keep it away from harsh chemicals.
Signs It's Time for a New Night Guard
Providing too much care to your nightguards even does not protect them from damage. So it's important to remember to replace it and get a new one to maintain your oral health. Some signs are given below:
- Physical Signs of Wear and Tear: Search for the cracks, chips, or any damage from where you can bite with your night guard. If these signs appear, understand that these guards are not used for long periods.
- Decreased Effectiveness: In case you notice that teeth grinding is still present and occurs at night after wearing a nightguard, you have to replace the old guard with a new one quickly because it is no longer effective.
- Discomfort and Pain:
- Damage night guards produce discomfort or pain in your jaw or teeth. If you experience any issues, then the best step is to change your nightguard.
How Often Should You Replace Your Night Guard?
While there is not any mid-idea, the dentist also recommends changing the nightguards after 1 or 2 years. But it depends on the factors that are the reason for their damage and the severity of the grinding. Another thing that plays a role in the best lifespan of nightguards is the material used in their preparation.
Replace them after the recommended time or when you notice any damage signs like cracks, chips, or becoming loose while wearing.
How to Extend Your Night Guard's Lifespan?
To maximize the lifespan of your nightguard, consider these tips:
Proper Cleaning and Storage
It is very important to take care of your nightguard. Precautions like cleaning them frequently after use and keeping them in a secure location will help them last longer. Importantly, remember that they did not come in contact with chemicals, liquid or any other material.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Chemicals are the enemy of your nightguards. So try to keep away from chemicals like bleach or other ones because they can weaken the mouthguards and lower their effect. It's always better to read the instructions before cleaning them.
Regular Inspection
Checking them regularly will help you to notice the damaging signs earlier, like cracks or chips on your nightguard or changes in their shapes. These effects can reduce the effectiveness and not properly provide protection against grinding.
When to Replace Your Night Guard?
If someone is facing issues like clenching or grinding, then nightguards are the most effective way to protect their teeth from any serious damage. But remember, as every dental product has its duration, they also have a lifespan. If you keep them safe and clean, they are used for around 1 or 2 years. With proper care and maintenance, you increase its lifetime.