Night Record
Dental health is an indispensable part of our overall health. Unfortunately, most people view dental health as a routine limited to just brushing and flossing. However, dental health involves much more complex elements that need attention. Beyond protecting our teeth, factors such as our jaw structure, the alignment of our teeth, and our habits of clenching our teeth at night can also significantly affect our general oral health.
At this point, problems such as teeth clenching (bruxism) and teeth grinding, especially those that occur due to stress, anxiety or jaw structure, are important factors that threaten oral health. Teeth clenching or grinding are habits that are usually unnoticed and done involuntarily throughout the night. Over time, this condition can cause wear on the teeth, pain in the jaw muscles, and even severe headaches. If precautions are not taken, more serious dental problems, joint disorders and permanent damage to jaw functions may occur in the long term.
What is Night Record?
Night plate is a special device recommended by dentists for patients who have teeth clenching and grinding problems. It is usually prepared specifically for the individual and worn on the teeth during sleep. By preventing the teeth from touching each other, the night plate reduces the wear on the teeth and the pressure on the jaw muscles. In this way, it is aimed to protect teeth and improve jaw health.
In addition to protecting the teeth and jaw, night guards can also prevent jaw joint disorders (temporomandibular joint disorders) and tension headaches. Teeth clenching and grinding are often caused by stress, anxiety or sleep disorders. However, individuals who are unaware of these behaviors may face serious damage to their teeth and jaws over time. This is where night vinyl comes into play.
Why Should We Use Night Plate?
Night plate is a very effective tool in protecting dental health and relieving jaw disorders. By preventing tooth wear, it provides strong protection against wear and damage of tooth enamel over time. In particular, teeth clenching and grinding habits cause excessive wear on the teeth, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, caries formation and tooth loss in the future. Night plate minimizes this wear by preventing the teeth from touching each other.
Additionally, constant work and tension of the jaw muscles can cause serious jaw pain and stiffness over time. The night plate relaxes the jaw muscles, relieves pain by helping the muscles relax, and supports the normal continuation of jaw functions. Besides this, bruxism is often one of the main reasons for waking up with a headache in the morning. Involuntary clenching of teeth can cause tension in the muscles in the head and neck area, causing headaches.
Night plate helps prevent headaches by reducing this pressure. It is also known that clenching and grinding teeth can damage jaw joints in the long run. Temporomandibular joint disorders are a common problem caused by bruxism and can lead to pain and dysfunction in the joints. By relieving the load on these joints, the night plate prevents the progression of joint problems and protects the health of the jaw joint.
Who Should Use It?
Night guards are generally recommended for individuals who have teeth clenching (bruxism) and teeth grinding problems. These problems can occur at any age, but they usually increase during stressful periods or with sleep disorders. If you wake up in the morning with jaw pain, headache or tooth sensitivity, it would be beneficial to consult your dentist.
However, it is not just for those with teeth grinding problems. Individuals with jaw joint disorders, excessive tooth sensitivity, and filled or weak tooth structure can also benefit from night aligners. In fact, in some cases, night plates may be recommended for patients receiving orthodontic treatment to protect their teeth after the use of braces or appliances.
How to Use Night Plate?
Correct use of the night plate is very important for the success of the treatment. It is usually prepared individually by the dentist and placed on the upper or lower teeth. To ensure that the plate fits correctly and does not cause discomfort, the dentist prepares a plate that is suitable for the patient’s mouth structure.
Teeth must be brushed before using the plate. Having clean teeth is important to maintain the hygiene of the plaque. Additionally, it should be cleaned with soapy water after each use and stored in a special box. In order for the plaque to be long-lasting and not to harm oral health, it is necessary to pay attention to its cleaning.
Your dentist will inform you about how long you should use the tray. In most cases, use overnight is recommended, but some patients may also need to use it during the day.
Is It Difficult to Get Used to Night Records?
An initial adjustment period is normal for people using vinyl for the first time. Because it feels like a foreign body in the mouth, it can be uncomfortable, especially during the first few nights, and can temporarily affect sleep quality. This discomfort usually occurs when muscles and jaw structure that are not used to the presence of plaque react. However, most people adapt to this new situation within a few days or weeks and start using the plate without realizing it. Over time, when the relief and protective effects of the plate are felt more clearly, it becomes much easier to get used to it.
It is very important to be patient during the adaptation process and use the plate regularly. Using the aligner only occasionally may prolong the adaptation process and cause problems such as teeth grinding to continue. Additionally, some people may experience conditions such as plaque coming out of the mouth during the night.
This may indicate that the aligner is not fully seated or positioned properly. If discomfort persists after a few weeks or if the plaque frequently comes off during sleep, a dentist should be consulted. The dentist may readjust the tray or recommend replacing it with a model that is more suitable for your jaw structure and teeth.
Night Record Prices
Prices of vinyl may vary depending on various factors. The cost of the night plate is determined by factors such as the quality of the material used, whether the plate is specially prepared for the person, and the level of expertise of the dentist providing the treatment. Custom-made aligners generally provide longer-lasting and more comfortable use, which is part of the cost. In addition, examinations, measurements and adjustments made during treatment may also affect pricing. Your dentist will recommend the plate that best suits your needs and provide detailed information about this process.
