Your FAQ's Answered
Commonly asked questions
I clench all day & night. creates sensitivity. Really need upper and lower, per specialist. Do you have a really sturdy guard
Answer: Customers love the 3mm soft night guard for it's comfort and durability. This guard is intended for heavier teeth grinders and jaw clenchers.
When choosing which sleep guard is right for you, you must determine how severe your grinding habits are and what particular concerns you have. All of the Sentinel Night Guards will combat against headaches, jaw/facial pain, & protect against occlusal damage. But you may be worried (for instance) about your teeth shifting, or alignment issues.
How do I know which one to chooseAn upper or lower night guard
Answer: When deciding on an upper or lower custom night guard, there may be some obvious factors that will dictate your decision. For instance, if you're missing teeth on either the upper or lower set, you will want to choose the set that has more. Or if you know you're grinding your teeth, and you need to get a night guard quickly but you have some upcoming dental work on your upper teeth (or vice versa) that may change your dental anatomy, you will want to go with the lower teeth (or vice versa). Same thing with loose teeth, or loose crowns/bridge work, etc- You'll want to choose an opposing guard and avoid the potential to loosen that dental work with the continuous use of a tight fitting night guard.
Now, if you have all of your nice solid teeth on both the upper and lower and no plans for upcoming dental work, it really just comes down to preference . History tells us that the upper guard has been the "go to" choice but if you think a lower guard would feel more comfortable then go for it. We've had an overwhelming amount of customers say that they prefer the lower guard over the upper as it tends to be smaller and less obtrusive.
How long do the night guards typically last
Answer: The durability and longevity of a night guard can vary greatly depending on type/quality of material, an individuals' grinding/clenching habits, how well the night guard is cleaned/taken care of etc. Most high quality, custom night guards last anywhere from 2-5 years.
