If you have one or more dental crowns, you may wonder whether wearing a night guard is still an option.
It’s a common question, especially for people who grind or clench their teeth at night.
The good news is that many people with dental crowns are able to wear a night guard. However, whether a night guard is appropriate depends on your individual oral health, the condition of your crowns, and your dentist’s recommendation.
Let’s take a closer look.
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What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers a damaged or weakened tooth.
Crowns may be recommended after:
– A large cavity
– Root canal treatment
– A cracked or weakened tooth
– Significant tooth wear
– Certain cosmetic or restorative procedures
Modern crowns are designed to restore both function and appearance, but like natural teeth, they are still exposed to the forces created by grinding and clenching.
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Can Teeth Grinding Affect Dental Crowns?
Yes, it can.
Although dental crowns are made from durable materials, they are not indestructible.
Repeated grinding or clenching may place significant force on both natural teeth and dental restorations.
Depending on the individual situation, excessive biting forces may contribute to:
– Chipping or cracking of a crown
– Wear of the crown surface
– Loosening of dental restorations in some cases
– Damage to the natural tooth supporting the crown
Not everyone who grinds their teeth will experience these problems, but protecting your teeth and restorations is an important part of long-term dental care.
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Can You Wear a Night Guard If You Have Crowns?
In many cases, yes.
A properly fitted night guard may help reduce the direct forces placed on your teeth and restorations during sleep.
However, the type of night guard and how well it fits are important.
A poorly fitting appliance may feel uncomfortable or fail to fit correctly, especially if your dental work has changed since the night guard was made.
For this reason, it’s important to let your dentist know if you have recently received a new crown or other dental treatment.
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Why Fit Matters
A night guard should fit your teeth accurately.
If the appliance doesn’t fit properly, it may not provide the intended protection and could become uncomfortable to wear.
Custom-made night guards are fabricated from a dental impression or digital scan and are designed to match your individual teeth and bite as closely as possible.
If you already wear a night guard and receive a new crown, your dentist can determine whether your current appliance still fits correctly.
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Should You Replace Your Night Guard After Getting a Crown?
Sometimes.
If the new crown changes the way your night guard fits, your dentist may recommend adjusting or replacing the appliance.
Not every new crown requires a new night guard, but it’s a good idea to have the fit checked after major dental treatment.
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When Should You Talk to Your Dentist?
You should contact your dentist if:
– Your night guard no longer fits comfortably.
– It feels loose after receiving a crown.
– You notice pressure on one specific tooth.
– Your crown feels uncomfortable while wearing the appliance.
– Your night guard shows signs of damage or excessive wear.
Your dentist can determine whether the appliance still fits properly or whether another solution would be more appropriate.
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Final Thoughts
Having a dental crown doesn’t automatically mean you can’t wear a night guard.
In fact, many people with crowns use night guards as part of their overall dental care.
The most important factor is making sure the appliance fits properly and is appropriate for your individual situation.
If you grind or clench your teeth and have one or more dental crowns, discussing your options with your dentist is the best way to determine the most suitable approach for protecting both your natural teeth and your dental restorations.