dental plaque on teeth
Dental health is critical to overall health. Basic care methods such as brushing teeth, flossing and regular dentist check-ups are routines that most of us know. However, in some cases these basic measures may not be sufficient. This is where the night plate comes into play. This plate is an apparatus that plays an important role in protecting the dental health of many people, but awareness is relatively low.
What is dental plaque
A night plate is a transparent and flexible appliance used to protect your teeth throughout the night. These plates, which are generally made of hard plastic, prevent your teeth from rubbing, hitting or putting pressure on each other while you sleep at night. These plates, which are specially designed for people who have problems such as teeth clenching (bruxism) or teeth grinding, protect tooth surfaces and prevent possible damage.
Night aligners not only protect tooth surfaces but also support jaw joint health. Long-term teeth clenching and grinding can damage the jaw joint and cause problems such as pain and sensitivity. This plate helps protect the jaw joint by relieving such pressures.
These aligners are individually designed by your dentist and fit your teeth perfectly. Thus, it can be used comfortably throughout the night and provides effective protection. The use of night aligners not only prevents current problems, but also prevents future dental and jaw problems.
Why is night plate used?
Night plate is an important device recommended to protect your teeth and improve your oral health. Its use is especially recommended in the following cases:
- Bruxism (Teeth Clenching and Grinding): Bruxism is a condition that occurs as a result of teeth rubbing and clenching together. These movements can cause serious damage to the teeth, such as wear, cracking or breakage. Bruxism usually occurs due to stress and anxiety and often occurs unknowingly while sleeping at night. Night guard prevents such damages and protects your teeth by preventing your teeth from rubbing against each other.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems: Problems with the jaw joint can cause discomfort such as pain in the teeth and jaw, headaches and tooth sensitivity. TMJ problems are caused by overwork or misalignment of the jaw muscles. The night plate relaxes the jaw muscles, reducing the pressure on the jaw joint and relieving pain. In this way, progression of TMJ-related problems is prevented.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity in teeth may cause discomfort when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks. This condition usually occurs due to thinning of tooth enamel or receding gums. Night plate protects your teeth throughout the night, helps reduce such sensitivity and makes your teeth more resistant to external factors.
- Protection of Teeth: For people receiving orthodontic treatment or those who want to protect their dental structures for a long time, night plate prevents teeth from shifting. This ensures that orthodontic treatment results are permanent and maintains the proper alignment of the teeth. In addition, night plate helps protect oral health by preventing possible wear on the teeth.
How to Use Night Plate?
Using a night plate is quite simple. Your dentist makes a specially designed tray for your mouth and explains in detail how to use it. It is enough to clean and put on your aligners before going to bed at night. When you wake up in the morning, you need to remove the plate, clean it and dry it.
Paying attention to the hygiene of your records ensures their longevity. Cleaning the plaques with water and a toothbrush after each use removes bacteria and plaque accumulated on the surface of the plaque. Additionally, having it checked by your dentist at regular intervals will help you maintain the health of your plaques.
Things to Consider When Using Night Plate
The use of night aligners comes with some cautions. First of all, it is very important that the aligners are personalized. Instead of ready-made aligners, your dentist must make a tray that fits your mouth. Plaques that are the wrong size can damage your teeth and jaw.
It is also very important to clean the plaques regularly and pay attention to their hygiene. Dirty plaques can lead to infections in the mouth. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the plaques after each use and have them checked by your dentist at regular intervals.
Finally, if you experience any discomfort while using aligners, you should report this to your dentist immediately. If the aligners are uncomfortable, it may be a sign that they are the wrong size and may need to be adjusted.
Night guard is an effective method to maintain dental health and prevent dental problems. It plays an important role in dealing with conditions such as bruxism, TMJ problems or tooth sensitivity. These personalized plates protect your teeth and keep them healthy in the long term. However, proper use and regular maintenance are critical to keeping this plate operating effectively. If you are considering using aligners, you can choose the one that suits you best by consulting with your dentist and take an important step towards protecting your dental health.
