HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Peace, hope, and joy are sentiments that can never be expressed often enough. Another is our heartfelt gratitude to you, our patients, who have made the growth of our practice possible.  We are honored by your ongoing loyalty and patronage and look forward to sharing another year with you.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday,

Dr. Richard Osmanski & Dental Team

Cracked Lips

Your lips can say a lot about your health. Severely cracked, dry lips may be a reaction to medication or a symptom of allergy, infection, or other conditions. Cracking at the corners of the mouth may be a symptom of Sjögren's (pronounced SHOW-grens) syndrome, an immune system disorder. Sjögren's causes dry eyes and dry mouth, as well as joint pain and dry skin. As many as 4 million Americans—mostly women—have this condition.

STOP THE GRIND

With the effects of the economy and the holidays upon us, dentists have noticed more of their patients are clenching and grinding their teeth while they sleep (and sometimes even when they’re awake). Clenching puts pressure on the jaw muscl

es and joints; grinding can crack or wear down your teeth, necessitating costly dental work. All this tension can contribute to headache, ear pain, facial pain and insomnia, and increase your risk of developing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems.

Try this: Consciously focus on relaxing your face and jaw during the day. Talk with your dentist about using a custom-made or over-the-counter mouth guard at night to decrease teeth grinding and other secondary effects of grinding.

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM ALL OF US AT RICHARD OSMANSKI'S DENTAL OFFICE!

 

 

HAPPY, HEALTH HOLIDAYS!

All of us at Dr. Richard Osmanski's Dental Office wish you a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! 

Xylitol can be deadly to dogs

Xylitol can be deadly to dogs. Currently it's considered the most canine-toxic "human food" on the planet.

Xylitol is a great product. It's natural, just as sweet but less caloric than sugar, doesn't raise insulin levels and seems to reduce the kinds of oral bacteria associated with dental disease. Diabetics rave about it. Dentists do, too. All of which is why consumer product manufacturers have been slowly replacing their sweeteners with xylitol.

Xylitol is perfectly safe for people, but because of different metabolisms, it can be fatal for dogs and cats and has been known to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs for years, but recently it has been discovered that it can cause acute liver disease and a coagulopathy (inability to clot the blood)

How menacing?

A few sugar-free mints or pieces of gum, kids vitamins, a sugar-free dessert cup. It takes only a little of this toxin to send a dog into hypoglycemia-induced seizures and sometimes fatal liver failure. All dogs are susceptible, some more than others.

What are the signs of xylitol toxicity?

Immediately after ingestion, vomiting may occur. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) develops within 30 to 60 minutes, resulting in lethargy and weakness. These signs may quickly develop into ataxia (trouble walking), collapse, and seizures. Prolonged blood clotting times as well as skin and intestinal hemorrhaging are clinical signs that may develop within hours and warrant a very poor prognosis.

What do I do if I think my dog has eaten xylitol?

If xylitol ingestion occurs, consult your veterinarian immediately. Inducing vomiting to remove the xylitol is imperative, but close monitoring of blood sugar levels and intravenous infusions of glucose (sugar) may also be needed depending on the amount ingested and how quickly the problem was recognized.

Soda and Your Teeth

One 12 oz can of soda contains between 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar and the acid in soda begins to dissolve tooth enamel in only 20 minutes. "Sugar Free" or diet sodas also contain acid that can damage your teeth. That's why heavy soda consumption is linked to tooth decay, so this holiday season be conscious of your beverage choices.

Happy, Healthy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our patients!

Wishing all our patients and their families and friends a blessed holiday weekend. 

 
Throughout my twenty-three year career in dentistry, I have been blessed to welcome the finest patients into my dental practice! The ability to help someone change their life with the creation of a beautiful smile has been an amazing experience for me and the anticipation of helping others continues to motivate me to deliver better and better services to my patients!

We value and treasure our patients, and treat them like family. We will work with you so that you can have the smile you've always wanted. Do you have one or more missing teeth? An uncomfortable partial denture or full denture? Pain or discomfort upon chewing? We will take care of all of these problems for you, and create a smile for you that will make you feel better, look younger, and live longer!

WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR OUR PATIENTS!

 

 

Fact: Flossing Isn't Optional

Flossing breaks up the bacteria colonies that constantly multiply in your mouth, especially in the places where the toothbrush can’t reach. Brushing but not flossing is sort of like washing only the tops of your hands.

Floss at least once a day. At the gumline, curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it against each tooth in up and down motions. If this feels awkward, try pre-threaded floss holders, interdental picks or electric flossers. Water picks may help if you have gum disease (your dentist can prescribe antibacterial solutions to use in them) or have braces, which hide food. Still, they aren't a substitute for flossing because they don’t remove plaque, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. 

Our entire dental team wants to thank our Veterans for their service to our country. HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

Candy

Contrary to what mom said, sugar won't directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can. Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead

 to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities.

The worst thing you can do is leave sugar lingering on your teeth and gums. Eating any amount of candy and brushing and flossing immediately is actually less damaging than not brushing after eating one piece before bedtime.

If you can't brush after a snack attack, eat cheese or yogurt, or chew sugarless gum to boost saliva flow and neutralize acids.

Toothpaste Is a Matter of Preference

With so many kinds of toothpastes, you may wonder if one is better than another. Don’t sweat it. As long as the toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes teeth more impervious to decay, the brand or formula doesn’t matter. Look for toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Approval which means it meets ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Tartar-control toothpaste may reduce how much tartar (buildup of hardened plaque) accumulates on teeth, but some people experience sensitivity after using it. Whitening toothpastes help remove stains but they may also cause sensitivity.

** You Should Feel Comfortable with Your Dentist **

Visiting your dentist should not be an apprehensive experience. We’re working on living tissue while you’re sitting there in the chair awake, so as dentists, we must be sensitive to your feelings and any preconceived issues you may bring to that chair.

In order to feel more control over the situation, bring some music, do deep breathing exercises and use hand signals to tell your dentist if you’re uncomfortable. If you’re nervous, let your dentist know before he starts the exam. If necessary, get recommendations from family and friends to find a new dentist with whom you’re more at ease. It can make all the difference in the world.

Fiction: An Aspirin on the Gum Line Relieves a Toothache

Forget this old home remedy; you’ll burn sensitive gum tissue. If you have a toothache, swish with warm salt water, floss, then gently brush your teeth to dislodge any trapped food and take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever such ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Pain-relieving oral gels containing benzocaine or oil of cloves may also ease pain temporarily. Most importantly, see your dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches may be caused by infection, gum disease, grinding or clenching. They can also be a sign of a sinus or ear infection. Jaw pain could even be angina, a symptom of heart disease that causes discomfort when the heart doesn't get enough blood.

Happy Fall!

Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.  All of us at Richard Osmanski's Dental Office Wish You a Wonderful Fall Season!

What Causes Bad Breath?

Typically, the culprit is your tongue or to be more specific, the white film that builds up on your tongue while you sleep.  It's estimated that 60% of halitosis cases can be attributed to bad smelling sulfuric compounds produced by this layer of microorganisms and dead cells.  The solution:  Try regularly brushing your tongue, back to front, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

** Tooth Sensitivity Is NOT Normal ***

If you have sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and food, or you feel pain when you bite down on something, a visit to your dentist is in order.  Tooth sensitivity is never normal as it's an indication that there’s some underlying issue such as a cracked tooth or cavity and should be evaluated by your dentist. 

Sensitivity may also be caused by tooth whitening products, excessive consumption of acid-containing foods, soft drinks, acid reflux and tooth grinding or clenching. (If you've had a recent restoration, like a filling or crown the pain should calm down in a few weeks). A desensitizing toothpaste may help, but don’t expect immediate relief. You’ll need to use it for a month to see results.

DIET PILLS

Even though they may seem like a quick way to trim your waist, diet pills can also be a fast track to gum disease and tooth decay. 

Like many over-the-counter and prescription medications, diet pills decrease salivary flow, which causes dry mouth and puts you at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and discomfort. 

Bottom line: A balanced diet and exercise are the safest way to lose weight and protect your smile.

HOMEWORK AND TEETH WORK

Now that the kids are back in school, they not only need to focus on homework, but preventing tooth decay and cavities as well. This involves five simple steps:

1) Have them brush their teeth, tongue, and gums a minimum of TWICE a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. If a child is young, supervise them brushing their teeth.

2) They should be flossing their teeth DAILY after the age of two. Agai

n, supervision may be needed if child is young. I'm seeing more and more cavities between teeth in children, so flossing is a MUST. 

3) Make sure they eat a well-balanced diet and limit or eliminate sugary snacks.

4) Consult your dentist regarding the supplemental use of fluoride and/or dental sealants to protect your child's teeth against plaque.

5) Schedule routine (every six months) dental cleanings and examinations for your child as this is the time in their life when they can let their dental hygiene slip. 

All of us at Osmanski Dental wish your children an AWESOME school year!

Dental Floss can be used on other things besides your teeth!

Vacation Time

Wonderful Family time out east. Visited RI, Block Island, NY and NJ (Carlos Bakery - The Cake Boss). All of us here at Osmanski Dental hope you're having an awesome summer!

Menopause and Burning Mouth Syndrome

When menopause hits, your mouth can get as hot as your flashes!  


Called burning-mouth syndrome, this condition can be caused by a drop in estrogen. Your lips, palate, gums and tongue feel as if you've burned them on a hot drink - except the sensation doesn't subside. 


See your dentist to discuss options if this occurs.

New Sign of a Stroke

I've asked many a person to stick their tongue out in my office, but you also need to know the value of this in helping to diagnosis if someone has had a stroke. 

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

If you suspect a person might have had a stroke, ask the person to 'stick' out his/her tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is an indication of a stroke. Another thing to remember is the first three letters of stroke ..... S. T. R. 

S for ask the individual to smile.

T for ask the person to talk and speak a simple sentence (Coherently)

R for ask him/her to raise both arms.

If he/she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

EVERYONE AT OSMANSKI DENTAL WISHES YOU A SAFE AND FUN FILLED SUMMER!! 

Remember that Downtown Crystal Lake is having a Side Walk Sale, rain or shine, 7/19 (8 am to 8pm), 7/20 (9am to 6pm) and 7/21 (9am to 5pm). A bargain hunter's delight!

Diet Tips for a Pretty Smile

1) Yogurt - the lactic acid may ward off periodontal disease, but skip the sugary varieties

2) Sugar-free gum and hard candies - these promote saliva flow and also help fight cavities.  Xylitol-sweetned ones work best

3) Raw or firm veggies - these help "scrub" teeth.  The ones with vitamin C (broccoli and all color peppers) may also protect against gum disease.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY FROM ALL OF US AT 

RICHARD OSMANSKI'S DENTAL OFFICE!   

Oral Cancer Awareness

Congratulations to our "crew" for walking in the Northern Illinois Oral Cancer Awareness Walk. Over 500 participants, free oral cancer screenings and nearly $70,000 raised for the Oral Cancer Foundation. What a great day!

Brighten Your Smile This Summer!

So many people focus on getting their bodies in shape during the summer, but forget about their teeth. Brighten Your Smile this Summer by taking advantage of the 50% Discount on our custom take home tray whitening system (A $205 value).

Time for School Dental Exams

Summer is upon us. Time to get the local school district's requirement of a dental exam for students in grades kindergarten, second and sixth completed. If you don't have the school form for the exam, we do. 


It's also a good time to eat more carrots, cauliflower, celery and apples as they promote the flow of saliva, which prevents stains. Strawberries and oranges are also tooth polishers.

Sunscreen & Summer

Before you buy sunscreen this year, know that the FDA is standardizing the language on sunblock labels. "Broad Spectrum" means it will protect against UVB (those that burn) and UVA (those that cause skin cancer) AND pass a regulated broad-spectrum test to ensure that a minimum level of UVA protection is provided BEFORE a manufacturer can put the claim on its label. 


SPF's below 15 do NOT provide an adequate level of UVA blocking protection. Know that there is no such thing as "waterproof" or "sweatproof" products (all must be reapplied @ 40 to 80 minutes, depending on formula). 


The FDA says there is little evidence that SPFs above 50 provide a substantial level of protection and has proposed capping all SPFs @ 50+( SPF 15 filters out 93% of UV rays, SPF 50, 98% and SPF 100, 99%) Finally, remember that quantity counts: head to toe, use enough lotion to fill a shot glass; for foam, make the squirt the size of a tennis ball. 


Enjoy the sun, but safely!

Kids and Dental Cavities

Dental cavities remain on of the most common chronic childhood diseases - five times more common than asthma. Over 50% of pre-teen children and over 80% of adolescences, in America, have a cavity or filling. With warm weather approaching, sugary drinks and food will be consumed more often by kids, so PLEASE stress the importance of proper dental care and visit your dentist every 6 months. 

We have a variety of DENTAL HEALTH LINKS on our website should you have questions about many different subjects from Baby Teeth, and Prevention for ages 1-5 and 6-18 to Sealants, Thrush and Orthodontics. Visit us @ www.DrOsmanski.com

Illinois State Dental Society Capital Conference

The 2012 Illinois State Dental Society Capital Conference was held at the State Capitol last week. 

Dr. Osmanski, along with his colleagues, represented our County on legislative briefings. 

This trip gives dentists an opportunity to visit their state legislators and lawmakers to provide their recommendations on programs that will shape dentistry within the larger sphere of health care in Illinois.

Cosmetic Considerations

Teeth Whitening has become very popular lately and is great to remove those stains caused by decades of coffee or red wine, but be sure NOT to overdo it. Overuse can remove enamel, the hard white surface of the tooth, and leave you worse off than when you started. Also, the ingredients in whitening products can cause sensitivity; a prebleach fluoride rinse may help, as can using toothpaste for sensitive teeth afterward.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Not only do regular dental exams help keep your teeth and gums healthy, they can help detect oral cancer.  It's recommended that people get a dental exam from a general dentist every six months.  Your dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks, and oral cavity and thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth, specifically looking for any sores or discolored tissues.

Each year in the United States, more than 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed, and more than 8,000 people die of the disease with a five-year survival rate of only about 50 percent.  As with many cancers, the earlier it is detected and treated, the better the outcome.

Possible warning signs of oral cancer may include the following:  Bleeding sores - Sores that do not heal - Lumps or thick, hard spots - Soreness or feeling that something is caught in the throat - Difficulty chewing or swallowing - Ear pain - Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue - Hoarseness - Numbness of the tongue - Changes in the way teeth fit together

Some of our dental team will be taking part in the Oral Cancer Awareness Walk on 6/10/12.  If you wish to support them, you can donate @ donate.oralcancer.org.  Click on Donate Now and enter Team JEM-Osmanski.  

Feeling that Zingy feeling when you eat something cold?

As you age, your gums naturally receded, which exposes the roots of the teeth; also, enamel starts to soften. Proper brushing can help with the receding gums (soft-bristled brush used gently going up and down, not side to side) and a toothpaste (for sensitive teeth) and mouth rinse (use @ brushing) with fluoride can help strengthen enamel.

Saturday, April 7th, is the Downtown Crystal Lake's Lunch with the Bunny from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ Old Towne Hall. There will be food, music, games, photos and gifts.

Have an "Egg"citing Easter Day from all of us at Dr. Osmanski's Dental Office!

Dry Mouth & Soda

Allergy season has hit early this year, which means that people are taking their antihistamines already.  Antihistamines, as well as antidepressants, can cause a dry mouth.  Because saliva flushes away decay-causing bacteria, it's important to keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water, chewing sugarless gum and sucking on sugarless candies.

Watch drinking soda though, as it erodes enamel.  Use a straw to limit the liquid's contact with teeth and rinse with water after you drink.  In addition, avoid brushing right after you have acidic drinks or foods (citrus fruits) as this can exacerbate erosion.

Have a Great Spring from us all at Dr. Osmanski's Dental Office!  

KEEP AN EYE ON OLDER FILLINGS

White resin fillings last for about 8 to 10 years, and silver fillings last up to twice as long.  Beyond that, fillings start to wear down, become loose, or crack, allowing bacteria to seep in, which causes decay.  Your dentist can identify fillings that need to be replaced.  The same rule applies to bridges and crowns.  

All of us here at Dr. Osmanski's Dental Office want to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!  

IRISH BLESSING:  

May love and laughter light your days,

and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours,

wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world

with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons

bring the best to you and yours!

Are you drinking the amount of water you should drink every day?

75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism and is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters.

Research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day can ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79% and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

Water also contains Fluoride, as it exists naturally in water sources and is derived from fluorine, the thirteenth most common element in the Earth's crust. It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay.

CAVITY DETECTORS

In the past tooth decay predominated in between teeth. With the widespread use of fluoride, the very nature of tooth decay has changed. The outer surfaces of teeth are strengthened and more resistant. Today the pit and valley cavities are more prevalent than cavities in between teeth.

Pit and valley cavities are traditionally the most difficult to detect using x-rays due to the direction the images are taken from. Images are taken from the side of the tooth, which essentially hides the cavity from the dentists view.  These Cavity Detectors help us to find these types of cavities.  

X-ray imaging is still an indispensable diagnostic tool for dentistry.  X-rays and Cavity Detectors complement each other. X-rays are good at finding cavities in between teeth and on the roots.  Cavity Detectors are good at finding cavities on the tooth’s biting surface.

Our office currently uses two types of Cavity Detectors:  SOPROLIFE and DIAGNOdent

SOPROLIFE is a new imaging fluorescence device aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of caries.  The auto fluorescence technology in SOPROLIFE allows us to detect decay, even in its earliest stages, which can often be missed by the eyes or by x-rays.  It also allows us to differentiate healthy from infected tissue in order to remove only the tissue which is diseased.   SOPROLIFE  is free from ultraviolet or ionizing rays.

DIAGNOdent uses a laser beam to aide in the detection of caries. DIAGNOdent is first calibrated to your unique tooth structure by scanning a cleaned tooth surface with a harmless laser beam. After calibration we will gently scan your teeth. A small counter top unit emits an audio signal and registers a digital read-out, which identifies cavities developing below the surface.  The higher the amount of fluorescence detected by the machine, the greater the degree of decay within the tooth.

Better Dental Care Equals Better Health

The Journal of the American Dental Association recently reported that patients with diabetes who received regular dental care were roughly 33% less likely to visit an emergency room or be hospitalized because of that disease.

The study appeared in the January 2012 issue is the latest among several that have associated dental care with better systemic health. Similar findings have emerged for cardiovascular disease, preterm birth, and other disorders.

GOOD TO KNOW

52% is the increase, over just four years, in the number of people treated at hospitals for illnesses and injuries caused by medications. The causes: side effects, incorrect dosage, or taking the wrong Rx. 

PLEASE be careful and fully understand ALL medications you are taking, along with their side effect. Ask your pharmacist should you have any questions or concerns. 

We are participating in the "Have a Heart Food Drive" for our local food pantry this month. You may stop by our office to drop off any items. For a list of most needed items, you can visit our website (DrOsmanski.com) and click on the "Have a Heart Food Drive" tab.

All of us here at Dr. Osmanski's Dental Office want you wish you a VERY HAPPY 

VALENTINE'S DAY!

NIGHTGUARDS FOR TOOTH GRINDING

Using Nightguards for Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)   Bruxism, commonly know as tooth grinding, is the clenching together of the bottom and upper jaw accompanied by the grinding of the bottom and upper jaw and followed by the grinding of the lower set of teeth with the upper set. This behavior will remove critical portions of healthy enamel from the chewing surfaces of your teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench their teeth are called bruxers. They unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as when you sleep, especially in the early part of the night. During sleep, the biting force--the force at which the jaws clench together can be up to six times greater than the pressure during waking hours. Bruxing is like clinching your two fists and holding them tightly against each other for eight hours. This behavior would cause you to end up with sore hands, arms and shoulders. Well, this same thing happens to your jaw muscles. Bruxism is a force that is far more destructive to teeth than cavities because your teeth are worn down so much that their enamel is rubbed off, exposing the inside of the tooth called dentin. This exposed dentin will become sensitive. About one in four people suffer from at least one of the following: Pain or discomfort often around the ears and when yawning or chewing Tenderness of the jaw muscles Clicking, locking or popping in the jaw Jaw muscle contraction, spasms or cramping Jaw clenching or teeth grinding, severe or very loud Headaches and neck aches Ringing in the ears Tooth indentations on the tongue Fractures of teeth and fillings, especially on the front teeth, due to the high pressure Teeth sensitive to cold, pressure and other stimuli As bruxism can be a subconscious behavior that you do not realize is happening, symptoms might not be present. Complications Damage to teeth May awaken sleep partner Worsening of TMJ dysfunction Worsening of dental disorders Limitation or difficulty in jaw movement, jaw locks when opened or closed The tips of the teeth wear flat Tooth sensitivity Tooth mobility (loose tooth) Causes Emotional stress Personalities characterized by aggression, controlling, precise, nervous, competitive or people who have time urgency and achievement compulsion Malocclusion: teeth that are not aligned properly Jaw, head or neck injury Diseases such as arthritis or missing teeth Treatment The goal is to change behaviors in order to relieve symptoms. Night Guard Learning how to rest the tongue, teeth and lips properly. The tongue should rest upward with teeth apart and lips shut to help relieve the discomfort. Learn to control bad habits, such as chewing on ice or chewing fingernails or pens. Chewing gum much of the day increases the wear and tear on the joint, giving little opportunity for your jaw to recover between meals. If you chew habitually only on one side of your mouth, you concentrate all the pressure on one side rather than equally on both sides of your mouth. You need to learn to chew evenly -- left vs. right. Clenching and grinding can be consciously suppressed. Treat symptoms first with cold packs and as pain and spasms resolve, try hot packs for a half hour at least twice daily. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (ibuprofen, Naprosyn®, Tylenol®, Alleve®) even aspirin are very effective for reducing inflammation in joints, and are recommended before bed and upon waking. Most importantly, the joint should be placed at rest by eating a soft diet, avoiding hard, chewy or sticky foods. Mouth exercises to improve mouth opening, e.g., slow opening and closing, stretching the muscles to their extent then relaxing them. Relaxation or stress management techniques. A night guard which takes the punishment that your teeth would normally endure during bruxism minimizes the damage from grinding your teeth. A night guard is a thin transparent horseshoe shaped retainer like appliance made of hard plastic that has shallow borders for good tooth alignment and ideal bite relationship. This splint is worn between the top and bottom teeth and does not allow the teeth to interlock, which absorbs the force of the clenching and grinding to reduce joint irritation and inflammation. It takes two simple appointments. At the first appointment, an accurate impression of your upper and lower teeth will be made. These impressions are used to create models of your teeth. A bite record may be taken. These items are used to form a customized heat-processed hard plastic night guard. At the second appointment, the night guard will be fitted and adjustments made. The lifespan of a night guard is 3-10 years. It can protect you from the symptoms of teeth grinding if you wear it regularly, which can even lead to a better night's sleep for you and your partner!