What is a Night Record?

Night plate is a special oral appliance used to protect the dental health of people who suffer from clenching or grinding and to reduce the problems caused by these habits. It usually comes in the form of a transparent plate or a specially shaped protective shield and is worn on the teeth overnight. This device can reduce jaw and headaches while protecting teeth and preventing wear.

Many people suffer from clenching or grinding their teeth at night due to the stress of daily life. This can lead to wear and tear of the teeth and can also cause jaw slippage. To overcome such problems and maintain dental health, aligners can be a good option. However, the first step in using this type of aligner is to consult a dentist.

In which diseases is the night plate used?

Night plates or dental night plates can be used to treat or alleviate the symptoms of the following health conditions:

Bruxism (Teeth Clenching or Grinding): Nighttime trays are commonly used to treat or relieve the symptoms of teeth clenching or grinding, known as bruxism. This condition can damage teeth when a person unconsciously clenches or grinds their teeth while asleep. Night plaque can help protect teeth and reduce jaw pain.

Temporomandibular Joint (Jaw Joint) Disorders: It can help relieve the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders. Such disorders are characterized by symptoms such as pain around the jaw joint, restricted jaw movement and headaches.

Tooth Abrasion and Tooth Erosion: Clenching or grinding your teeth can lead to abrasion or erosion of the teeth. Night plaque can help protect teeth.

Sleep Apnea: In some cases of sleep apnea, the use of a night plate can keep airways open and relieve symptoms. However, devices or methods used to treat sleep apnea are more commonly preferred.

How to apply night plaque

The correct application of a night plate or dental night plate helps to protect teeth. Here are the steps on how to apply it:

Visit the Dentist: The first step should be to visit a dentist for a professional examination and advice. The dentist will help you choose an aligner that suits your needs and tooth structure.

Taking Measurements: Your dentist will take your intraoral measurements in order to prepare the appropriate aligner for your oral structure. These measurements will allow a customized aligner to be made for you.

Preparation of the aligner: Once measurements have been taken, the dentist or laboratory will produce a custom-shaped aligner for you. The material of the aligner is usually made of a durable and hygienic polymer or thermoplastic material.

Cleaning: You should always keep the tray clean before and after use. Make it hygienic by washing it with warm soapy water and cleaning it with a soft toothbrush before use.

Frequency of Use: Night aligners are generally recommended to be worn at night before going to bed, but in some cases it may be necessary to wear them occasionally during the day.

Installation and removal: Wash your hands before putting the aligner on your teeth. Carefully place the aligner in your mouth and make sure it fits your teeth properly. It is important that the aligner is comfortable and not too tight.

Care: Clean the aligner again after use and store it in a dry place. Keeping the tray clean and hygienic is important to maintain your dental health.

Regular Checkups: Schedule regular check-up appointments with your dentist. A professional examination is important to ensure that the aligner is functioning properly.

Use of Dental Night Plates

The first step to effectively use dental night trays is to contact a dentist. The dentist will take your impressions and design a customized aligner for you.

The cleanliness of the plate is important, so it should be cleaned before and after each use. It is also critical to wear the aligner correctly. You should place the aligner in your mouth following the instructions given by your dentist.

It is necessary to use the aligner during the night, because clenching or grinding often occurs during sleep. Initially, there may be an adjustment period, but regular use can speed up habituation.

Regular maintenance of plaque and dental check-ups are also important. The dentist recommends regular check-ups to make sure that plaque is working effectively and teeth are protected.

Since it is a personalized treatment approach, it is important to pay attention to the dentist's recommendations to maintain dental health. For this reason, it is necessary to use the aligners correctly and not neglect regular check-ups with the doctor.

Who Should Use the Night Plate?

The night record is suitable for the following people:

Those with Teeth Clenching or Grinding Problems: It can offer an effective solution for people who have a habit of clenching or grinding their teeth. These habits can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain and other dental health problems.

Tooth Wear Problems: Night aligners are used to protect teeth when they are worn down or eroded. 

Headache or Jaw Pain: Clenching or grinding your teeth can cause headaches, facial pain or jaw pain. The use of aligners can help relieve such pain.

Those with Dental Restorations: Especially for people with dental restorations (crowns, bridges, implants), nighttime aligners can help protect the restorations. Teeth clenching or grinding can cause damage to restorations.

Children: Some children may also suffer from teeth grinding or clenching. In this case, there are a range of night plates specially designed for children.

It is important to consult a dentist to determine which type is best for you. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your tooth structure, the severity of your problem and your personal preferences.