A custom nightguard will always last much longer than a store-bought guard, but that’s not enough to take care of it and ensure it protects your teeth for years to come. As a bruxer (or “teeth grinder”) myself, here are a few tips from yours truly. 1. KEEP NIGHTGUARDS AWAY FROM ANIMALS! It may seem like a silly suggestion, but I get the “dog ate my nightguard” story more than you would believe. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons patients need a replacement guard. At the $300-plus price tag, you really don’t want Spot eating it for breakfast. Because your animals are attracted to saliva (and your nightguard is covered in it!), they think it makes the perfect snack or toy. 2. TRY NOT TO DROP YOUR NIGH GUARD. As strong as they are, they are not meant to be dropped onto a hard bathroom floor. The nightguard’s strength to withstand 5,000 pounds worth of teeth grinding is not the same strength necessary to keep it from breaking if dropped. I’m not saying the first time you drop your guard it’s going to shatter, but I have seen them break, so be mindful. 3. CLEAN YOUR NIGHTGUARD WITH CLEAR, MILD, PERFUME-FREE HAND SOAP. Because your nightguard is made from high-grade plastic, it is porous. If you use colored hand soap, your nightguard will start to take on that color over time. Use clear hand soap (like Dial) and a dedicated toothbrush to clean your nightguard. If you 5 TIPS FOR NIGHTGUARD CARE Is Your Night Guard Handled Safely?
WILL A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES CHANGE FOREVER?
Among the many businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic were movie theaters. For the past year, as movies have debuted on streaming services rather than in theaters, many industry leaders, critics, and theatergoers alike have raised the alarming question: Did COVID-19 kill the movie theater industry? MOVIE THEATERS IN POST-PANDEMIC TIMES r ?
In short? No. Not by a long shot. The past year has certainly left the industry somewhat beleaguered — AMC closed 60 theaters permanently, Cineworld reported losses totaling $2 billion, and the Alamo furloughed more than 5,000 employees. But there is hope, and we think a night at the movies is here to stay. Here’s why … When a Vox reporter reached out to various moviegoers about whether they would attend theaters once the pandemic ends, many of them said yes because streaming a film in their living room just can’t provide the same experience. Watching a movie in a theater completely immerses one in the experience — you can’t pause the film to watch later or do chores. And you’re in it with the whole theater. Comedies are funnier when you laugh with others. A hero’s triumphs are more spectacular when you cheer them on together. (Who didn’t go nuts when Captain America caught Thor’s hammer in “Avengers: Endgame”?) When you leave the theater, you feel a little closer to the strangers around you, and having been immersed in the movie alongside your friends, you can discuss how you liked the movie on the way home. Of course, movie theaters will still change as a result of the pandemic. Theaters are working to become more digital, some even moving to eliminate paper tickets and creating options to order concessions before your arrival. More theaters may promote private viewings of movies so people can be more careful about whom they watch movies with. Some theaters are also trying to create more of an “experience” for moviegoers by offering a wider array of food and even comfier seats. However, these changes, especially given the circumstances of the past year, are hardly surprising. The movie theater industry has been evolving for over 100 years, and it certainly won’t stop evolving now.
begin to see little scratches or grooves, don’t panic — it’s normal. Also, clean it once before and after you wear it to prevent calcium buildup.
4. STORE YOUR NIGHT GUARD IN A CLEAN, BRIGHTLY COLORED CASE.
It’s very easy to misplace your nightguards! A bright colored case will help discourage you from forgetting it in a hotel room or losing it among the bathroom clutter.
5. DON’T SOAK YOUR NIGHTGUARD! If you have a high-quality nightguard from our office, DO NOT soak it! Listerine and Efferdent will dye your nightguard, and overall, our lab does not recommend it. With the tips above, you can prevent your nightguards from attracting odor and dyes and prolong the life of your investment. If you ever have questions about caring for your nightguard or other dental appliances, just give us a call!
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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