Night Guards
Occlusal splints (also called bite splints, bite planes, or night guards) are removable dental appliances carefully molded to fit the upper or lower arches of teeth.
They are used to protect teeth and expensive restorations, manage mandibular (jaw) dysfunction, and stabilize occlusion or create space prior to restoration procedures. People prone to nocturnal bruxism, or nighttime clenching, should routinely wear occlusal splints at night.
Symptoms of Grinding or Clenching
- A sore, tired jaw
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Earaches
- Sensitive teeth
- Many people have no symptoms
Damage Caused by Grinding
- Chipped Teeth
- Flattened, grooved, worn-down teeth
- Loosened teeth
- Bone loss (periodontal problems)
- Cracked teeth
If grinding/clenching is left unchecked, it may lead to jaw muscle or joint problems and even tooth loss.
Occlusal guards are typically made of a heat-cured acrylic resin. Soft acrylics are not as durable, and are more commonly made for short-term use.Usually these type are found at the store and not a good substitute.
(insert soft guard pic)
They generally cover all the teeth of the upper or lower arch, but partial coverage is sometimes used. Occlusal Guards are usually used on either the upper or the lower teeth, termed maxillary splints or mandibular splints respectively, but sometimes both types are used at the same time. Maxillary splints are more common, although some situations favor mandibular splints.
Patient Instructions for Wearing
The occlusal guard will allow your jaw joints and muscles to function more smoothly. It will allow the jaw to find its best position because the guard prevents the teeth from locking together. It should reduce muscle spasm, clenching habits, jaw/joint pain, teeth wear, and cracked teeth.
Wear the occlusal guard as instructed, which is usually during sleep. You may have been advised to wear it during the day also, especially when you are tense and find yourself clenching and grinding.
Initially, excess saliva may be present for a few days. You may find you have removed your guard during the night. Do not worry about this. Place it in your mouth again the next night. It may take a couple of weeks before you adjust to wearing the guard.
When the occlusal guard is removed from the mouth, you may notice that the "bite" of your teeth feels different for a few minutes. This is to be expected because of the relaxation of your lower jaw muscles.
After a few days, you should have less difficulty in speaking. Remember, any difference in your speech is magnified in your own ears, but is not as noticeable to others.
Do not clench your teeth on the occlusal guard because this will cause muscle spasms or pain.
Maintaining Your Guard
Remove your guard in the morning and then rinse it in cold water. Clean the outside very lightly with a toothbrush.
You may soak it in a denture cleaner as needed.
Do not use alcohol or alcohol-based products. Never boil your occlusal guard. Good tooth brushing and flossing of your own teeth is also very important.
Use your storage case to store your occlusal guard. You can store it dry. Do not store it in alcohol or alcohol-based products. Many mouthwashes contain alcohol so please read label carefully!
Keep your regular check-up appointments and remember to bring your guard with you. They are necessary for adjusting and refitting the occlusal guard.
If you are having jaw pain, please let me know as soon as possible.
Please keep your guard away from pets; they tend to enjoy snacking on them.