Night guards or Occlusal Guards

Eliminate jaw pain, headaches and damage to your teeth from grinding and

Clenching

Headaches, jaw pain and damage to your teeth can all be caused by grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw while you sleep. Dentists term this condition bruxism, and it is much more common than you’d think.

Most patients who brux are completely unaware that they are doing it. Often, it is the spouse of the bruxer who becomes aware of it first, as he or she is disturbed by the grinding or chomping of teeth in the night.

In addition to causing pain and discomfort, bruxism will grind down your teeth or dental work, causing damage well beyond normal wear and tear

Symptoms of teeth grinding

  • Wake up with headaches
  • Dull headache starting in the temples
  • Flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
  • Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
  • Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely
  • Jaw, neck, or face pain or soreness
  • Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
  • Sleep disruption due to grinding
  • Clenching
  • Teeth grinding while asleep

A Custom Night guard Can Eliminate Bruxism and Relax Your Jaw, Comfortably

BDC has successfully assisted numerous patients in the treatment of bruxism with a simple nightguard.

A nightguard or “occlusal guard” is shaped, so that it fits most comfortably. It is placed on one jaw – generally the bottom – and it acts as a protective layer between the two sets of teeth.

Nightguards look similar to mouthguards, but are much less bulky and act only as protection for grinding.

Pre-post pic

 

 

 

 

Bruxism caused this patient to wear down his front teeth. After Dr. Rajeev restored his teeth to normal size with crowns and veneers, he provided this patient with a nightguard to ensure that the new teeth would not be damaged.

It is a good idea to use a night guard to avoid major, permanent damage to one’s teeth that is often associated with bruxism.

Beyond the head or jaw pain often caused by bruxism, damage may be caused to the teeth by the constant grinding: cracks, fissures, chipping, weakening and removal of protective tooth enamel that can lead to increased sensitivity to cold and heat.

 

FAQ’s

Can Night guard be worn during the day?

Yes, it is effective at any time of the day or night, although most people will wear it at night when they can’t consciously monitor or stop the problem.

Will the Night Guard completely stop clenching or grinding?

It will probably not stop clenching or grinding for most people. Rather, it is designed to save the teeth from unusual wear or chipping caused by grinding and clenching and relieves symptoms caused by night time clenching and grinding. For some people, it may make the habit of clenching and grinding on the mouth guard more recognizable so they stop the habit.

Does it have to be worn every night?

Many teeth grinders only have periodic problems or flare-ups when they grind, especially during stressful times. During these times, they often wake up in the morning the next day with a sore jaw from clenching or grinding during the previous night. These are the most important times to wear it to save the teeth.

Does it help with TMJ?

TMJ stands for “Temporomandibular Joint Disorder” with symptoms including pain in the jaw, the temporomandibular joints, around the ear, and pain while chewing. Because the Night Guard is worn on the front teeth, it decreases the impact and stress of clenching and grinding on the back teeth and jaw. Many people have said it greatly reduced their TMJ symptoms.

I’ve never worn a mouth guard at night. Will it be uncomfortable?

Most people report it’s a weird feeling to sleep with a mouth guard at first and some even describe it as uncomfortable and difficult. Like anything new, it will probably take some time to get used to, but it is worth it to give it some time. If you’ve ever worn eyeglasses or contact lenses for the first time, you’ll understand. New eyeglasses and contact wearers frequently have itchy eyes, headaches or pain on the bridge of the nose. Over time, the wearer usually adjusts in the span of several days or weeks, and after they become comfortable with the new devices, they accomplish their goal of better eyesight.

How do I store and clean the Night Guard when not in use?

The Night guard should be rinsed in water after each time worn and placed back in the protective case when not in use. We recommend it should be rinsed or soaked in hydrogen peroxide periodically. Hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive and safe to use and can be poured in the protective case so that it covers the entire mouth guard. This can be done once a week, or even daily. It is also recommended to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning during and immediately after any illness.

What is Night guard made of? Are the materials safe?

It is made from food grade materials that are non-toxic and safe for use as an oral appliance. We spent a long time researching materials that would be safe and non-toxic.