The term “occlusal” pertains to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. BRUXISM is the involuntary habit of grinding of the teeth. If you’re harming the occlusal/chewing surfaces of your teeth through clenching or grinding, your dentist might suggest an occlusal guard. Long-term or severe bruxism can lead to pain, cracked or broken teeth, loss of tooth enamel, and in severe cases – loss of teeth themselves. What’s the solution for preventing this from happening? Occlusal guards.
Occlusal guards, commonly known as night guards or bite guards, are crucial tools in the prevention and management of oral health issues associated with teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, as well as clenching and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These specialized, removable dental appliances are designed to offer a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, thereby safeguarding the teeth and jaw from the detrimental effects of grinding and clenching.
What are Occlusal Guards?
Occlusal guards are removable dental appliances worn over the teeth to protect them. They are usually made from plastic or acrylic materials and are designed to prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming into contact. This separation can alleviate pressure on the jaw joints and muscles, reducing pain and preventing tooth damage.
What is Their Primary Purpose?
The primary purpose of occlusal guards is to protect the teeth and the temporomandibular joint from excessive wear and damage due to clenching or grinding during sleep. They help redistribute the force of biting, which can alleviate jaw strain and prevent conditions such as tooth wear and fracture, gum recession, and TMJ disorders.
Types of Occlusal Guards
Occlusal guards are oral devices used to protect teeth from the effects of grinding (bruxism) and to help manage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. There are several types of occlusal guards available, each designed to address different needs and severity levels of bruxism and TMJ issues. Here, we explore the three main types: soft, hard, and dual laminate occlusal guards.
Soft Occlusal Guards
Soft occlusal guards are designed for individuals with mild or occasional bruxism that don’t grind their teeth. These guards are made from a flexible, soft material that provides a cushioning effect for the teeth. Their pliable nature makes them particularly comfortable to wear, which is an advantage for patients who may be wearing a dental guard for the first time. While they do offer protection against the wear and tear that can come from teeth grinding, they are generally considered less durable than their harder counterparts and may need to be replaced more frequently. Soft guards are also less likely to interfere with sleeping patterns as their comfortable fit helps ease the user into becoming accustomed to their presence. These night guards typically last for approximately 6 months to 2 years, depending on the degree of teeth grinding.
Soft occlusal guards can be made in varying thickness options. The thickness of a mouthguard can influence both its comfort and versatility. Thinner mouthguards are usually less cumbersome and may offer enhanced comfort, particularly for those unaccustomed to dental appliances. Nonetheless, some individuals might favor thicker mouthguards for their added padding and sense of security.
Thicker mouthguards tend to boast greater durability and a longer lifespan owing to their extra material. They commonly withstand wear and tear from grinding forces more effectively, making them suitable for individuals with severe grinding habits or those who exert substantial force while grinding.
Dual Laminate Occlusal Guards (Hard/Soft)
Dual laminate occlusal guards represent a hybrid design combining both soft and hard materials. These guards feature a tough, durable outer layer that resists the forces of heavy grinding, and a soft inner layer designed for comfort. This combination makes dual laminate guards ideal for individuals with moderate to heavy bruxism and light clenching. They provide a balance of comfort, allowing easier adaptation by the user, and protection, with the robust external surface safeguarding the teeth from damage. Like hard occlusal guards, dual laminate options are typically custom-made to fit the unique contours of the patient’s teeth and gums, ensuring optimal effectiveness and comfort. These night guards are durable and last for 1 to 3 years, depending on the degree of teeth grinding.
Hard Occlusal Guards
For patients with severe bruxism or clenching. It protects your teeth and helps alleviate jaw pain from extreme grinding. These guards are crafted from a rigid, durable acrylic material that provides a sturdy barrier against the intense pressure of teeth grinding. Hard occlusal guards are custom-fitted to each patient’s dental structure, ensuring a precise alignment of the teeth and minimizing any unnecessary stress on the jaw. This custom fitting is crucial for both protecting the teeth from excessive wear and for prevention of potential damage. These night guards are durable and last for 2 to 5 years, depending on the degree of teeth grinding.
What Thickness is optimal?
Here are three standard thickness options to consider:
Thin (1mm) – This thickness is comparable to Invisalign. Thin, but firm. It’s suitable for daytime clenching and grinding or very mild nighttime bruxism.
Moderate/Medium (2mm) – About the thickness of a nickel coin, this is the most common night guard thickness. It effectively combats the effects of most teeth grinding and jaw clenching habits.
Thickest for Heavy Duty (3mm) – Night guards 3mm thick or more are for those with severe episodes of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Thicker guards offer increased durability, but they may take longer to feel comfortable in the mouth and may take longer to get used to wearing.
Finding the ideal thickness for a mouth guard to treat teeth grinding (bruxism), can vary depending on individual factors and preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. We will help determine the severity of your teeth grinding and fabricate one to address your individual needs. We make them in our in-house lab, so we can typically make these in one day.
Uses and Benefits
Prevention of Tooth Damage
Occlusal guards are commonly prescribed for individuals suffering from bruxism, which can lead to tooth damage, headaches, and sometimes, even TMJ disorders. They help to cushion the jaw and reduce the stress on teeth by providing a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This not only prevents tooth wear but also alleviates pain and improves sleep quality by reducing clenching and grinding.
People who grind their teeth can exert up to 250 pounds of pure force. When done repeatedly, you can imagine how this can lead to tooth damage! In our practice, we do a LOT of full mouth reconstruction treatments. Many are full mouth crowns on natural teeth, and other options involve dental implants
A large portion of patients requiring full mouth treatment do so because they have significantly damaged their natural teeth due to grinding and clenching. Every single one of our patients who get full mouth treatment are sent home with a custom occlusal guard. They shield crowns, bridges, and implant prostheses, safeguarding them against fractures caused by grinding forces.
Alleviation of Jaw Pain and Headaches
For individuals experiencing jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, an occlusal guard can help alleviate discomfort by reducing the pressure on the jaw joint.
Bruxism is also often associated with headaches and facial muscle tension. Wearing an occlusal guard can help alleviate these symptoms by reducing the intensity of grinding and clenching.
Preservation of Dental Work
If you have dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implants, an occlusal guard can protect them from damage caused by bruxism, prolonging their lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Improved Sleep Quality
Bruxism can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to restless nights. Using an occlusal guard can help promote better sleep by reducing the frequency and intensity of teeth grinding, allowing for more restful sleep.
Overall, wearing an occlusal guard can contribute to better oral health, reduced pain and discomfort, and improved overall quality of life for individuals prone to teeth grinding and clenching.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Guards
Custom guards offer several advantages over their over-the-counter counterparts. Firstly, they provide a precise fit, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness in protecting your teeth from grinding and clenching forces. Additionally, custom guards are typically made from higher-quality materials, which are more durable and longer-lasting compared to over-the-counter options. They are also designed to accommodate any existing dental work, such as crowns or bridges, providing customized protection for your unique dental situation.
On the other hand, over-the-counter occlusal guards are readily available at pharmacies or online stores without the need for dental visits or impressions. While they may be more affordable initially, over-the-counter guards are generic in shape and often lack the personalized fit and durability of custom guards. They may not fit well, potentially causing further jaw discomfort and less effective symptom relief. Overall, while over-the-counter guards may be convenient for temporary use or occasional grinding, custom occlusal guards offer superior comfort, durability, and effectiveness in protecting your teeth and dental work over the long term.
Who makes OUR Occlusal Guards?
We do. We take pride in crafting personalized occlusal guards tailored to the unique needs of each patient. With a dedicated team of skilled professionals, we oversee every step of the process in-house. From the initial consultation to the final fitting, we prioritize attention to detail and precision to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients. By making our own occlusal guards on-site, we can maintain strict quality control standards and customize each guard to fit comfortably and effectively in our patients’ mouths. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just the fabrication process – we also provide thorough education and support to help our patients understand the importance of their occlusal guards and how to properly care for them. With our expertise and personalized approach, we strive to deliver exceptional results and promote long-term oral health and wellness for all our patients who can benefit from these appliances
Procedure and Fitting Process
First, we make impressions of the patient’s teeth, which is then used to create their customized occlusal guard. We sometimes need to make adjustments to ensure that the guard fits perfectly, allowing for comfortable wear and effective protection. We do it all in our in-house lab. If we already have current impressions and models, we can usually have them ready in just one day. If not, and we need to start from scratch, here are the steps, which take a few hours from beginning to end. We:
- Make the impressions of the patient’s mouth.
- Pour them in stone (it takes a while for them to fully dry)
- Trim them
- Fabricate the occlusal guard with material and thickness appropriate for that patient’s needs
- Trim it
- Try it in the patient’s mouth, make any needed adjustments
- They take it home
Maintenance and Care
Bacteria grow in moist environments, so keeping your mouthguard clean is imperative. You should rinse it with cold water and give it a brush after each use. Just use a toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush it and thoroughly clean it. When not wearing it, store in (clean) in a clean, dry case until the next use. It is important to store the guard in a dry container to keep it dry and prevent warping.
Avoid harsh cleaning products on it. Avoid any cleaner with bleach or alcohol as these can shorten the life of the appliance. There are plenty of products that are gentle and safe. Basic soap and water is great, too. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly!
When you come for your regular cleaning and check-ups, bring it with you. We can check it and ensure the guard is still functioning properly and make any necessary adjustments.
Remember: If any dental work is done, the occlusal guard may be able to be adjusted to accommodate the changes, or possibly remade altogether.
Conclusion
With options ranging from soft, hard, to dual laminate guards, patients can choose the type that best suits their severity of symptoms and comfort preferences. Custom-made guards, though more expensive than over-the-counter versions, provide significant advantages in terms of fit, effectiveness, and overall oral health maintenance. Regular care and periodic adjustments by a dentist ensure these guards continue to perform optimally. Ultimately, investing in a well-fitted guard is a proactive step towards maintaining dental health and improving quality of life.
