The time period “occlusal” refers back to the surfaces of your tooth which can be used for chewing. If you find yourself damaging these surfaces by clenching or grinding your tooth, an occlusal guard could also be beneficial by your dentist.
Additionally known as a nightguard, chunk guard, or chunk splint, an occlusal guard is a detachable equipment that matches over your higher or decrease tooth. It helps stop injury to your tooth that may be brought on by grinding and clenching, a damaging oral behavior often known as bruxism.1
Whereas occlusal guards don’t essentially cease you from grinding or clenching, they do assist defend the tooth surfaces from injury brought on by these actions. Occlusal guards may assist alleviate the signs related to bruxism together with jaw ache, head and neck muscle ache, tooth put on and fracture, tooth sensitivity, and complications.
Occlusal guards are related in look to sports activities mouthguards however are sometimes much less cumbersome and are made from smoother, thinner plastic.2 They are often custom-made by your dentist to suit your mouth precisely, purchased at a neighborhood drugstore ready-made (boil-and-bite or microwaveable), or bought on-line.
Do you want an occlusal guard or nightguard?
You might be questioning if you happen to’re in want of an occlusal guard or nightguard. Whereas occasional tooth grinding or clenching shouldn’t be a significant reason for concern, constant, long-term bruxism can result in ache, damaged tooth, lack of tooth enamel, and in extreme instances – lack of tooth themselves. For these people who expertise average to extreme bruxing, an occlusal guard may vastly profit oral well being.
Bruxism is a reasonably frequent downside. It’s estimated that about 10 % of adults and as many as 15 % of youngsters are affected.3 This grinding and clenching sometimes happens at evening, however can also be a daytime behavior, and most of the people are unaware they’ve the issue. Except your sleep accomplice complains concerning the noise, your dentist is often the primary to acknowledge the injury to your tooth and lift concern.
Some signs which will point out the necessity for an occlusal guard embrace:4
o Tooth clenching and grinding
o Jaw ache or stiffness
o Fractured or worn-down tooth and dental restorations
o Unfastened tooth
o Temperature-sensitive tooth
o Complications, earaches, toothaches within the morning
o Facial ache
o Disrupted sleep
o Sleep accomplice complains concerning the noise
Varieties of occlusal nightguards5
There are three frequent forms of occlusal guards used to restrict the results of bruxism. In case you have any questions on which kind is the perfect for you, then we suggest talking together with your dentist who will be capable to advise.
1. Mushy nightguard – Used to alleviate signs for delicate instances of bruxism. They match comfortably and are often straightforward to get used to sporting.
2. Twin laminate nightguards – Designed for average to extreme tooth grinders. They’ve a smooth, snug, interior floor and a tough, sturdy outer floor.
3. Laborious nightguards – Used for very extreme instances of bruxism. They’re comprised of acrylic, are extraordinarily sturdy and long-lasting, and can should be custom-fit by a dentist.
Different issues to learn about occlusal guards6
Your occlusal guard is meant to make your mouth really feel extra snug. If it doesn’t, then chances are you’ll not have the proper match. Your occlusal guard could should be adjusted after placement, and, if it feels uncomfortable in any means or if you happen to expertise any ache, then it is best to let your dentist know. They’ll be capable to assist.
Most occlusal guards are worn at evening solely, however those that grind or clench their tooth in the course of the day can also profit from daytime put on. If esthetics are a priority, your dentist could make a {custom} guard for daytime use that’s considerably much less seen from the entrance – however can also be much less sturdy than these worn at evening.
This can be very essential to scrub your occlusal guard earlier than and after every put on as they’re liable to colonization by micro organism or different microorganisms7. Inadequate care can result in higher oral well being issues or the unfold of different illnesses.
Ultimate ideas
Occlusal guards received’t cease you from clenching or grinding, however they could be a very efficient strategy to defend your tooth in the course of the day or evening if you happen to endure from these unconscious damaging oral habits. Should you do determine to get an occlusal guard, the kind you select will depend upon the severity of your particular person situation, as nicely your consolation wants and monetary limitations.
In case you have any questions on whether or not you want an occlusal guard, we suggest seeing your dentist for an analysis. She or he will be capable to diagnose any bruxing injury and assist information you thru remedy choices.
1 Tooth Grinding. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2020, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding
2 MJ;, G. (n.d.). Occlusal lodging and mouthguards for prevention of orofacial trauma. Retrieved August 14, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19408816/
3 ASA Authors & Reviewers Sleep Doctor at American Sleep Affiliation Reviewers and Writers Board-certified sleep M.D. physicians. (n.d.). Bruxism – Tooth Grinding Signs, Therapy & Causes. Retrieved September 09, 2020, from https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/more-sleep-disorders/bruxism/
4 (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2020, from https://www.nhs.uk/circumstances/teeth-grinding/
5 ASA Authors & Reviewers Sleep Doctor at American Sleep Affiliation Reviewers and Writers Board-certified sleep M.D. physicians. (n.d.). Night time Guard for Bruxism: Tooth Grinding and Clenching. Retrieved August 14, 2020, from https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-treatments/night-guard/
6 Lal, S. (2020, February 06). Bruxism Administration. Retrieved August 14, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482466/
7 Cleveland Clinic. “Mouthguards Data & Extra.” Cleveland Clinic, 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/well being/articles/10910-mouthguards?_ga=2.201488917.569986366.1590773216-787185363.1590773216.
