Everything You Need to Know About Occlusal Guards

Waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or noticing your teeth look worn down? You might be grinding your teeth at night without even realizing it. Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, affects millions of people and can cause serious damage to your oral health over time.

Occlusal guards offer a simple yet effective solution to protect your teeth and alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms associated with bruxism. These custom-fitted dental appliances work as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage while you sleep.

Experience Dentistry will walk you through everything you need to know about occlusal guards, from how they work to the different types available, so you can make an informed decision about protecting your smile.

What Are Occlusal Guards?

An occlusal guard, also commonly called a night guard, is a dental appliance designed to fit over your teeth and protect them from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching. These guards are typically made from durable acrylic or specialized plastic materials that can withstand the significant forces generated during bruxism.

The primary function of an occlusal guard is to create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Instead of your teeth grinding against each other, you bite against the smooth surface of the guard. This simple yet effective mechanism prevents direct tooth-to-tooth contact that would otherwise cause wear, chipping, and fracturing.

Occlusal guards work by absorbing and distributing the force from clenching and grinding across the entire surface of the appliance. The material cushions the impact, significantly reducing the pressure transmitted to your teeth and jaw joints. This protection extends beyond just your natural teeth – it also safeguards any dental restorations you might have, such as fillings, crowns, or bridges.

3 Benefits of Occlusal Guards

1. Preventing Teeth Damage

The most obvious benefit of wearing an occlusal guard is the protection it provides to your teeth. Without this barrier, chronic teeth grinding can wear down the enamel on your chewing surfaces, leading to flattened or shortened teeth. Over time, this wear can become severe enough to require extensive dental work to restore proper function and appearance.

Occlusal guards prevent this gradual destruction by taking the brunt of the grinding forces. The guard material wears down instead of your teeth, preserving your natural tooth structure. This protection is especially important for people with existing dental work, as grinding can damage expensive restorations like crowns and bridges.

2. Reducing Jaw Pain and Headaches

Bruxism doesn’t just affect your teeth – it also puts tremendous strain on your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Many people who grind their teeth experience chronic jaw pain, facial muscle tension, and frequent headaches, especially in the morning.

By keeping your teeth slightly separated, occlusal guards help your jaw muscles relax during sleep. This reduction in muscle tension can significantly decrease jaw pain and the frequency of tension headaches. Many patients report feeling more rested and experiencing less facial discomfort after starting to wear their night guard regularly.

3. Alleviating Other Symptoms

The benefits of occlusal guards extend beyond just protecting teeth and reducing jaw pain. Many people with bruxism experience earaches due to the proximity of the jaw joints to the ear canal. The muscle tension from grinding can also contribute to neck and shoulder pain.

Wearing an occlusal guard can help alleviate these secondary symptoms by reducing overall muscle tension in the head and neck area. Additionally, many people find that their sleep quality improves when they’re not unconsciously grinding their teeth throughout the night.

Protecting Your Smile for Years to Come

Occlusal guards offer an effective, non-invasive solution for protecting your teeth and managing the uncomfortable symptoms of bruxism. The benefits extend far beyond just preventing tooth wear – reducing jaw pain, headaches, and improving sleep quality can significantly enhance your daily comfort and well-being. If you’re experiencing any signs of teeth grinding, don’t wait for the damage to become severe before seeking treatment.

At Experience Dentistry in Scranton, PA, your care is guided by the expertise of Dr. Jeanette Linskey-Sanders. With her extensive experience in creating custom dental appliances, Dr. Linskey-Sanders and her skilled team take the time to assess your unique needs and provide tailored solutions. You’ll receive the highest standard of care every step of the way, from consultation to the final fitting of your occlusal guard.

Your oral health deserves exceptional care, and Experience Dentistry is committed to providing just that. A beautiful, healthy smile starts with prevention, and occlusal guards offer an effective layer of protection tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.