INTRODUCTION
Prevent Teeth Bruxism by Wearing an Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint or night guard treats bruxism (teeth grinding), teeth clenching, and symptoms of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders). An occlusal splint is an acrylic oral appliance that is custom-made to fit over the top or bottom teeth and is usually worn while sleeping. It may also be worn during the day in severe cases. It is used to reduce grinding and clenching behaviours, prevent damage to the teeth, and reduce muscle and joint pain. An occlusal splint takes the brunt of the pressure that would otherwise be directed at your teeth. The splint is worn down while your teeth remain protected.
FEATURES
Why Is an Occlusal Splint/Night Guard Required?
An occlusal splint or night guard treats bruxism (teeth grinding), teeth clenching, and symptoms of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders). An occlusal splint is an acrylic oral appliance that is custom-made to fit over the top or bottom teeth and is usually worn while sleeping. It may also be worn during the day in severe cases. It is used to reduce grinding and clenching behaviours, prevent damage to the teeth, and reduce muscle and joint pain. An occlusal splint takes the brunt of the pressure that would otherwise be directed at your teeth. The splint is worn down while your teeth remain protected.
Benefits of Wearing Occlusal Night Guards
Improves Sleep at Night
1
A well-fitted occlusal splint will allow your muscles to relax by aligning the jawbone. Wearing night guards at night fosters healthier and more restful sleeping patterns by reducing the tension or stress on teeth.
Prevents Tooth Damage
2
Occlusal splints effectively limit the movements of the jaw muscles at night and provide protection against bruxism and teeth clenching, saving the orofacial structures from damage. They absorb a large part of the pressure or strain produced by the jaw, so the splint wears down rather than your tooth enamel.
Fewer Headaches & Less Jaw Pain
3
Night guards form a barrier between teeth and minimize their direct contact, distributing the pressure of grinding or clenching equally to the entire jaw, effectively reducing headaches. They also allow the jaw muscles and ligaments to relax, provide vertical support to the jaw by stabilizing it, and can help prevent snoring by keeping airways open.
MATERIAL
Material of Occlusal Splint Guards
The common material from which occlusal splints are fabricated is either acrylic resin or softer thermoplastic rubber. The occlusal splints are removable appliances that can be easily removed when required. Night guards or occlusal splints are specially designed to stabilize and support muscles to prevent malocclusions and correct the positioning of teeth. At Balsam Dental in The Beaches, we can walk you through which material is best for your specific grinding pattern.
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SYMPTOMS
Factors That Indicate You Might Need an Occlusal Splint
Various factors indicate that you might be in need of wearing occlusal splints at night. If you encounter any of these problems, you should get occlusal splints as soon as possible to prevent severe oral complications.
Common signs you may need a night guard
• Difficulties while chewing food
• Pain, ache, or discomfort in the teeth, muscles, or jaw
• Persistent headaches
• Increased sensitivity of teeth to temperature extremes
• Clenching and grinding sounds noticed at night
• Worn or flattened tooth surfaces
If any of these apply to you, book an appointment at Balsam Dental in The Beaches, Toronto.
BENEFITS
Types, longevity, and use.
What Are the Different Types of Occlusal Splints or Night Guards?
The occlusal splints are of different kinds and are fabricated according to people's preferences and needs. They can be hard, soft, and semi-soft and can cover all of your teeth or specific teeth, depending on your oral conditions. Types include: Stabilization Splints, Repositioning Splints, Soft Night Guards, Hard Night Guards, and Hybrid Night Guards.
How Long Do Night Guards Last?
The lifespan of night guards is generally dependent on factors like how often they are worn, their type and quality, and how often you brux your teeth. However, some dentists say that, on average, the occlusal splints or night guards can last up to 2 to 3 years if they are handled with care.
How Do You Use an Occlusal Night Guard?
People can grind and clench subconsciously during the day and night, although sleep-related bruxism is often a bigger problem because it is harder to control. The cause of bruxism is not completely agreed upon, but daily stress may be a trigger in many people. One of the first treatments recommended for TMD is the use of an occlusal splint because it is a non-invasive, reversible treatment.
Is a store-bought guard as effective as a custom one?
Store-bought night guards are much less effective than custom-made ones. They fit poorly, wear out quickly, and can actually shift the position of your teeth over time. A custom night guard fits precisely to your teeth, lasts longer, and doesn't cause the fit issues that store-bought versions can. For something you'll wear every night for years, the difference in quality is well worth it.
How long does it take to get used to sleeping with a night guard?
Most patients adjust within 1–2 weeks. The first few nights can feel strange — extra saliva, awareness of it in your mouth, maybe waking up having taken it out. Stick with it. Once your brain accepts it as normal, you won't notice it anymore, and many patients report better sleep overall once the grinding stops.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse it under cool water when you take it out in the morning, and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste — too abrasive). Once a week, soak it in a denture cleaner or a mix of water and white vinegar for about 30 minutes to keep it fresh. Store it in its ventilated case, not in water.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding altogether?
A night guard doesn't stop the grinding motion itself — it protects your teeth from the damage of grinding. Your jaw muscles still work; they're just working against the guard instead of your teeth. For some patients, we combine a night guard with stress-management techniques or referrals for underlying causes if grinding is severe.
What if my night guard hurts my teeth or jaw?
A properly fitted night guard shouldn't cause pain. If yours does — sore teeth, jaw tension, headaches after wearing it — come in for an adjustment. Small tweaks to the bite surface can make a huge difference. Store-bought guards are the most common culprit for this, which is one reason we recommend custom-fitted ones.
