Nightguard
The occlusal guard is a diagnostic, repositioning, relaxing appliance. The guard will allow your jaw joints and muscles to function more smoothly. It will allow the jaw to find its’ best position because the guard prevents the teeth from locking together. It should reduce muscle spasm, clenching habits, jaw/joint pain, teeth wear and cracked teeth. The guard has been shown to help 70-90% of the people with your problem, however, you must remember that the occlusal guard only sets up conditions for healing and that the body must heal and repair itself. This is a work in progress and you will most likely need to return for several adjustments, especially within the first few months.
Wear the occlusal guard as instructed, which is usually during sleep. You may have been advised to wear it during the day also, especially when you are tense and find yourself clenching and grinding. Excess saliva may be present for a few days. You may find you have to remove your guard during the night or you just can’t sleep with it in your mouth. Do not worry about this. Place it in your mouth again the next night. It may take a couple of weeks before you adjust to wearing the guard. If recommended ‘daytime’ wear, you should have little difficulty in speaking after a few days. Remember, any difference in your speech is magnified in your own ears, but is not as noticeable to others.
When the occlusal guard is removed from the mouth, you may notice that the “bite” of your teeth feels different for a few minutes. This is to be expected because of the relaxation of your lower jaw muscles. This may indicate a need for future treatment to rebuild a stable bite.
Do not clench your teeth on the occlusal guard because this will cause muscle spasms or pain. Remember this phrase: “From these words never depart, lips together, teeth apart.” Your teeth should be apart when the guard is out also, unless you are chewing and swallowing food.
CARE: Clean both sides carefully with a toothbrush and toothpaste or with warm soapy water with a denture brush every time you remove it. Do not use alcohol or alcohol-based products. Never boil your occlusal guard, as this will melt it. Use your storage case to store your occlusal guard. You can store it either wet or dry; however, do not store it in alcohol-based products. Many mouthwashes contain alcohol so please read label carefully!
Do not leave your guard in the car or a hot environment because of the possibility of it melting. Keep your guard away from pets; they seem to love to play with them. Also, if you are traveling, please be aware of where you have placed your guard, it can be easily lost.
Keep your regular check-up appointments and remember to bring your guard with you. They are necessary for adjusting and refitting the occlusal guard.
If you are having jaw pain, avoid eating tough and chewy foods while your TM joints, ligaments and muscles are healing. When you experience pain, apply heat to the affected area of the face. Use a damp washcloth under a hot water bottle for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Sipping on hot liquid, such as tea, and rolling them around in your mouth may provide comfort. Additionally Ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory medication can be taken.