Teeth clenching and grinding is a habit that most people continue for years without being aware of it. This force, which occurs during sleep, can far exceed the pressure that can be applied consciously during the day. As a result, tooth surfaces flatten, restorations break, jaw muscles become fatigued and people wake up with headaches in the morning. A night guard is a protective appliance that aims to reduce the effect of this force on the teeth. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, in Türkiye we prepare these guards custom-made with digital impressions.
How Is Teeth Clenching Noticed?
- Fatigue or tension in the jaw muscles on waking in the morning
- A feeling of pressure in the temple region and headache
- Increased cold-hot sensitivity in the teeth
- Flattening of the tips of the incisors, shiny wear areas on the chewing surfaces
- A line-shaped white mark on the inside of the cheek or tooth marks on the edge of the tongue
- Repeated breakage of fillings and crowns
These findings are not always seen at the same time. During the examination, the wear pattern on the tooth surfaces is one of the most reliable signs for your dentist.
What Does a Night Guard Do, and What Does It Not Do?
It is necessary to be clear here: the guard does not eliminate the teeth clenching habit. Its task is to distribute the force generated and place a protective surface between the teeth. In this way, the wear occurs on the guard rather than on the teeth. It can also help reduce the load on the chewing muscles in some patients.
The habit itself, however, is often related to stress, sleep patterns and some systemic factors. For this reason, the guard is considered not on its own but as part of an approach targeting the cause.
What Does a Digital Impression Provide at This Stage?
For the guard to work, it must fit the mouth completely. A loose guard moves out of place during the night and loses its protective function; an overly tight guard, on the other hand, can apply pressure to the teeth. Digital scanning records both the tooth surfaces and the bite relationship in detail. Based on this data, the guard is designed with its thickness and contact points planned.
Why Are Ready-Made Guards Not Recommended?
Products sold online or in pharmacies that are softened in hot water and shaped by biting do not establish a personalized bite relationship. When they do not fit the mouth fully, they can lead to unwanted movement of the teeth, gum irritation or strain on the jaw joint. In addition, since their thickness and hardness are not adjusted to the clinical situation, they may increase complaints in some patients. For this reason, we recommend that guard use be planned with a dentist’s evaluation.
The Difference Between Guard Types
There is no single type of night guard. Guards made of hard acrylic are durable and may be preferred in terms of force distribution. Although soft guards may feel more comfortable at first, in some patients they may make the chewing muscles work harder. In addition, whether it will be applied to the upper or lower jaw is determined according to the bite relationship and the patient’s tolerance. This choice is based on the examination findings.
The Adaptation Period and Care
A feeling of fullness in the mouth during the first nights is normal; most patients adapt in a short time. The guard should be cleaned with cold water and a soft brush every morning after removal and stored dry in its ventilated case. Hot water is not used, as it may distort the form of the guard. Toothpaste is not preferred for cleaning the guard, as it can be abrasive.
It is important that you bring your guard to check-up appointments. The wear marks on it show to what extent your clenching habit continues and help update the treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some patients also have a daytime clenching habit. The usage pattern is determined by your dentist; continuous use on your own decision is not recommended.
It is not an expected outcome with custom-made guards that are checked regularly. This is a risk encountered more with ready-made products.
Your dentist determines the frequency of use. Regular use is important for the continuity of the protective effect.
It varies according to the severity of clenching. It needs to be renewed when it wears down; this shows that the guard is doing its job.
A decrease in complaints may be seen in some patients; however, the outcome varies from person to person and a holistic evaluation is required.
Since tooth and jaw development is ongoing in children, the approach is different; the decision is made with the dentist’s evaluation.
Do not wait for your teeth to wear down.
If you are experiencing morning jaw pain, sensitivity or suspected teeth clenching, have an evaluation. Contact us to book an appointment; let us create your personalized protective plan at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes. Guard use and the treatment plan are determined by your dentist after the clinical examination.
