Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding and clenching can happen during sleep or while you are awake.
Over time, these habits can wear down your teeth and damage fillings or other restorations. You may also notice jaw discomfort or tired chewing muscles. www.nhs.uk
At Yiannikos Centre for Holistic Dentistry in Nicosia and Limassol, Cyprus, I assess your teeth, symptoms and jaw function before recommending a night guard.
My approach begins with understanding why you need protection and selecting an appliance that fits your clinical needs.
Protecting your teeth begins with understanding what is affecting them.
Understanding Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Bruxism is the term used to describe teeth grinding or clenching.
You may be unaware of the habit, particularly when it happens during sleep. Sometimes, a partner notices the grinding sound. In other cases, changes to your teeth are identified during a dental examination.
Signs that deserve attention include:
- Worn or flattened tooth surfaces.
- Chipped teeth or damaged restorations.
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Jaw discomfort or tired chewing muscles.
- Frequent awareness of clenching during the day.
These findings do not establish the cause on their own.
I examine your teeth and discuss your symptoms, habits and medical history before recommending treatment.
The first step is an assessment that explains what we find.
What Does a Night Guard Do?
A night guard, also called an occlusal splint, is a removable appliance fitted over your teeth.
It creates a protective surface between the upper and lower teeth, helping to limit direct tooth wear from grinding.
A splint may also form part of the management of certain jaw joint or chewing muscle problems. Its effect on symptoms varies, so follow-up matters.
A night guard does not necessarily stop grinding or clenching. We assess whether other measures are needed alongside it. www.nidcr.nih.gov
I want you to understand what your appliance can do and why I recommend it.
Your Custom-Made Night Guard
A night guard needs to fit your teeth and function correctly when you close your mouth.
I begin by examining your teeth, existing restorations and the way your upper and lower teeth meet.
We then take an impression or digital record, as appropriate, to make your appliance.
At the fitting appointment, I check its fit, retention and tooth contacts. I also show you how to insert and remove it.
If adjustments are needed, we make them before you begin using it at home.
The fitting appointment is part of the treatment.
We use 2 mm Erkodur sheets to make our night guards.
Erkodur is a hard, BPA-free PETG material from German manufacturer Erkodent Erich Kopp GmbH. It is designed for dental appliances, including occlusal and bruxism splints.
The sheet is shaped to fit your teeth. The 2 mm specification refers to the material before shaping. www.erkodent.de
I explain the proposed appliance and how it relates to your treatment needs.
You should know what your night guard is made from and how to care for it.
Wearing and Caring for Your Night Guard
Wear your night guard according to the instructions given at your appointment.
It is usually worn during sleep. Daytime use is recommended only when it forms part of your individual treatment plan.
Clean your teeth before inserting it. Position the appliance gently with your fingers, using the technique we demonstrate. Do not force it into place.
After each use:
- Rinse the night guard with cool or lukewarm water.
- Clean it with Oxydens tablets, following the product instructions.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove the cleaning solution.
- Allow it to dry completely.
- Store it in a clean, ventilated case.
Rinse it again before placing it in your mouth.
Do not use toothpaste, mouthwash, alcohol-based cleaning solutions or hot water. www.erkodent.de
You may initially notice increased saliva or greater awareness of the appliance in your mouth.
Pain, persistent pressure on individual teeth or repeated rubbing against your gums require assessment.
If the night guard causes pain or worsening symptoms, stop wearing it and contact us. Also tell us if you notice a persistent change in how your teeth meet after removing it. www.nidcr.nih.gov
Bring your night guard to your dental reviews. We check its condition, fit and tooth contacts, and discuss how you are getting on.
Regular review helps us identify when your appliance needs adjustment or replacement.