Night (Occlusal) Mouthguards
The term “occlusal” refers to the surfaces of your teeth that are used for chewing. Unintentional clenching and grinding (bruxism) either at nighttime while sleeping or during the day, can damage your teeth, and even cause gum and bone loss because of the constant pressure your bite forces are creating.
Also referred to as a night guard, bite guard, or bite splint, an occlusal guard is a removable appliance worn while sleeping that fits over your upper or lower teeth. It helps prevent damage to your teeth that can be caused by grinding and clenching. Night guards are typically made from durable, yet comfortable materials like acrylic or thermoplastic and are custom fitted to your teeth to ensure proper protection and comfort.
Benefits of a Night (Occlusal) Mouthguard
- Protect teeth from damage such as tooth wear, fractures, and chips caused by grinding or clenching during sleep.
- Protect gums and bone from loss caused from sustained pressure from unintentional clenching and grinding.
- Relieve jaw tension by reducing stress on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ), alleviating pain and discomfort.
- Prevent headaches and minimize the occurrence of tension headaches associated with bruxism.
- Protect existing dental work from damage or failure caused by the bite forces of clenching and grinding.
Athletic Mouthguards vs. Night Guards
While both athletic mouthguards and night guards serve to protect your teeth, they are designed for different purposes. Athletic guards extend higher to cover your gums and soft tissues, offering comprehensive protection against impacts. In contrast, night guards are typically shorter to avoid irritation from prolonged pressure on your gums and soft tissues, as they are intended for managing teeth clenching and grinding.
Sleep Soundly
Dental night (occlusal) mouthguards are a practical solution for patients experiencing nighttime teeth grinding or jaw clenching. A night mouthguard will help relieve jaw pain and protect your teeth from further wear and improve your quality of life.