All About Occlusal Guard

Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, then you may benefit from an occlusal guard. A night guard is a removable dental appliance that you wear over your teeth while you sleep.

What is an occlusal guard?

An occlusal guard is a type of dental appliance that blocks the bite, or prevents teeth from touching. This protects your teeth from being worn down over time and reduces the pressure that affects the joints. It can also help to relax the muscles and reduce stress headaches.

Why should I wear an occlusal guard?

If you suffer from bruxism, also known as teeth grinding/clenching, then your dentist may recommend you wear a mouthguard at night to prevent you from damaging your teeth and jaw muscles. Teeth grinding is an oral habit that is often caused by stress and can lead to several oral health problems, including worn-down teeth and chronic headaches. An occlusal guard can protect your teeth from excessive wear and tear while also preventing you from experiencing discomfort and pain. Talk to your dentist today to learn more about why you need an occlusal guard.

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How is an occlusal guard made?

An occlusal guard can be made using a variety of materials, including acrylic resin or soft plastic. This material is molded to fit the teeth and gums perfectly. The guard is fabricated using a stone model of the patient’s teeth to ensure a proper fit when they’re created at the laboratory. There are several types of guards available, although all share the same purpose – to prevent unconscious tooth grinding and clenching.

Some patients simply grind their teeth, but for others the habit causes jaw pain and headaches that keep them from sleeping well at night. Over time, this can lead to even more serious issues like TMJ disorder and even broken teeth. Grinding usually occurs during deep sleep, which is why many patients don’t realize they’re doing it. When they wake up with pain in their jaw, they assume they’re having an allergic reaction or some other kind of issue. This is why it’s important to have a custom-fitted guard to prevent the condition from occurring in the first place.

Most patients are given an occlusal guard to wear while sleeping in order to prevent the teeth from coming into contact with each other. This prevents them from grinding against each other and causing damage. Custom-made mouth guards are also recommended for patients with nighttime bruxism who clench their jaw during the day. These individuals use their mouth guard any time they’re not eating in order to keep their teeth and jaws aligned.

Patients who are diagnosed with sleep apnea are often prescribed a custom-fitted night guard as well. If the airway becomes obstructed during sleep, it can cause the patient to stop breathing altogether for brief moments. Keeping the guard in place prevents this from happening throughout the night, so it doesn’t have a negative impact on their health. Whether a patient has obstructive sleep apnea or nighttime bruxism, a night guard can be an effective treatment