Night Guards/Occlusal Guards

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding of your teeth, and clenching is when you hold your jaw and teeth tightly in one same position. Most of us do it without realizing it, but it usually happens unconsciously when we are sleeping. During the day when you are stressed, working, or focused on doing a specific task, you may also be grinding or clenching your teeth. Because your mouth and teeth are exposed to these pressures daily, symptoms can develop which include but are not limited to: 1) wear facets on teeth 2) fracturing teeth 3) loosening teeth 4) losing teeth 5) receding gums 6) jaw pain or joint pain 7) toothaches or earaches 8) muscle aches 9) headaches 11) chronic pain in mouth/ear area 12) sensitive teeth. There are various methods to try to alleviate the symptoms caused by grinding or clenching. One of these includes a custom night guard. There are over the counter mouth guards, but they usually do not fit well. A custom night guard starts with an impression of your teeth and a guard is fabricated to fit only your mouth. The guards helps to protect your teeth from the pressures of grinding because the guard will take the brunt of the forces. Sometimes night guards are also recommended for those who have gotten major dental work in order to protect the dental work.

Night guards are slightly different than athletic mouth guards. Although the process of getting one made is similar, mouth guards serve a different purpose. Mouth guards are in place to prevent oral injuries by cushioning a blow to the face.