Occlusal Night Guards

Occlusal Night Guards are removable devices that fit over the teeth and are help prevent the wearing down of teeth during sleep due to night time grinding and clenching. Sometimes these guards are also worn during the day if the patient's problems are more serious than just the average teeth grinding problems.

Who Needs an Occlusal Guard?

If you wake up and do not feel rested, you have a headache or a toothache, or you have jaw joint pain, or if during a routine dental examination we notice that your teeth have been ground down to a more flattened surface than should be normal, we may be prescribe an occlusal night guard. Your teeth may start loosening and you will feel pain in your gums because of clenching your teeth too much.

How Do Occlusal Guards Work?

The purpose of the occlusal guard is to prevent further tooth damage due to clenching and grinding of the teeth. It also helps to prevent more wear on the surface of the teeth. The guards help relax the jaws which in the process lessen teeth grinding and clenching and therefore protects the jaw from joint problems that could eventually occur.