Occlusal Guard

An occlusal guard is a specially made dental appliance worn at night to prevent damage to your teeth. It is made from acrylic and fits comfortably over your teeth.

What are occlusal guards?

Occlusal guards are oral appliances used to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. Clenching or grinding your teeth is a survival instinct that dates back to caveman days, when our ancestors were protecting themselves from predators by biting down on prey. But in modern times, this impulse can create serious problems for the enamel that protects our teeth. Over time, chronic tooth-grinding and clenching can wear down your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay and damage. This can result in painful sensitivity and the need for restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals.

An occlusal guard will fit over the upper or lower arch of your mouth with a comfortable outer layer covering a soft inner layer. The appliance will protect the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars when you clench down on a mouthpiece. While it won’t completely stop your habit, it will reduce your risk of damaging your teeth. A dentist can create a custom-fitted appliance for you to wear at home while you sleep at night. Your mouthguard should be worn every night for the best results. They can be removed easily for cleaning and additional comfort.

No matter how well you brush and floss, plaque can still build up on your teeth and prevent you from achieving your best smile. If left untreated, it can cause cavities and even periodontal disease. At-home hygiene is especially important when you’re wearing an occlusal guard because it will cover up some of your natural cleaning methods. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re wearing the appliance. If you experience any discomfort while wearing your appliance, be sure to alert your dentist right away. He or she can adjust your fit or replace your guard if necessary.

-Dr. Thomas M.

What types of occlusal guards are there?

There are three main kinds of occlusal guards, and each one offers a different level of protection. The mouth guard you wearing now is probably a soft plastic one that fits over your teeth and is mostly used to protect teeth from clenching or grinding at night. It’s designed to fit comfortably in your mouth so that you can wear it all night without any discomfort. However, it does not offer as much protection as the other two kinds described below.

The first type of occlusal guard is called a stabilization splint. It is designed for patients who have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder but do not need surgery to correct the problem. Stabilization splints are made of plastic and are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth. This type is used to keep the upper and lower jaws in alignment to prevent grinding and clenching during the night.

The second type of occlusal guard is a hard acrylic one. This type of device is usually used for athletes who have a high risk of breaking their teeth during physical activities like contact sports. It can also be used for anyone who clenches their jaw either during the day or while they sleep. These ones are more rigid than soft ones and offer better protection from fractures of teeth.

The third kind is an injection-molded one. This is a custom appliance that is created from a mold of the patient’s upper and lower arches so that the fit is perfect every time. They are less effective at protecting against tooth damage than the other types since they are not as thick as the others. They are also more costly than the first two because they are a custom appliance.

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How long do occlusal guards last?

The lifespan of an occlusal guard varies based on the type of material it’s made from, as well as the amount of wear and tear it receives. If the patient has a habit of grinding or clenching their teeth during sleep, the guard is more likely to become worn down over time. However, a night guard that is made from hard acrylic resin can last for years with proper care and cleaning. The patient should brush and floss around their mouthguard daily to prevent bacteria buildup on the gum line and prevent gum disease. If they’re unable to clean the guard properly between brushings, they should consider soaking it in a denture cleaner or a mouthwash that has antibacterial properties to help kill germs and clear away excess debris.

Patients who grind their teeth tend to develop more cavities around their night guard because the abrasive action wears away the protective layers of the tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to more serious problems such as receding gums or gum disease. For this reason, it’s important for patients to wear their occlusal guard every night while they are sleeping to prevent the teeth from wearing down as much as possible. It’s also a good idea for these patients to get regular exams with their dentist so they can check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems that might need to be treated before they become serious.

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This excerpt is from a post titled “How Do Night Guards Work?” You can read the full entry here.

Author: AB Dental Studio

Date Published: 2018-12-07 01:15:24

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Are occlusal guards covered by insurance?

While most dental insurance plans cover the cost of preventive services, such as checkups and cleanings, they do not typically cover the cost of occlusal guards. This is because they are considered optional and not medically necessary.

Patients should talk to their dentist to find out if they can purchase an occlusal guard out of pocket or if they might consider an alternative option. Some possible alternatives include mouthguards and night guards. Mouthguards are often made at the dentist’s office and are customized to fit the patient’s mouth to help them protect their teeth from damage while playing sports or experiencing an impact to the face. Night guards and bite splints are another option. These appliances are worn at night to prevent tooth grinding and protect teeth from damage caused by clenching and tension. The cost for these options is generally less expensive than that of an occlusal guard. To learn more, schedule a consultation with our dentists today.

Dr. Jane Ann Chen is a general dentistry practitioner who specializes in pediatric dental care. At her practice, she helps patients from all over the Willow Glen area achieve healthy mouths and beautiful smiles through general care and cosmetic dentistry. For patients who need additional protection for their smile or suffer from bruxism, she may recommend a custom-fitted occlusal guard. To schedule an appointment with her, call her office today at (408) 262-4380. Visit the website to receive information about scheduling an appointment using our online form.