You’ve decided an occlusal guard is next on your list of must-haves to improve your health. This handy oral appliance, usually called a night guard, is considered the first line of defense for bruxism, the term used to describe the condition of unconscious teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Because your occlusal teeth chew and grind food, they’re the most likely to become damaged from bruxing. A night guard slides over the upper or lower occlusals, keeping them from touching and preventing the harm bruxism could cause. Night guards are also used for problems like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders) and OSA (obstructive sleep apnea.
There are various types of occlusal dental guards used for different purposes. Here, we’ll share how to choose the right night guard for your specific needs.
1. How Severe Are Your Symptoms?
The first thing to consider as you debate on the best type of night guard for you is your symptoms. If you’re trying to get help for your bruxing symptoms, you have plenty of night guard options. Teeth grinding complaints often include sensitive teeth and gums, jaw pain, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and wear and tear on your teeth enamel. A well-designed night guard can reduce all of these symptoms.
For mild and occasional bruxers, an OTC night guard might sound like the way to go. Note that these oral appliances are made from cheap material and are easy to bite through. They also don’t cover all the nooks and crannies of your unique gaps and cracks.
On the other hand, buying a night guard from your dentist can cost hundreds of dollars between office visits, fittings, and the appliance. However, you can find online professionals who create custom-made occlusal guards at a fraction of the cost of your dentist’s office. This article by JS Dental Lab explains why a custom-fit night guard is vital to your recovery.
2. Do You Need an Occlusal Splint or an Occlusal Guard?
If you’re dealing with OSA or TMJ, before you grab an over-the-counter mouth guard or order one online, talk to your healthcare professional to get their recommendations. Your doctor will likely recommend a specific type of bite splint designed especially for that condition.
Occlusal guards are often confused with occlusal splints. The two are different devices. When you have severe oral health concerns from OSA, TMJ, or long-term bruxism, you may need more help than a night guard can offer. In those situations, an occlusal splint or mandibular advancement device (MAD) is necessary. A splint or MAD protects your teeth from damage while also moving your jaw or tongue into place to treat the medical condition.
If you have sleep apnea, TMJ, or significant oral health problems, talk to your doctor about your options. But if you’re in the early-to-moderate stages of bruxism, a night guard can be beneficial.
3. What Level of Grinding Do You Have?
You’ve decided you need a night guard, not a splint, and an OTC option isn’t right for you. The last question is, which kind of occlusal dental guard should you buy?
In most cases, you’ll see three different types: soft, hard, and hybrid. Each kind of night guard is designed for various levels of bruxism, as follows:
- Soft night guards: While these sound perfect — who doesn’t want a nice, soft oral appliance if they’re going to have to wear it in their sleep? — the truth is that these guards aren’t for everyone. Soft night guards are good for those who have occasional or mild bruxing. Otherwise, it’s possible to easily bite through the material.
- Hard night guards: On the other extreme are hard night guards. These may not seem like they’ll be the most comfortable, but once you get used to them, these durable guards are ideal for those who bite through other, softer guards with their severe bruxing behaviors.
- Hybrid night guards: An in-between option is the hybrid night guard. This oral appliance, also called a dual laminate guard, is made from materials designed to hold up to moderate bruxing and fit comfortably in your mouth.
Let your bruxing’s severity determine the type of night guard you start out with. For average bruxing, check out the hybrid option. Early bruxers may benefit from the soft guard, while long-term clenchers may need a hard guard.
Conclusion
Which occlusal dental guard is right for you? The answer depends on whether you’re a bruxer or have a more severe condition, such as TMJ or OSA. If you’re ready to stop your bruxing symptoms in their tracks, a custom-fit night guard — soft, hard, or hybrid — could be exactly the solution you’ve been looking for!