Occlusal Guards 

Also referred to as a night-guard, bite guard, or bite splint, a sleep guard is a removable appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth. It helps prevent damage to your teeth that can be caused by grinding and clenching, a destructive oral habit also known as bruxism. While occlusal guards don’t necessarily stop you from grinding or clenching, they do help protect the tooth surfaces from damage caused by those actions. Occlusal guards can also help alleviate the symptoms associated with bruxism including jaw pain, head and neck muscle pain, tooth wear and fracture, tooth sensitivity, and headaches. Occlusal guards are similar in appearance to sports mouth-guards but are typically less bulky and are made of smoother, thinner plastic. They should be custom-made by your a dental practice to fit the teeth exactly. 

Some symptoms that may indicate the need for an occlusal guard include: 

• Teeth clenching and grinding

• Jaw pain or stiffness

• Fractured or worn-down teeth and dental restorations

• Loose teeth

• Temperature-sensitive teeth

• Headaches, earaches, toothaches in the morning

• Facial pain

• Disrupted sleep

• Sleep partner complains about the noise