Night Guards – occlusal splint

Professional Night Guard for Clenching in Brisbane

An occlusal splint or night guard is a custom-made removable dental appliance.  The nightguard for teeth is a slim acrylic guard usually fitted to the upper jaw.  It covers the biting surfaces of the upper row of teeth and prevents an individual from grinding their teeth while sleeping.

Occlusal splints or night guards are commonly recommended for people who grind or clench their teeth: a condition called “bruxism”.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is excessive clenching or grinding that is not a part of normal chewing movements. Bruxing can occur during the day or at night, if during sleep you may not even be aware.  Your dentist may recommend a nightguard to be worn whilst sleeping to prevent further stress and wear on teeth, jaw, and muscles.  By having your dentist make the guard custom for you it allows for greater comfort and makes it more compact in size.

The reason people brux is not completely understood but it is believed that both physical and psychological factors contribute.  Some reasons include stress, anxiety, illness and abnormal anatomy of teeth or jaw.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Some signs and symptoms of bruxism are quite apparent, but others may not be.  This may be due to whether you’re clenching or grinding and the severity

• Stiffness or constant pain in the jaw
• Tension, stiffness or pain in the face
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Flattened or worn out teeth
• Microfractures in tooth enamel

If left unaddressed, excessive grinding can cause broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, headaches and TMJ/TMD. A teeth clenching guard absorbs the force of teeth grinding and reduces pain.

Treatment for Bruxism

Treating bruxism requires professional dental intervention and key changes to lifestyle. In addition to a dental sleep guard, here are some tips on how to reduce teeth clenching:

• Reducing stress is the best way to address teeth clenching
• Exercise and breathing exercises are known to relieve stress
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol

Custom Night Guards for Teeth Grinding

Are you experiencing persistent jaw pain or feeling fatigue even after a good night’s sleep? Contact Central Dental today to speak with experienced dentists who specialise in sleep disorders. Call 07 3343 2100 for more information on custom night guards and solutions for teeth grinding.