Occlusal Guards
Nevins Dental Center – 3 Center Plaza, Suite 310 Boston, MA 02108
These removable devices fit over your teeth to help prevent the wear that develops when you grind or clench your teeth as you sleep.
Occlusal Guards for Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Occlusal guards are custom-made, removable devices designed to fit comfortably over your teeth, offering protection from the damage caused by nighttime teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism. If you’re experiencing disrupted sleep or wake up with headaches, toothaches, or jaw joint pain, an occlusal guard might be the ideal solution for you.
You may benefit from an occlusal guard if you regularly feel fatigued despite a full night’s sleep or notice soreness in your jaw or teeth upon waking. During your dental appointment, if we observe signs of excessive wear, grinding, or tooth damage, we may recommend an occlusal guard to protect your teeth from further harm.
While occlusal guards do not treat the underlying cause of grinding or clenching, they are an effective preventive measure that can safeguard your teeth and jaw from more severe issues over time. Without intervention, long-term grinding can lead to fractured teeth, tooth loss, and increased dental costs down the line. In addition to protecting your teeth, occlusal guards help relax your jaw muscles and joints, reducing the risk of chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Investing in an occlusal guard now can prevent future complications, ensuring the health and comfort of your smile for years to come.
Dr. Nevins and his entire clinic team are outstanding. I’m generally terrified of things like this, but they went above and beyond to make both myself and my parents feel comfortable every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Occlusal Guards
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT I MIGHT NEED AN OCCLUSAL GUARD?
You may benefit from an occlusal guard if you don’t feel well rested after a full night’s sleep, or if you wake up with a headache, a toothache or have jaw joint pain. If we see that your teeth have been ground down or show more wear than normal during your appointment, we may prescribe an occlusal guard.
HOW DO OCCLUSAL GUARDS WORK?
While occlusal guards don’t treat the problem directly, they prevent more serious problems that long-term grinding and clenching can create for you. Left unchecked, these symptoms can cause fractured teeth and tooth loss, which will lead to more pain and cost you more money to treat. Occlusal guards also help relax your jaw, protecting the muscles and joints from developing chronic issues down the road.