Who Can Benefit From Occlusal Night Guards?
At Roberts Wellness Dental, our team is always looking for ways to help patients protect their smiles and prevent long-term damage to their teeth and jaws. One common issue we treat in our Centralia office is teeth grinding and jaw clenching — also known as bruxism. For patients experiencing this often unconscious habit, occlusal night guards can be a simple yet highly effective solution.
If you’ve ever woken up with jaw pain, morning headaches, or unexplained tooth wear, you might be one of many who could benefit from wearing an occlusal night guard. In this blog post, we’ll explore what occlusal night guards are, how they work, and who they can help.
What Are Occlusal Night Guards?
Occlusal night guards are custom-made dental appliances that fit over your teeth and are worn while you sleep. These guards act as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the pressure from clenching or grinding and preventing tooth-to-tooth contact. They’re designed to relieve stress on the jaw, reduce the wear and tear on enamel, and prevent more serious dental issues from developing.
Unlike generic store-bought mouthguards, occlusal night guards created by a Centralia dentist like Dr. Roberts are custom-fitted to your unique bite and jaw alignment. This ensures maximum comfort, durability, and effectiveness.
Who Should Consider Occlusal Night Guards?
- People with Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching): Bruxism is one of the most common reasons patients use occlusal night guards. Grinding and clenching can lead to tooth sensitivity, flattened tooth surfaces, chips, cracks, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Since most people grind their teeth unknowingly during sleep, night guards provide a protective solution to minimize damage.
- Patients with Jaw Pain or TMJ Disorders: If you experience frequent jaw discomfort, popping, or stiffness in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), you may benefit from wearing a night guard. By minimizing pressure on the joint and surrounding muscles, occlusal night guards can relieve inflammation and reduce pain. Your Centralia dentist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a guard that helps stabilize your bite and relieve jaw tension.
- Those with Chronic Headaches or Facial Pain: Morning headaches and facial muscle soreness are often symptoms of nighttime jaw clenching. Over time, this can strain the muscles in the face and neck. By reducing muscle activity during sleep, occlusal night guards can help decrease the frequency and intensity of these headaches.
- People with Worn or Damaged Teeth: If your teeth are prematurely worn, chipped, or cracked, it may be due to clenching or grinding, even if you’re not aware of it. Occlusal night guards help prevent further damage and preserve any dental work such as crowns, bridges, or veneers, which can also be vulnerable to bruxism-related stress.
- Individuals with High Stress Levels: Stress is a major trigger for clenching and grinding, especially during sleep. If you’ve been through a stressful time and notice new jaw discomfort or sensitivity, talk to your Centralia dentist about whether a night guard is appropriate for you.
What to Expect When Getting a Custom Occlusal Night Guard
At Roberts Wellness Dental, getting a custom night guard is a simple and painless process:
- Consultation and Evaluation: We begin with a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw alignment, and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
- Impressions and Bite Analysis: If a night guard is recommended, we take digital impressions of your teeth to ensure a precise fit. We may also evaluate how your teeth come together (your bite) to design a guard that supports proper alignment.
- Custom Fabrication: Your impressions are sent to a dental lab where your night guard is custom-made from high-quality materials. These guards are more durable and comfortable than over-the-counter options.
- Fitting and Adjustments: Once the night guard is ready, we’ll ensure it fits properly and comfortably. Adjustments can be made if needed.
How to Care for Your Occlusal Night Guard
Taking proper care of your night guard will help extend its life and maintain its effectiveness:
- Rinse it with cool water before and after each use.
- Clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner.
- Store it in a ventilated case when not in use.
- Avoid exposing it to high heat, which can warp the material.
We recommend bringing your night guard to your regular dental visits so your dentist can check for wear and ensure it still fits correctly.
Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
Occlusal night guards are a smart, non-invasive way to protect your teeth, relieve jaw pain, and improve your overall oral health. If you’ve been searching for a Centralia dentist who understands your concerns and offers personalized solutions, Roberts Wellness Dental is here for you. We’re proud to offer trusted, family-focused dental care to Centralia and the surrounding communities.
Don’t let nighttime habits damage your teeth or disrupt your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if occlusal night guards are right for you. Your smile — and your sleep — deserve the best protection.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.