Occlusal Guards & Oral Appliances

Occlusal guards (or night guards) may be recommended for patients with muscle tension (cheeks, temple, neck or shoulders), headaches, temporomandibular joint pain and/or tooth wear. Commonly, patients have no idea they have been clenching or grinding their teeth, but tooth wear will be noted upon examination. If this is the case, we will take intraoral photos and discuss what type of occlusal guard appliance is recommended for your specific needs. An occlusal guard is a great preventative/protective appliance that is recommended to be worn at night time, and it is important to note that it is different from a clear retainer. Without proper protection, a patient is at high risk for continued damage to the outer enamel as well as the softer underlying tooth structure of their teeth, joint pain, unaesthetic changes, cracks or fractures of teeth, and more.

How occlusal guards are fabricated and adjusted is extremely important. At Elite Dental, we take a 3D scan of your teeth that is sent to a laboratory who custom designs and 3D prints your appliance. Our assistants then try in and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the proper fit. Because of this newer technology, appliances are much less bulky and more comfortable to wear than older iterations. If an appliance is not fitted properly, patients may note increased jaw or muscle pain, and even a change in their bite. Because of this, we do NOT recommend over the counter appliances. A well-fitting occlusal guard that protects ALL of your teeth, your joint and your muscles is a worthwhile investment.

Other oral appliances include clear retainers that prevent teeth from shifting and moving after orthodontic treatment is completed, and custom bleaching trays for tooth whitening. These appliances are also 3D scanned and custom fitted by our assistants.

Key notes on occlusal guards and oral appliances:

• Limit appliance use to no more than 8 hours per day
• Care for your appliance(s) includes rinsing, followed by brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush with water or a gentle hand soap. At this time, Zima Pods are the only at home ultrasonic device approved by our office as others may distort your appliance if they heat up the water. You may also bring your appliance with you to any appointment and we will professionally clean it in our ultrasonic machine.
• Any adjustments to your appliance need to be scheduled within 3 months of initial delivery to avoid incurring additional fees