Bruxism night guard

Bruxism Night Guard Fitting at Gallant Dental Clinic

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth, which usually occurs at night as a result of spasms in the masticatory muscles. When this condition happens frequently, it can lead to excessive enamel wear and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). There are several approaches to treating this condition, among which muscle relaxation methods have proven to be particularly effective.

One of the most effective solutions in dental practice is the use of special night guards for bruxism. These protect the teeth from wear, reduce muscle tension, and help decrease muscle activity during sleep.

At our clinic, this method is applied under professional supervision. The night guards are custom-made, considering the individual bite characteristics of each patient, ensuring maximum effectiveness and comfort.

Why is bruxism dangerous?

Bruxism involves involuntary jaw clenching that exerts excessive pressure on the teeth — significantly more than during regular chewing. This can lead to premature enamel wear, exposing the dentin, which is especially harmful to entire rows of teeth.

This condition is associated with a number of complications, such as:

• Cracks and chips in the tooth enamel
• Aesthetic flaws
• Loss of individual teeth
• Reduced durability of orthodontic or prosthetic constructions
• More frequent replacement of fillings
• Increased risk of periodontal disease
• Gum pain and bleeding
• Possibility of arthritis, arthrosis, or clicking in the jaw joint due to overloading
• Frequent inflammation in the oral cavity
• More complex and costly treatment required to address the consequences of pathological tooth wear

Bruxism significantly shortens the lifespan of prosthetic constructions and often necessitates more frequent filling replacements. It also complicates dental and orthodontic treatment. If teeth grinding is persistent rather than occasional, it increases the risk of developing temporomandibular joint dysfunction. In such cases, wearing a night guard should be seen not just as a recommendation but as a necessary protective measure. Its use helps prevent most of the complications caused by bruxism.

Causes of bruxism

Today, it is known that the causes of bruxism are quite complex. Triggers may include:

• Jaw injuries or fractures
• Chronic emotional stress and tension
• Disruption of dental arch integrity — even the loss of a single tooth can trigger the problem

The duration of night guard use depends on the source and severity of bruxism. Up to 150–200 episodes can occur in a single night, which illustrates the considerable negative impact of this condition on oral health.

Methods of treating bruxism

The approach to bruxism treatment depends on its underlying cause. If the issue in early stages is linked to missing teeth, timely prosthetics can be effective. Installing dental prostheses helps restore proper tooth alignment, allowing jaw muscles to function more harmoniously.

Even in advanced cases, prosthetic treatment may yield good results. One of the most common methods is the use of protective night guards — special overlays made from soft plastic or silicone worn on one or both jaws.

Types of night guards for bruxism

There are several types of night guards, including those that do not require individual adjustment to a patient's dental anatomy. However, custom-made night guards are considered the most effective in treating bruxism. These are made from an impression of the jaw and precisely match the shape of the dental arch. The cost of such guards is notably higher than standard models, but this is due to their longer service life and superior comfort. Moreover, custom guards do not require an adjustment period — they feel comfortable right away.

Bruxism night guards can also be categorised by usage type:

• Night guards. These are most often worn at night since bruxism symptoms typically manifest during sleep. In this case, appearance is not critical - the main factors are comfort and secure fit.
• Day guards. These are used when teeth clenching occurs during the day. Such guards should be as inconspicuous and delicate as possible to avoid discomfort or unwanted attention.

In more complex clinical cases, the dentist may recommend repositioning or resonating night guards. These not only protect the teeth but also provide a therapeutic effect. Such guards can apply controlled pressure to the TMJ, shifting its position to relieve strain, or promote muscle relaxation by specifically affecting the muscle tissue to reduce spasms.

Purpose of a bruxism night guard

A bruxism guard performs several important functions:

• Reduces pressure on the temporomandibular joint
• Protects enamel and deeper tooth layers from premature wear
• Prevents tooth shifting and loosening
• Shields orthodontic and prosthetic constructions from damage
• Helps reduce activity of the jaw muscles
• Alleviates muscle tension and related pain

These transparent appliances also reduce the likelihood of bite deformation.

Care instructions for a bruxism night guard

Caring for a bruxism night guard is fairly straightforward. Considering their effectiveness, dentists recommend following these guidelines:

• Rinse the night guard with cold running water after each use, avoiding hot water, which may deform the material
• If necessary, clean the guard with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
• Disinfect the night guard at least once a week using a suitable solution
• Protect the guard from direct sunlight and mechanical damage
• Do not wear the night guard while eating hard foods
• Store the night guard in a special container or a water-filled case
• If you experience damage or discomfort, consult a dentist for advice

In addition to daily care, it is important to visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and adjustments of the custom-made guard if needed.

You can order a bruxism night guard at our Gallant Dental Clinic. Our dentists will conduct a thorough examination and recommend the most suitable type of night guard to relieve your bruxism symptoms.