Dental Bite Guard: When to Use It, How It Works, and Why It’s Useful
Dental Bite Guard: When to Use It, How It Works, and Why It’s Useful
The dental bite guard is a custom-made, transparent, removable device worn mainly at night. Its purpose is to protect teeth from wear, relieve jaw and muscle pain, and improve the quality of life for those suffering from bruxism, teeth clenching, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Although it is often known as a “night guard,” the bite guard isn’t just for people who grind their teeth in their sleep. It also helps those who experience symptoms like muscle tension, jaw pain, headaches, neck issues, and discomfort while chewing.
When Is a Dental Bite Guard Indicated?
A bite guard is prescribed by a dentist or orthodontist in several situations:
- Bruxism: The involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often at night.
- Jaw pain: Tension or pain in the jaw, especially upon waking.
- Tension headaches: Frequent headaches related to tension in the facial and neck muscles.
- TMJ disorders: Joint locking, clicking, noises, or difficulty opening the mouth.
- Worn or chipped teeth: Signs of unexplained wear or fractures.
- Neck pain: Neck stiffness, especially in the morning.
- Prevention after orthodontic treatments: To stabilize results and prevent relapse.
How Is a Dental Bite Guard Made?
- Specialist visit: The dentist performs a precise diagnosis, evaluating symptoms, bite, jaw position, and dental health.
- Digital scan or impression: Today, thanks to the digital intraoral scanner, taking a mold of the teeth is fast, comfortable, and precise.
- Custom design: The bite guard is made in a lab based on the unique shape of the dental arches.
- Delivery and instructions: The device is tried on in the office, and precise instructions on how and when to use it are provided.
The bite guard can be rigid or soft, depending on clinical needs, and can be made for either the upper or lower arch.
How Does the Dental Bite Guard Work?
The bite guard creates a protective barrier between the two dental arches, preventing the teeth from coming into direct contact and wearing down. But the benefits go far beyond simple protection:
- It reduces excessive force on the jaw muscles.
- It helps to relax the chewing and neck muscles.
- It protects teeth, fillings, and prosthetics from fractures or wear.
- It improves the position of the jaw during sleep.
- It reduces joint clicking and pain.
- It improves sleep quality and the feeling of well-being upon waking.
Some models are specific for treating TMJ disorders, while others are for simple nocturnal bruxism.
Why Is the Bite Guard So Useful?
Underestimating bruxism or TMJ disorders can lead to serious consequences:
- Progressive tooth wear: Enamel reduction, fractures, increased sensitivity.
- Chronic pain: In the head, neck, shoulders, and back.
- Worsened sleep quality: Frequent waking, un-restorative sleep.
- Postural issues: A misaligned jaw can affect the entire muscular system.
The bite guard, when used correctly and under specialist supervision, is a simple, non-invasive, and personalized solution to prevent or limit these problems.
Dental Bite Guard and Orthodontics: What’s the Connection?
The bite guard is often used in conjunction with orthodontic treatments:
- During certain phases of therapy to prevent muscle tension.
- After treatment to stabilize the new bite position.
- In cases of relapse or the appearance of gnathological disorders in adulthood.
The bite guard can also be integrated with muscle relaxation exercises or jaw physiotherapy for a truly multidisciplinary approach.
Difference Between a Bite Guard and Other Orthodontic Appliances
A bite guard should not be confused with:
- Retainer: Serves only to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment.
- Fixed or removable orthodontic appliance: Used to move teeth and correct malocclusion.
- Michigan splint, specific gnathological devices: May have more complex functions, as determined by a gnathologist.
Only a dentist can recommend the most suitable device for a specific case.
Dental Bite Guard: Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the bite guard painful or uncomfortable? No, if it’s custom-made, it fits perfectly, and after a few days, you won’t feel any discomfort.
- How long should it be worn? Generally only at night, but in some cases, also during the day, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Can the bite guard shift teeth? If it is custom-made and supervised, it will not shift teeth. An ill-fitting bite guard, however, can cause problems.
- Does the bite guard need to be cleaned? Yes, it should be washed daily with cold water and a soft toothbrush. Specific cleaning products are also available.
- How long does a dental bite guard last? With proper care, it can last for several years, but it should be checked regularly by the dentist.
When to See a Specialist
If you experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Jaw, neck, or shoulder pain
- Joint clicking or noises
- Frequent headaches, especially upon waking
- A feeling of facial tension
Consult an orthodontist or gnathologist for a precise diagnosis. Only a thorough clinical examination can identify the most effective solution for each patient.
Bite Guard and Digital Scanner: Comfort and Precision
In our clinic, the bite guard is designed using the intraoral digital scanner, so there’s no more discomfort from impression paste. This ensures a perfectly adapted, more precise, comfortable, and durable device.
The Value of a Custom Treatment
The dental bite guard represents a modern, effective, and custom-made solution to protect teeth and joints, improve quality of life, and prevent often-underestimated disorders. With the advice of a professional and the right check-ups, it can make the difference between a life of discomfort and a serene, healthy smile.