How do Occlusal Guards Work? – Kimberly Rosen DDS

Your occlusal guard will provide a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This barrier will prevent damage caused by grinding and clenching. You should also experience decreased muscle soreness in the jaw and less tension.
Your dentist will help you determine when you need to wear your device. Compliance is the most critical factor in protecting your teeth and eliminating pain.
There are many benefits to wearing the occlusal guard, some of them are :
• Protect your teeth from damage
• Relieve jaw pain
• Protect the jaw joint
• Prevent gum recession
• Prevent earaches and headaches
Is the mouthguard worn on the Upper or Lower teeth ? You can wear the occlusal guards on either the upper or lower jaw. Your dentist will guide and help you determine which is best for your situation. The key to choosing an occlusal guard is to ensure that the design is tailored to your specific needs.
To work effectively, they need to fit over your teeth with exact precision. An ill- fitting guard that does not meet your individual needs can do more harm than good. An occlusal guard prescribed by your dentist and custom made using dental grade high quality materials and processing can last you several years.
However, some users may need their guards replaced sooner. The actual longevity is determined by how frequently the occlusal guard is used and the wear it receives.
Your guard should be brought with you to all of your dental checkups so that your dentist can ensure that your device is in good working condition.
Wearing a night guard can reduce discomfort and improve sleep patterns. However, night guards can seem unimportant and tedious when you have to clean them every morning and wear them every night. In spite of this, the dangers of not wearing a night guard significantly outweigh the inconvenience.
For any questions or concerns, you may call the office of Kimberly A. Rosen, DDS at 661-255-2545.