The Occlusal splints (night-guard)
An occlusal splint or a nightguard is often recommended to patients in the case where they are heavy grinders, or bruxers*.
Since most of the damage caused by teeth grinding is during sleep, a night guard can usually be made to stop further damage. The guard is custom made to fit over the upper or lower teeth. With the night guard in place, the patient can not grind their teeth together and cause further damage. The guard is worn at night perhaps 4-5 nights a week, and has been shown to greatly reduce the chance of fracture and tooth surface loss in the long run.
*Bruxism is the nocturnal unconscious grinding or gnashing of the teeth. It has been linked to stressful life events and occlusal or bite irregularities. Research shows that the maximum clench force capability during bruxism is up to 4 times the maximum conscious clench force in some subjects! (Kardashi et a, l J perio 1988).
| Occlusal Splint | |
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