NIGHT / OCCLUSAL GUARDS

Night / Occlusal Guards

Tooth grinding during sleep—bruxism—can be caused by stress and anxiety. More frequently, though, it results from an abnormal bite or missing or damaged teeth. If not addressed, grinding your teeth can cause them to break or loosen, making them more likely to become infected or damaged so much that they require removal. In some cases, tooth grinding causes (or worsens) TMJ.

To help prevent tooth damage, Drs. Priyanka Dand and Rahen Kakadia often prescribes the use of a night guard for people who experience nighttime tooth grinding. While there are over-the-counter mouth guards, wse typically recommend a custom-fit night guard for the best results with greater comfort. Once an impression is made of your teeth, a custom polymer mouth guard is made. Most patients find that regular use of their night guard significantly improves their symptoms and protects their teeth and jaw.