Night guards, also known as occlusal splints or bite splints, are a common treatment option for bruxism. Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching or gnashing of teeth, especially during sleep. Night guards are dental appliances that are custom-fit to the patient’s mouth and worn during sleep to protect the teeth and jaws from the damage caused by bruxism.
The role of night guards in bruxism is to provide a physical barrier between the teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. This helps to reduce the pressure and friction on the teeth, which can cause damage to the enamel, dentin, and nerves. Night guards also help to distribute the forces of clenching and grinding evenly across the teeth, reducing the strain on the jaw muscles and joints.
Night guards can be made from different materials, such as soft, hard or dual laminate. Soft night guards are made of a flexible material that is comfortable to wear and provides cushioning to the teeth. Hard night guards are made of a rigid material that is durable and long-lasting, but may not be as comfortable as soft night guards. Dual laminate night guards are made of a combination of soft and hard materials, providing both comfort and durability.
The main roles of night guards in bruxism are:
- Protection of teeth: Bruxism can cause excessive wear and damage to the teeth, including chipping, cracking, and flattening of tooth surfaces. Night guards act as a cushioning barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces generated by grinding or clenching, and preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact, thus reducing the risk of dental damage.
- Relief of jaw pain and discomfort: Bruxism can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and facial muscle soreness. Night guards can help by redistributing the forces of grinding or clenching, reducing strain on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and providing relief from discomfort and pain.
- Muscle relaxation: Some night guards are designed to promote muscle relaxation by creating a separation between the upper and lower teeth, helping to prevent excessive muscle activity during sleep and reducing the intensity of grinding or clenching.
- Prevention of sleep disruption: Bruxism can disrupt sleep for both the person grinding their teeth and their sleep partner. The noise generated by grinding or clenching can be loud and disturbing. Night guards can help to reduce the noise produced by grinding or clenching, allowing for a more restful sleep for both the individual with bruxism and their sleep partner.
- Protection of dental restorations: For individuals who have dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or veneers, night guards can provide an additional layer of protection by minimizing the risk of damage to these restorations caused by bruxism-related forces.
It’s important to note that night guards do not treat the underlying causes of bruxism, which can be related to stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, or other factors. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified dental professional is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for bruxism, which may include addressing the underlying causes in addition to using a night guard as a supportive measure.
