If you need an occlusal guard, you may experience symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity, worn or damaged teeth, and neck or shoulder pain. These symptoms indicate that your teeth are under excessive pressure from grinding or clenching.
Causes: You might need an occlusal guard if you grind or clench your teeth, a condition known as bruxism. This habit can be caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, or an abnormal bite. Bruxism can lead to significant dental issues if left untreated.
Procedure by Our Dentist: Our dentist will create a custom occlusal guard for you in a few steps. First, we take impressions of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit. We then send these impressions to a dental lab where your occlusal guard is crafted from durable, high-quality materials. Once the guard is ready, you will return to our office to ensure it fits comfortably and make any necessary adjustments. You will wear the guard at night to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching.
Duration of Procedure: The process of getting an occlusal guard typically involves two visits to our office. The initial appointment for taking impressions usually takes about 30 minutes. The second appointment, where we fit and adjust the guard, also takes around 30 minutes.
Recovery Time: You can expect a quick adjustment period with an occlusal guard. You might experience mild discomfort or pressure when you first start wearing it, but this usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any initial discomfort.
Benefits: Occlusal guards offer numerous benefits, including protecting your teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching, reducing jaw pain, alleviating headaches, and preventing tooth wear and fractures. They also help improve your sleep quality by reducing the discomfort associated with bruxism.
How to Avoid Needing an Occlusal Guard: To minimize the need for an occlusal guard, practice stress management techniques such as meditation or exercise and maintain good sleep hygiene. Avoid habits contributing to bruxism, such as chewing on pens or nails. Regular dental check-ups can help identify and address any early signs of bruxism before they become severe.
You can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile by following these guidelines and seeking timely dental care. If you need an occlusal guard or have any concerns about your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact our office at 978-694-9300for a consultation.
A crown is a tooth shaped cap that covers the natural tooth in order to strengthen it so that the tooth does not fracture, or make the tooth more cosmetically pleasing. This is commonly done when the tooth has been weakened due to root canal treatment, tooth fracture, when there is not enough healthy tooth structure to hold in a larger filling, or to cover staining. Crown materials include gold, ceramics, porcelain, or a combination of metal and porcelain. The office may use an outside dental lab in fabricating the crown restoration.