Custom fitted occlusal guards or night guards are recommended for patients who clenchor grind their teeth, especially at night. They are made of a hard acrylic material and help protect your teeth and jaw from trauma caused by grinding or clenching.
An occlusal guard, also referred to as a bite splint, or night splint is is an oral appliance worn over some or all of the teeth in one arch (usually the upper arch) during sleep or at selected times throughout the day. During introduction of this appliance, Dr. Osborne may place the patient on a short-term course of anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medications. This, combined with a short term course of home therapy, such as moist heat application and temporary reduced jaw function, often achieves significant reduction in the painful symptoms of TMD. After home care and medicine regimens are complete, the occlusal guard’s use is continued indefinitely.