About the Treatment Method
The Effect of the Guard and Its Usage
A night guard does not treat or stop the habit of teeth clenching (the contraction command coming from the central nervous system). Its purpose is to protect against tooth fractures, enamel abrasions, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders by taking the destructive pressure of tons of weight that occurs when the jaws are clenched onto the guard instead of the teeth. To stop clenching, it is generally recommended to be supported with "Masseter Botox".
Standard "soft" silicone guards sold in pharmacies or on the internet can trigger the patient to clench their teeth more (muscle activity) because they create a chewing gum sensation. For this reason, "hard acrylic" night guards prepared in a laboratory by dentists, which fit perfectly inside the tooth, are the most medically accurate and therapeutic option.
After removing the guard every morning, it should be cleaned with cold water and liquid soap (or special cleaning tablets) using a soft brush, and stored dry in its special box. Hot water should absolutely not be used, as it will cause the guard to deform and not fit the tooth.
The information on this page is for general health advice. Please consult specialized physicians for personalized treatment or advice.
