Teeth grinding is a dangerous habit that affects the oral health of adults. When not properly protected from clenching or grinding, you can develop numerous symptoms and side effects that can only be repaired through expensive oral surgery. Using an occlusal plane guard is a great way to protect yourself while you sleep. Here’s how one can prevent the side effects of teeth grinding.
Wearing an occlusal plane guard while you sleep has a number of advantages to it. First, it adds a barrier between your teeth. Even if you grind your teeth at night, they will be protected with the occlusal plane guard. When you grind your teeth together, they rub against each other with extreme force. This force may lead to chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth. Teeth that are damaged by this habit will need to be repaired by an oral surgery to restore functionality and sensitivity. One of the biggest side effects of teeth grinding is extra sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
While some adults may grind their teeth, there are others who clench their jaws. This is equally as dangerous and can cause side effects if an occlusal plane guard is not worn. Clenching your jaw will tire out the muscles in your face. When they become tired, they send stress signals to the brain which results in a morning headache. If you tend to wake up and routinely have a morning headache, you may be clenching your jaw at night. If left unprotected, you may even wear down the jaw bones in your face, resulting in your face changing shape! It’s an extreme side effect but can occur after years of teeth clenching.
Teeth grinding and clenching are triggered by stress and anxiety. If you find yourself stressing out about personal relationships, school or work, or just everyday anxiety, you are at a greater risk of grinding your teeth. While you sleep, your mind subconsciously unpacks the events and emotions from your day. If you’ve had a particularly stressful day and you haven’t properly dealt with those emotions, your body will release that anxiety in unhealthy ways. One of the most common ways is grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. If you find yourself stressed out, wearing an occlusal plane guard will help keep you protected if your body decompresses that stress in harmful ways.
SportingSmiles has been in business since 2009 crafting night guards. We typically follow the contours of your teeth line, but upon request, our expert lab techs can craft you a night guard with a flat plane. Wearing a custom night guard will ensure that the occlusal guard is the way you want it. Buying an over-the-counter guard won’t take into account the occlusal surface (where your opposing teeth meet) so a custom night guard from SportingSmiles is the best option for those seeking an occlusal plane guard.
These types of guards can be beneficial to those who have a bad bite and may relieve strained jaw muscles. An occlusal plane guard may also allow teeth to side against the guard when moved. It will still protect the teeth but may help with bad bites.
By ordering the patented impression kit from SportingSmiles you’ll make easy-at-home impressions before shipping them back to our lab with free 3-way shipping. Our dental techs can craft one of six different night guards and if you prefer to have an occlusal plane cut, make sure to note that on your info card so our techs can accommodate your request.
The most important prevention of teeth grinding and clenching is wearing a night guard while you sleep. These oral devices are your first line of defense against the terrible side effects associated with grinding. Sleep peacefully at night while fully protected with an occlusal plane guard.
