Occlusal Guard Explained: Uses, Benefits, and Types
With the advancement of dental care, many helpful devices are now available to address common dental problems like teeth grinding and clenching. The occlusal guard is one such device. You just have to wear it on your teeth and this can fully protect your dental health.
Many people want to use an occlusal guard, but before its use, they want to know all the details about it to know if it is helpful for them or not. If you are also one of them, then this article is very informative for you. Here you get all the details about it.
What Is an Occlusal Guard?
The definition of an occlusal guard is that it is an advanced medical tool that is specially designed to protect your teeth from a common dental issue named bruxism. Usually, you have to wear it on your teeth mostly at night, and it can help you avoid any serious condition. This way, you can reduce the discomfort that you face due to dental issues and feel better. The best thing about these guards is that they are available in different types, so you can easily select the perfect one according to your preference.
Understanding Bruxism and Its Impact
A common dental problem that affects the lives of many people in today’s era is bruxism. Those who don’t take it seriously and can not do any proper treatment for it will face serious issues like jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity in the future. If you are also included in these people, then the perfect solution for you in this condition is an occlusal guard. It helps you to reduce the effect of bruxism and maintain your dental health.
How Occlusal Guards Work
Before selecting this type of guard for the protection of your dental health, the first important thing you have to know is how these guards work. You just have to wear them, and they fit between your lower and upper teeth. They are specially prepared with high-quality material, so they protect your teeth for a long time. After wearing them, you don’t have to worry about problems like erosion and jaw tension, and this can also reduce the risk of dental fractures. In short, they are a perfect treatment for you.
Types
- Soft Occlusal Guards: This type of guard is a perfect option for those who have just started using guards for dental health because they are fully flexible while wearing.
- Hard Occlusal Guards: If you start the treatment late and your condition gets serious, you have to use this type of guard because they are specially prepared for severe bruxism.
- Dual-Laminate Occlusal Guards: In case you feel uncomfortable when using simple types of guards, in this case, you have to use this type of guard because this can provide you comfort due to its soft inner side, and it is also best for long-term use due to its hard exterior.
- Over-the-Counter Occlusal Guards: Usually, this type of guard is available at every pharmacy because they are readymade. You can get them at a normal price, but they don’t provide you with the best results because they are not accurate according to the structure of your teeth.
Benefits of Using
- Prevents Tooth Damage: With the help of it, you can take control of the cracks or fractures in teeth caused by grinding and avoid their effect.
- Reduces Jaw Pain and Tension: When you use it, say goodbye to jaw pain and tension because this can decrease their effect and make you feel relaxed.
- Prevents Headaches: As your jaw muscles get relaxed with it so, you don’t have to face any problems related to this, like headaches.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Usually, you have to wear it at night, so this helps you to reduce the chances of teeth grinding. This way, you can sleep well and feel relaxed in the morning.
FAQs
Conclusion
Using an occlusal guard is very helpful for you if you want to get out of a common dental problem named bruxism. This guard provides you full protection against this issue and keeps your dental health perfect. They are available in different styles and types, so the most important thing is to select the perfect type of guard to get the best results.