Occlusal Guard Post Op & Care Instructions
Description of Product:
Your occlusal guard is designed to alleviate the pain and slow tooth damage caused by daytime or nighttime teeth grinding/clenching referred to as bruxism. Severe tooth, jaw or facial muscle pain is a common side effect of bruxism. This patient-specific device is a full-coverage guard that fits over all of the upper or lower teeth. Your occlusal guard is made of resin and/or acrylic and are firm materials that provide durability. A lower or upper occlusal guard can be worn alone or in combination with another appliance such as a retainer. They can also be worn in conjunction with a cpap (sleep apnea) device.
Indications of Use:
- Your occlusal guard is indicated for teeth and muscle protection from daytime/nighttime teeth grinding/clenching.
- It should be used daily to protect your teeth, jaw muscles and to prevent overloading of dental restorations such as crowns, bridges and implants. Overloading can lead to fracturing and failure.
Usage Precautions:
- Not to be used as an athletic sports guard for contact sports. Product is not shock absorbent.
*Can be used during strenuous work that can lead to clenching such as weight lifting.*
- If your occlusal guard becomes loose, tight, fractured/broken, lost or causes any intraoral discomfort, please contact your dentist immediately.
- Long term changes to your occlusion/bite may occur, please contact your dentist if you feel this is occurring.
- Your occlusal guard is custom and will not fit other mouths.
- Depending on the severity of grinding/clenching a new guard may be needed more often. How long they last is patient dependent generally 2-5+ years.
- If dental work is completed after the occlusal guard delivery it may not be as retentive and/or comfortable as it initially was and a new one may be needed. Please advise your dentist if you have an occlusal guard or any oral appliance.
- If an occlusal guard is recommended but denied and/or not worn then there are no warranties on any restoration especially implants.
Warning:
- Do NOT clean or soak in mouthwash. Alcohol based mouthwashes can degrade resins overtime and can pick up the color.
- Do NOT use abrasives such as toothpastes as it will put scratches on it and it will pick up odor and stain.
- Do NOT use denture cleanser.
- Do NOT use hot water.
- Do NOT use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. They will degrade the material long term.
- Do NOT place in direct sunlight. Keep away from heat sources.
Cleaning Procedures:
- Brush and floss your teeth before use.
- Rinse mouth well with clean water before inserting the nightguard.
- Upon removal, rinse with cool water and a soft toothbrush may be used with a mild soap.
Storage:
- Store your guard up and away from animals, specifically dogs because they love to chew on them.
*Please bring guard to all of your dental appointments so we can evaluate and clean your guard.
If you have any other questions please reach out to our office.