Mouth arches and teeth size can be so varied that it is truly impossible for one size to fit all. And, a poor-fitting guard doesn’t protect the teeth; in fact, it actually leads to greater problems like jaw pain and soreness. The ill fit of a generic night guard can throw off the alignment of the jaw.
Can you use a night guard if you have TMJ?
If you are experiencing chronic pain in your jaw, your dentist may prescribe a dental night guard to treat your condition. While TMJ disorder can be treated in a variety of ways, the most common and effective treatment is a dental night guard.
Can Mouth guards make TMJ worse?
While most night guards can prevent enamel wear by avoiding direct teeth contact, it does not prevent grinding and clenching. In some cases, night guards actually increase the activity of the muscles that clench and this makes TMJ pain worse.
Should I wear a mouthguard if I have TMJ?
Wearing a mouthguard for TMJ is one of the quickest ways to reduce the effects your TMJ symptoms have on your everyday life. This is especially true if you have bruxism (teeth clenching). Bruxism can cause pain in the muscles of your jaw, loose or cracked teeth, and exacerbate wear on the discs and bones of the TMJ.
Can night guard make TMJ worse?
What’s more: the design of many night guards causes the posterior teeth to touch the guard’s plastic while the anterior teeth hardly touch the guard or do not touch it at all. The unevenness of tooth contact with the night guard can lead to even more clenching, grinding and TMJ problems.
Can night guards ruin your teeth?
Often, deep grooves will eventually form in the night guard from the force of the grinding. The night guard prevents this same force from causing damage to the teeth. Without a night guard, enamel can be worn down excessively, leading to tooth sensitivity.
How long does it take for a mouth guard to work for TMJ?
Bite Splint Transitions to Full-Time Relief
Studies that last six weeks tend to show marked improvement, but not full relief of symptoms. By three months, all jaw problems, facial pain, and other symptoms in the head and face area tend to resolve.
Should a mouthguard be worn on top or bottom?
Upper guards are typically recommended because they don’t remove easily compared to lower teeth nightguard. Dentists favor lower guards because they are often more comfortable and easier to get used to. The ideal night guard should protect all your teeth while not affecting your natural bite.
What kind of night guard is best for TMJ?
CustMbite makes the best night guards for TMJ on the market. Our custom night guard may provide you with additional protection against the effects of grinding and jaw clenching (also known as “bruxism”). This can lead to TMJ, a disorder that’s characterized by pain in your jaw joints.