Many people are unaware they have bruxism, a common condition in which case they grind their teeth. Unaware of behavior that could lead to major dental and mouth problems causing discomfort and long-term damage? Thank goodness a good approach to reduce these effects is with an occlusal appliance.
Made to fit readily over the teeth, this device prevents patients from clenching and grinding their teeth. Apart from maintaining your dental health, it improves your general condition and facilitates improved sleeping quality. Learning about the advantages of an occlusal appliance helps people to take action toward improved dental care and a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Understanding Occlusal Appliances
Often occurring while you sleep is the condition known as bruxism or tooth grinding. Most people who grind their teeth do not intend to, hence it can lead to other mouth issues. Ignoring bruxism could wear down your teeth, cause migraines, and even compromise dental implants.
One excellent approach to avoid these problems is using an occlusal device—often known as a night guard. This specialized instrument is designed to cover your teeth and guard them. Dentists advise occlusal appliances that reduce the harmful consequences of grinding your teeth to promote general health and oral condition.
Protection Against Dental Damage
Wearing an occlusal appliance mostly helps to prevent dental damage, hence one of its main advantages. Grasping your teeth too forcefully could shatter, break, or wear away your enamel. Once lost, enamel, the hard top covering of teeth, cannot be rebuilt, hence damage should be avoided. The pain gets worse when enamel peels off since teeth become more sensitive to warmth and cold. Furthermore, more prone to develop cavities and disease are worn-down teeth.
With an occlusal device, the upper and lower teeth do not directly touch and so they do not wear down. Those with tooth restorations—fillings, veneers, crowns—will gain the most from this as grinding can reduce the lifetime of these items. Good for your dental health over time, an occlusal device protects your natural teeth and restorations.
Alleviation of Jaw Discomfort
Constant grinding of your teeth strains and damages the muscles and joints in your jaw, which causes pain and terrible feelings. Many persons suffering from bruxism also suffer from muscle stiffness, soreness, and occasionally neck and shoulder pain. These symptoms can make it difficult to chew comfortably or go about daily tasks. More major issues such as not being able to move your jaw and constant pain might result from long-term pressure on the jaw muscles that aren’t managed.
An occlusal device distributes the pressure from biting more evenly, therefore relieving lower jaw pain. By relaxing the muscles supporting the jaw, the appliance also relieves stress and pain in that area. Many consumers report their jaw discomfort disappears entirely once they use the gadget every night. Your health benefits from more relaxation, which also promotes better sleep.
Prevention of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Speaking and chewing are among the motions the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) governs. It links the brain to the jawbone. By cushioning the effect of grinding, an occlusal appliance helps the TMJ not be as strained. The appliance reduces TMD risk by avoiding too strong joint pressure. Consistent use of an occlusal device helps many people with minor TMJ pain by lowering symptoms and enhancing jaw function.
