Family Dentistry

Of Royal Oak

2711 West Webster Rd. | Royal Oak, MI 48073-3700

Family Dentistry > Services > Occlusal Guards

Occlusal Guards also known as mouth guards or night guards help eliminate pain from teeth grinding, TMJ, and so much more. Visit Family Dentistry of Royal Oak to see how Occlusal Guards can help you.

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Occlusal Guards in Royal Oak, MI

occlusal guards royal oak mi Occlusal guards, also known as mouth guards or night guards, are used to treat a range of dental and health concerns. At Family Dentistry of Royal Oak, we can fit you for customized mouth guards to treat grinding and clenching, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and even migraines.

If you are having trouble with any of these conditions, call our Royal Oak dental office to schedule a consultation and examination with Dr. Suchi Chalasani DMD to find out how an occlusal guard can help you.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding and clenching is a common concern, medically known as “bruxism.” It can be caused by misalignment of the teeth or jaws or even stress. While some people are aware of their tendency to grind or clench their teeth, others are not (although their partners may have heard the distinctive sound).

Grinding and clenching your teeth can lead to serious consequences. Your teeth can become eroded and even fracture. You may lose teeth. Additionally, you will probably experience headaches and jaw pain. You may develop a disorder of the joint where your bottom jaw connects to your skull called TMJ.

A mouth guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching by holding your jaws slightly apart from each other and cushioning the teeth.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD)

In this condition, your temporomandibular joint (where your lower jaw connects to your skull) becomes inflamed and painful. Your jaw may become stuck or locked, you may hear clicking or grinding sounds from the joint, and you may experience throbbing or shooting pains in your jaw, your neck and shoulders, your ear, or your head.

TMJ may be the result of untreated bruxism, or it may come from arthritis or an injury to the joint. If left untreated, the result could be chronic pain that lessens your quality of life. You may also develop ear problems like tinnitus.

As with bruxism, a mouth guard treats TMJ by holding the jaw slightly open. This allows the muscles and tendons to relax and reduces pressure on the joint, allowing the inflammation to subside.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are a debilitating condition, affecting millions. Many who suffer have tried nearly everything to get some relief but may not realize that the solution to their problem can be found from their dentist.

For many migraine sufferers, their headaches are triggered by constant muscle tension caused by clenching their jaws. The muscle tension irritates their nerves and sets off migraine headaches. A mouth guard that prevents the jaw from clenching and the muscles from tightening has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches in these patients.

We are able to fit you for a specially designed type of mouth guard called an NTI-tss plus. This small device fits between your front teeth and is worn while you sleep. It holds your jaws far enough apart that the back teeth can’t come together, preventing the clenching and nerve irritation cycle from starting.

Call us today for an examination and consultation to find out if an occlusal guard can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an occlusal guard?

An occlusal guard—also called a nightguard—is used to treat conditions like bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth) and TMJ, or jaw joint issues.

Our dentists customize your nightguards by taking impressions of your mouth. This allows the appliance to work for your unique needs.

For bruxism, the nightguard works by gently separating your upper and lower jaw during sleep. This prevents bruxism during rest and allows you to sleep without worry that you’re grinding down your teeth. When left untreated, bruxism can lead to tooth fractures and even tooth loss.

Signs of bruxism include:

Worn teeth
Jaw pain
Neck and shoulder pain
Migraine headaches

Bruxism can be linked to TMJ, also called TMD—temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This means the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull is not functioning properly.

Signs of TMJ are similar to bruxism as far as pain, but you may also notice a clicking sound in your jaw and even a locking jaw in some cases.

Occlusal Guards in Royal Oak

For more information on occlusal guards, including an evaluation for bruxism and jaw health, we encourage you to reach out to our dental office to schedule a consultation.

How do I clean an occulsal guard?

Occlusal guards are customized mouth guards, commonly called night guards, because you wear them during sleep. The team at Family Dentistry of Royal Oak often recommends these as a non-invasive option for treating patients who experience several conditions associated with teeth grinding and jaw clenching. For example, if you grind your teeth at night, you may suffer from bruxism or a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

However, these appliances require maintenance because you wear them so often and for so long.

Tips for Cleaning Your Mouthguard in Royal Oak, MI

Night guards are especially important to clean because your mouth becomes parched while you sleep. Bacteria find this environment exceptionally hospitable, so their growth increases at night. Your occlusal guards are made of a softer polymer for comfort, making them porous. If not cleaned regularly, they can retain bacteria, contributing to gum disease and tooth infections.

We recommend the following steps to maintain your night guard:

Thoroughly brush it with a toothbrush like your teeth.
Rinse your occlusal guard with cool water.
Avoid hot water, which may deform its shape.
If recommended by your dentist, soak it in a cleaning solution.
Store your mouth guard in a vented container so it dries completely and safely.

We also recommend regular dental visits so we can check your mouth guard for wear and fit. Don’t hesitate to replace an ill-fitting or compromised night guard. If you want to learn more, we encourage our office for a consultation.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Suchi Chalasani DMD

Dr. Suchi Chalasani loves making her patients smile, and this is reflected in her tagline, “Smile with confidence.” She is committed to providing quality dental care to all patients and usually exceeds their expectations.

Dr. Chalasani completed her DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) program from the prestigious Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine in 2001. She is committed to lifelong learning and participates each year in a series of continuing education activities. This commitment to learning is shared by her staff as well. Together, they are continually educating themselves to ...

Featured Blog Posts - Occlusal Guards

December 21, 2021

How Mouthguards Can Save Your Smile and Stop the Migraines

Woman suffering from migraine in Royal Oak, MI

In some cases, migraines are caused by a condition called bruxism—teeth grinding and clenching. If you suffer from bruxism in Royal Oak, MI, your dentist can help. In doing so, we can also eliminate related headaches, neck and shoulder pain and prevent tooth loss due to wear and tear.

Bruxism can ...

What Is an Occlusal Guard?

Occlusal Guard | Royal Oak Family Dentistry

Starting the day with a headache is never a good sign, but it's been happening to you more frequently. Sometimes the headaches go away, but on the days they get progressively worse, you find it hard to focus and complete your tasks at work. An occlusal guard may be the ...

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If we recommended an occlusal guard, you might wonder what that even means. In most cases, an occlusal guard is similar to a nightguard, or splint, and we usually recommend that patients wear them at night to protect their teeth or help their jaws relax. In some cases, however, patients ...