A night guard is a dental appliance worn during sleep, designed to protect your teeth and jaw from the effects of grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. It cushions teeth, preventing direct contact and absorbing clenching forces. While a night guard does not stop you from grinding, it shields your teeth from excessive wear and helps alleviate symptoms such as headaches and jaw pain.
Understanding the Ideal Fit
A night guard should fit securely on your teeth, feeling snug but comfortable. It should snap into place without needing to be held by your tongue or opposing teeth. While it may initially feel a bit tight, this sensation subsides as you adjust to wearing it. It should cover teeth adequately without extending fully to the gum line, as this can cause irritation.
An ideal fit means the night guard does not cause pain, excessive pressure, or restrict your breathing or speech. It should allow your jaw to rest in a balanced position, and your lips should close comfortably. Although some initial minor soreness is normal during the adjustment period, it should not last beyond a few days to a couple of weeks.
Recognizing an Improper Fit
Too Tight
If a night guard is too tight, you may experience pain, soreness, or excessive pressure on teeth and gums. Difficulty inserting or removing the guard, or marks on gums or teeth after removal, can also indicate an overly snug fit. Such a fit can lead to headaches or persistent jaw discomfort, as it may misalign your bite or place uneven pressure on teeth.
Too Loose
Conversely, a loose night guard will not provide effective protection. Signs of a loose fit include the guard falling out easily during sleep, shifting, or feeling bulky. If you need to use your tongue or opposing teeth to keep the guard in place, it is likely too loose. A loose guard may not make full contact with all teeth, reducing its protective capability.
Why Proper Fit Matters
A night guard’s effectiveness in protecting your teeth from grinding and clenching relies on its proper fit. An ill-fitting guard may not remain secure, rendering it ineffective at cushioning teeth. This leaves teeth vulnerable to damage, including chips, cracks, and excessive wear.
Beyond lack of protection, an improper fit can lead to discomfort and oral issues. It can cause jaw pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or worsen existing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. A poorly fitted night guard can create uneven pressure, potentially causing teeth to shift or leading to bite changes over time.
Addressing Fit Issues
If your night guard does not fit correctly, contact your dentist or the provider who supplied the guard. They can assess the fit and make adjustments to improve comfort and effectiveness. Custom-made night guards can be reshaped or modified by a dental professional to accommodate minor bite changes or alleviate pressure points.
Do not attempt to adjust the night guard yourself, as this can damage the appliance or worsen oral issues. If the fit cannot be corrected through adjustments, or if your dental structure has significantly changed, a new night guard may be necessary for proper protection and comfort.