A night guard is a custom-fitted dental appliance worn over the teeth while sleeping to protect them from bruxism, or teeth grinding. While the secure fit is necessary for effective protection, it can sometimes make removal challenging. Understanding the correct, safe technique for removal helps protect both the appliance and the alignment of the teeth. This guide covers standard removal, troubleshooting a tight fit, and immediate post-use care.
Standard Step-by-Step Removal Technique
Before removing the appliance, wash your hands thoroughly. Locate a firm grip point, typically along the back molars or the sides of the guard where the acrylic is thickest. Use the pads of your index finger and thumb on the same side, avoiding fingernails or sharp tools that could scratch the plastic or injure the gums.
Apply gentle, even pressure to the guard, ensuring the force is distributed across the appliance rather than concentrating it on a single tooth. For an upper guard, pull slightly downward and outward to break the suction seal. Conversely, a lower guard requires a slight push upward and outward to release the device.
The movement must be controlled and slow, favoring a wiggling motion rather than a sudden, forceful yank. Once the seal begins to break on one side, repeat the gentle wiggling motion on the opposite side of the mouth. This bilateral approach ensures the guard slides off smoothly without stressing the teeth or the acrylic material.
Troubleshooting a Stuck or Tight Guard
If the night guard feels tight or stuck, rinse the mouth with warm, not hot, water. The warmth can cause the thermoplastic material to slightly soften and may relax the suction seal. This action often provides enough lubrication and flexibility to facilitate an easier release.
If the guard feels stuck due to a strong suction seal, focus on breaking the seal on only one side first. Pull that edge down slightly until it pops free from the molar. This displacement allows air to enter and equalize the pressure, reducing the vacuum holding the guard in place.
Once one side is partially dislodged, use a gentle, side-to-side wiggling motion to continue releasing the guard. A tight sensation may occur if the user has clenched or ground their teeth intensely overnight. If the guard still resists removal, pause and try again after a minute or two, allowing the facial muscles to relax.
Immediate Care After Removal
Immediately after removal, the night guard must be cleaned to remove saliva, plaque, and microbial film accumulated overnight. Use a dedicated soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive, mild soap or specialized dental appliance cleaner. Avoid using standard toothpaste, as abrasive particles can create microscopic scratches in the acrylic.
Thoroughly rinse the guard under cool or lukewarm water to remove all traces of the cleaning agent before storage. Proper storage is necessary for maintaining the integrity of the appliance and preventing warping. Store the night guard in its provided clean, ventilated case when not in use, keeping it away from direct sunlight or high heat sources.