A night guard is a dental tool that is designed to protect the teeth, muscles, and mouth and jaw joints from the effects of bruxism – the grinding and clenching of teeth at night. Although its primary purpose is protection, many patients fear that wearing it for long periods of time may affect the way they bite or their natural bite. Are these concerns justified?
What is a Bite, and How Does a Night Guard Work?
A bite is the way the upper and lower teeth meet when resting and chewing. It is the result of the positioning of the jaw, the shape of the teeth, and the tension of the masticatory muscles. A proper bite is crucial for speech, chewing, and overall comfort in the mouth.
The night guard works by separating the upper and lower dental arches, distributing pressure when clenching the teeth, protecting against abrasion and micro-cracks, and relieving the joints and muscles of mastication (chewing).
The night guard does not directly change the position of the teeth like an orthodontic appliance does. However, in some cases, it can affect the way you bite, especially if it is not fitted correctly or is used for too long without the supervision of a dentist.
When Can a Mouthguard Affect Your Bite?
A Poorly Fitted Mouthguard
The most common cause of a change in the way you bite is wearing a mouthguard bought without a prescription – a so-called "ready-made" or thermoplastic one. These types of guards are formed at home, often imprecisely, which is why they can exert uneven pressure on the teeth, cause them to shift, or cause improper tension in the chewing muscles. As a result, the teeth may not be in proper contact, which the patient may experience as a change in the way they bite or difficulty in closing their mouth properly.
Long-Term Use Without Supervision
Even a well-fitted mouthguard, if used for many months without regular check-ups at the dentist, can lead to adaptive changes in the bite. Sometimes the muscles and joints get used to the new position of the jaw, which can cause subtle changes in the way the jaw closes after the mouthguard is removed.
Improper Use – 24 Hours a Day
The night guard is intended to be worn only during sleep. Wearing it during the day, without a medical indication, may overload certain areas of the bite and lead to unfavorable tooth movement, especially in younger patients with more mobile teeth.
When Can a Mouthguard Help Improve Your Bite?
In some cases, a well-designed mouthguard stabilizes your bite, especially after orthodontic or prosthetic treatment or during therapy for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A splint can help stabilize the position of the jaw and allow the muscles to rest in a more favorable position.
In the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, mouthguards are even an element of therapy aimed at changing the pathological position of the jaw. In these cases, changing the way you bite is a deliberate effect controlled by a specialist.
In Conclusion
A properly made and used night guard should not change the way you bite – its purpose is to protect, not shape your bite. However, improper use, especially of ill-fitting over-the-counter products, can lead to undesirable changes. The key is to have the guard individually fitted by a specialist and to have regular dental check-ups, so please contact us today!