Will a Night Guard Change Your Bite?
A night guard is a common, effective solution for people with temporomandibular joint disorders, for people who chronically grind their teeth, and for people who unconsciously clench their jaw. If you’re wondering if a night guard could change your bite, the reality is that there isn’t one simple answer to that question. In some cases, for example, a night guard is actually designed to change the bite, while in others, a change in bite could indicate an issue with the night guard or an issue with the oral tissues themselves. To understand the ins and outs of whether a night guard will change your bite, and to determine when such a change should cause concern, it’s helpful to start with the basics.
What is a Night Guard and How Does It Work?
A night guard is a removable appliance that is worn while a person is sleeping. Made of flexible, durable material, the night guard fits over the upper and lower rows of teeth, creating space between the rows of teeth and reducing stress on the jaw joints and jaw muscles. As a result, a night guard will:
- Prevent the enamel and tooth structure from wearing down due to grinding the teeth
- Eliminate excessive pressure on the jaw muscles and joints
- Minimize or eliminate pain or discomfort caused by TMJ disorders
- Help the jaw remain relaxed, reducing tension that could interfere with sleep
While night guards are available over-the-counter, those that are custom-fitted by a dentist and fabricated in a dental lab, with medical-grade materials, are generally more comfortable and tend to be more effective. In fact, improper fit is one of the primary causes of unwanted bite changes, as an ill-fitting night guard puts uneven pressure on the teeth that causes them to gradually shift and lead to changes in the bite. This is particularly true for night guards that are fitted by biting them after heating in hot or boiling water, though any ill-fitting night guard could lead to alignment issues. The bite may also be altered by prolonged use of a night guard that is very hard or rigid. Certain acrylic materials can exert pressure that has an orthodontic effect, leading to tooth movement or powerful pressure on the position of the jaw, both of which can lead to changes in the bite. Finally, when the oral tissues are compromised by gum disease, unwanted tooth mobility is more likely, and this can be exacerbated by a night guard.
While the above examples demonstrate unwanted ways a night guard could change a person’s bite, night guards are also used to intentionally modify the bite. For example, when TMJ disorders are present, a treatment goal could include repositioning the jaw into a more relaxed position with the intention of developing an improved, more comfortable bite. In addition, some bite changes are minimal or temporary and shouldn’t be a cause for concern; in fact, many patients report that their bite feels strange for a few hours after removing their night guard upon waking. This is normal, the result of natural muscle shifts, and will resolve after a brief period.
You don’t need to know which changes are good and which are bad, but you should pay attention to changes and call your dentist if you notice any of the following:
- Consistent, prolonged changes to how your bite fits together
- Pain, clicking, or popping in the jaw
- Tooth sensitivity
- Interference with chewing
- Noticeable mobility of the teeth
To reduce the risks of a night guard adversely changing your bite, dentists recommend using a custom-fitted night guard, wearing it only while sleeping unless directed otherwise, and properly cleaning and maintaining it. It’s also imperative to keep the teeth and oral tissues clean, both at home and with professional cleanings, and to attend regular dental checkups to monitor any problems with the bite and to routinely evaluate the night guard’s fit. When it comes to night guards, following your dentist’s guidelines will help ensure that your bruxism and jaw issues are resolved while your teeth remain healthy and stable for the duration.