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back to Active LIFESTYLE Mouth Guards Your Bite Guard: its care and use WHY DO I NEED TO WEAR IT? The bite guard is a custom fit plastic shield that can protect your teeth in several ways. BRUXISM (Grinding or clamping of the teeth) The destructive habit can cause damage to the teeth, their supporting bone or the jaw joint. It can wear the teeth down, cause pain in the joints, or loosen the teeth by destroying the supporting bone (like rocking a fence post, destroys the earth around it) Your guard helps control the distribution of the excessive forces. HABIT CONTROL Many destructive subconscious oral habits, such as grinding and clamping can be overcome by increasing the individual’s awareness of it, which then helps “deprogram” the habit. Used regularly, the bite guard can assist in this process.	HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WEAR MY GUARD? This depends on many factors- the most important being – that healing has occurred. This can usually be determined clinically. Some people need to wear an appliance for a few weeks – others for as long as they want to wear their own teeth. BREAK-IN PERIOD At first you may notice more saliva in your mouth, your speech may be slurred and it may take a little longer to fall asleep. This will soon pass. In fact, many people tell us their sleep is more restful when wearing the appliance. CLEANING OF YOUR APPLIANCE The appliance can be easily cleaned each morning by brushing it with your toothbrush with toothpaste. It does not need to be stored in any special solutions BUT should be kept in the box you received it in when not being worn. This will protect it from breaking if accidentally dropped. It will also be protected from unexpected visitors in your room such as children and pets. (Dogs love them!!)	OFFICE CARE Bring your appliance into the office for all your regular appointments and routine and preventive care visits. We will inspect it for wear and stability. We can also thoroughly cleanse it by ultrasonic vibration. If needed, adjustments may be made at this time. INSERTION AND REMOVAL Insert and remove appliance carefully to prevent bending and wrapping. Appliance removal is accomplished by placing your fingernail over the acrylic edge and teasing it down without force. REPAIRS Breakage – Should it break and can still be worn COMFORTABLY, continue to wear it. Bring it to your next appointment for repair. If it cannot be worn, call the office to schedule an appointment to determine how to resolve the problem. NEW DENTAL RESTORATIONS Have your appliance with you when having new dental work completed (upper or lower) so that an adjustment can be made if needed. Should it not feel comfortable afterwards, call the office, further adjustment may be needed.