Hard Night Guard Care
An occlusal appliance is been designed to protect and stabilize your jaw muscles and jaw joints. It will help you feel more comfortable and allow healing to occur. Over time, as the muscles relax, your jaw may change position and it may require periodic adjustments.
To obtain maximum benefit from your appliance, follow these guidelines:
Do not bite down on the appliance to set it in place, use your thumbs.
It will take some time to get used to. You may not wear it through the night for the first few nights. Keep attempting to wear the appliance every sleep period. It will take time but you will be successful so long as you continue to wear it.
Wear it at sleep time. You can wear it sometimes during the day as well, especially if you notice activities that are associated with clenching or grinding. Common beneficial times for wear include sleeping, driving, and exercising.
Use a toothbrush and soap to keep it clean.
When not wearing the appliance, keep it in a case. Excessive heat, such as leaving it in a car on a hot day, may cause it to warp and not fit properly.
If it is not worn for more than a few hours, put a few drops of water in the case to prevent warping.
Your bite may not feel quite normal in the morning after you remove your appliance. Usually the bite goes back to normal within a few minutes after you remove the appliance.
Do not store the appliance where animals can reach it. Dogs and cats like to chew on these!
To avoid gum inflammation and tooth decay, brush and floss at night before using it.
Bring the appliance with you to all dental appointments.
