A poorly fitting mouth guard can do more harm than good, undermining its intended function of protecting your teeth and gums. Without a proper fit, you risk oral injuries and decreased effectiveness of the device. This article will help you understand what night guards are and guide you through fitting different types.

What is a Night Guard?

Night guards are oral devices designed to protect your teeth and gums. They act as a cushion to absorb force and pressure that could otherwise cause dental injuries. Commonly made of BPA and latex-free materials, these dental appliances are a safeguard against teeth grinding, sleep apnea, sports injuries, TMJ disorders, and more.

A poorly fitted mouth guard undermines its functionality. If the fit is not correct, you may still experience grinding or even sustain injuries, negating the protective benefits of the device.

How Do Mouth Guards Work?

The principle behind night guards is simple. By creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, the night guard dissipates forces that would cause harm. Dental experts emphasize the importance of a properly fitted mouth guard to ensure its efficacy.

The physical barrier a night guard creates is its primary defense mechanism. It is so effective because it can prevent even unconscious teeth grinding and clenching at night, protecting your mouth, teeth, and jaw from injury. Not all night guards are created equal, but it is possible to discover the best night guard for teeth grinding that works for your needs.

Risks Of a Dental Guard That Isn’t Fitting Properly

A poorly fitted night guard poses significant risks. One major issue is that it may not provide adequate protection against grinding or clenching. This can lead to accelerated enamel wear, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities.

Secondly, an ill-fitting night guard can cause jaw discomfort. When the guard doesn’t align well with your teeth, it can force your jaw into an unnatural position. Over time, this may result in jaw pain or exacerbate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.

In addition, improper fit may result in the night guard slipping off your teeth during sleep. This poses a choking hazard, which is especially concerning if you’re a deep sleeper or have a history of sleep disorders.

Furthermore, an improperly fitted night guard can irritate gums and oral tissues. Rubbing against these sensitive areas can cause sores or infections, worsening your oral health.

Benefits of A Night Guard That Fits

A night guard that fits well offers several benefits, chief among them being effective reduction of teeth grinding and clenching. This action significantly lowers the risk of enamel wear, preserving the structural integrity of your teeth.

Another key advantage of a fitting mouthguard is comfort. When it fits properly, it allows your jaw to maintain a natural position, making the experience more comfortable. This becomes especially crucial if you already face jaw issues.

Durability is also a notable benefit when night guards are fitting properly. A well-fitted night guard tends to endure less wear and tear. Consequently, you won’t need to replace it as frequently, which makes it a more cost-effective choice over time.

Additionally, a proper fit lowers the risk of the night guard falling off during sleep, which minimizes any choking hazard and a risk of biting your cheek. In fact, you can even purchase a mouth guard to prevent cheek biting specifically.

Moreover, it prevents unnecessary gum and tissue irritation, reducing the likelihood of oral complications like sores or infections.

Different Types of Mouthguards

Mouthguards come in three primary categories:

• Stock Mouth Guards
• Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
• Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards

Stock mouth guards are easy to find but often fail to deliver a snug fit. Boil-and-bite varieties are fashioned from thermoplastic substances, allowing you to achieve a better fit by molding them to your teeth. A custom night guard is the best option if you care about fit. Produced from dental impressions, they are precisely tailored to your mouth but come with a higher price tag.

However, custom night guards come in two different types. A more expensive type is a custom-fit mouthguard that is made at a dentist’s office. These provide the best fit but can cost more than a thousand dollars. A Direct-to-customer night guard is a cheaper option as they don’t involve any visit to a dentist. You simply make the impressions at home and then mail them to the dental lab.

How Do I Know If My Night Guard Fits Properly: Stock

Initial Inspection

Upon placing a stock night guard in your mouth, the first thing to assess is how it aligns with your bite. The upper and lower teeth should have congruent positioning without the night guard forcing misalignment. If your teeth don’t naturally rest while wearing it, this indicates that it doesn’t fit properly.

Comfort Evaluation

Comfort is non-negotiable. If the stock guard pinches your gums or feels too tight against your teeth, it’s an immediate red flag. Stock night guards can often be uncomfortable due to their generic build, so discomfort is a crucial indicator.

Speech and Swallow Test

A well-fitting guard should not make speaking difficult. If you find it hard to talk, it’s a clear sign that your mouthguard fits improperlly. Swallowing water should also not be an ordeal; otherwise, reconsider using this type of guard.

How Do I Know If My Night Guard Fits Properly: Boil-And-Bite

Molding Process

The fit of a boil-and-bite guard largely depends on how well you’ve molded it to your teeth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for heating and molding. Uneven or incomplete molding often results in a poor fit.

Bite Alignment Check

Once molded, the next step is to check the alignment of your bite, similar to evaluating a stock mouth guard. Signs of an absence of a natural resting position for your teeth signifies that the molding process may need to be redone.

Sip and Comfort Check

Conduct the sip test by taking a small sip of water. It should be easy to swallow without dislodging the guard. Also, evaluate its comfort. A correctly molded boil-and-bite guard should sit snugly yet comfortably on your teeth.

How Do I Know If My Night Guard Fits Properly: Custom

Fitting From Impressions

Custom guard fitting is mostly taken care of by dental professionals who make these night guards from precise dental impressions in a dental lab. Nonetheless, It is really important that your impression kit fits your mouth and that the custom-fitting form engulfs your molars.

Then, you must put the night guard in your mouth and bite down firmly to get the impression. Depending on the brand, you might need to wait for 5 to 15 minutes until the impressions are done.

It is also possible to contact the general dentistry clinic and ask them to make the impressions and mold a custom night appliance for you. However, beware that a custom-fit night guard might cost a lot of money. I recommend checking night guard price online before going to your dentist.

Longevity Check

Custom-fit night guards are designed to last, but constant use can lead to wear and tear. Check the fit periodically, especially if you notice any changes in how it feels. If it starts to feel loose or uncomfortable, it may be time for an adjustment or a replacement

Consistent Comfort and Speech Test

Even though a custom night guard is the gold standard, comfort remains an important factor. It should pop into place and fit very snugly. You should be able to speak easily and experience minimal discomfort. If either of these factors changes over time, consult your dentist for adjustments.

When Not to Use Night Guards Even If They Fit

Refrain from using a night guard if you have severe gum disease, open sores, or if your dentist has advised against it. Wearing a mouth guard under these conditions can exacerbate existing problems.

Conclusion

Ensuring your night guard fits properly is essential for optimal protection against dental issues. There are various types of night guards, each with their own fit and benefits. Take time to go through the five-step process for assessing fit. Remember, a well-fitted mouth guard is a strong ally against grinding and dental trauma.