Will a Night Guard Change your Bite?
When you first start sleeping with a night guard, you might notice that your bite feels unusual, both while you’re wearing your night guard and shortly after you take it out. If this sensation continues, don’t ignore it. At first, it’s normal for the bite to feel a bit off, though this feeling should subside within a couple of hours. If any discomfort persists after a week or two, however, make sure to check in with your dentist for a thorough evaluation. You might just need the edges of your night guard to be thinned a bit, or perhaps your night guard is too rigid, and you’d prefer a more flexible material. All of these things can be addressed by your dentist and shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re wearing an ill-fitting night guard, it’s especially important to see your dentist, as prolonged pain or discomfort could indicate that the teeth or jaws are shifting out of alignment, realigning, and redesigning the bite.
Keep an eye out for any of the following indications:
- Pain in the jaw
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down
- Inability to bite food properly, especially with the front teeth
- Noticeable disconnection between the upper and lower teeth
- Development of a lisp or other speech change
While a well-made night guard shouldn’t change your bite, any ill-fitting device could affect dental alignment and occlusion – though it’s certainly more common with over-the-counter devices that aren’t custom-fitted. If you have a custom night guard and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, see your dentist; your device might need a fit adjustment or minor reshaping, which should make these symptoms disappear. You might also find that a night guard that you’ve had for a while is no longer as secure or snug as it once was, which is normal in light of the fact that everyone’s teeth naturally drift and shift over time. If you didn’t wear your night guard for a period and decide to try wearing it again, stop wearing it if you notice discomfort or pain that lasts for more than a week or two. This indicates that it’s time to get a new dental impression and a new night guard, one that’s designed for your current teeth and not your teeth of years ago.
It’s a good idea to bring your night guard with you to each dental appointment and to see your dentist at recommended intervals for cleanings and checkups. Make sure to tell your dentist if you’re experiencing any pain or other unusual symptoms, and follow their recommendations for modifications or revisions to the night guard. They’ll evaluate the fit of your night guard and will also assess your bite to see if it’s noticeably changing. If you have an over-the-counter night guard, talk to your dentist about your options for a custom-fitted model; you may find that the larger initial investment is well worth the security that comes from knowing your night guard is doing its best to protect your teeth and provide you with relief from the stresses of bruxism. If you already have a custom night guard and it’s uncomfortable or feels like it’s changing your bite, talk to your dentist about other options for materials; you might prefer a softer vinyl cushion to a rigid material like acrylic. If you generally wear your night guard only on your top teeth, you might also talk to your dentist about using a guard on your bottom teeth instead, or about some other recommendation for fit or modification.
The only way to ensure that your night guard remains effective and comfortable is to communicate with your dentist when issues arise and to see your dentist regularly for assessments and adjustments. Rest assured that the right night guard won’t change your bite, and know that your dental team has your best interests in mind and will help you find the most helpful solution for your needs.
Related Article: Alternatives to a Night Guard?