Alternatives to a Night Guard?

Night guards are commonly used to address the problems caused by bruxism, but they aren’t the only treatment approach. If you’ve tried a night guard and find it uncomfortable or ineffective, or if you’re limited by a restrictive budget that prevents you from getting a well-fitting, custom night guard, you may want to try an alternative approach. Of course, you should check in with your dentist to review which options they might recommend, as each option has different levels of efficacy in different situations. Some options use devices, like night guards, to protect the teeth and interfere with bruxism, while others use behavioral or medical methods.

While night guards prevent the damage that bruxism causes, they don’t help correct the problem itself; they don’t prevent the grinding and clenching from happening in the first place. Occlusal splints, on the other hand, are designed to help adjust the position and tension of the jaw muscles so that they don’t clench in the first place. If you grind your teeth because they’re slightly misaligned, or if you have an occlusal issue that leads to bruxism, an occlusal splint helps your musculature relearn jaw alignment and reduce bruxism. These devices appear very similar to night guards, and they’re constructed in a similar way; they simply serve a slightly different function.

Dentists also recommend treatments that address the tension and stress that can lead to bruxism. In many cases, bruxism is a result of tension in the jaw muscles, and the behavior stops when this tension is addressed. One way to reduce muscular tension is with injections of botulinum toxin, or Botox. While Botox has traditionally been used as a cosmetic treatment, it can also help relax the muscles in the jaw and prevent bruxism. Most patients who use Botox for bruxism receive injection treatments every few months, as the effects wear off, though many patients report that their muscles gradually learn to stop clenching and they can wean off Botox treatments after some time.

Biofeedback treatments can also help relax underlying muscle tension and reduce or eliminate bruxism. Using a small electrode affixed to the head near the jaw, biofeedback technology senses tension in the jaw and alerts the body, subconsciously through a vibration or sound, to encourage the jaw to relax and stop clenching. As the muscles become more relaxed, over time, many patients are able to stop using the biofeedback device, though the duration of treatment time varies for each patient. Many dentists use methods like biofeedback in combination with mechanical devices like night guards, protecting the teeth while the jaw learns how to relax.

Other stress-reduction methods may also help with bruxism, as the condition is often a result of unaddressed tension or stress. Stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga can help holistically address bruxism and other stress behaviors, though they are only helpful when the condition is a result of stress or tension. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and adhering to a routine sleep schedule, can also help limit stress-related bruxism or bruxism that comes from bad sleep hygiene. Jaw exercises, stretches, and massage; tongue stretches; and heat or cold therapy can also help relax tension in the jaw and limit bruxism. When these or other methods aren’t sufficient, medical treatments can help comprehensively address bruxism.

In many cases, patients find relief from the side effects of bruxism with a well-fitted, custom-made night guard provided by their dentist. These durable devices might require occasional adjustments, but they’re an effective way for millions of people to prevent the damage and discomfort brought on by bruxism. Sometimes, it’s best to use a combination of methods, like a night guard used in pairing with Botox or biofeedback. Regardless of the method or methods you and your dentist choose, relief is possible. Talk to your dentist for more information, and together, you can find the approach that works best for you.

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