Post-Op Care Instructions

 

Nightguard

Your nightguard is a means of protecting and preserving your teeth, gums and jaw joints. At night, it is common for clenching and/or grinding to occur, resulting in wear and tear of the teeth, bone and jaw joint. This is because at night the protective reflexes against clenching and grinding are "asleep", causing your teeth or muscles to feel sore, sensitive or tired in the morning.

Your nightguard will not stop you from clenching or grinding, but it will manage the habit and protect the jaw system. It will not change your bite or alter the position of your teeth.

Each individual takes a different amount of time to get used to the appliance, so that they may wear it throughout the night. Be patient. Wear it while you are awake. Get used to it before trying to sleep with the appliance. Increase the amount of time you wear it until you feel you can sleep with the appliance in the mouth.

When putting your nightguard into place use both hands; don't bite it into place. Initially the appliance may feel snug or tight and be putting uneven pressure on the teeth. The feeling will go away in approximately 10 to 15 minutes as the teeth fit into the appliance. Also when you take it out in the morning the teeth may not feel they fit together properly. Once again in a few minutes the teeth will get use to being in contact together.

Keep the appliance clean with toothpaste and always store it in the container provided. (Please keep the appliance away from pets). The plastic will discolour over time and will wear out depending on how much clenching and grinding occurs.

If you are having difficulty wearing the appliance or have concerns or questions please call us. It is wise to bring it with you to your recall appointments. There is a fee for adjusting your appliance.