Patient Guide for Your Custom Hard Night Guard

Q: Why does my bite feel weird in the morning?

This is a normal and temporary feeling. Your jaw has been in a relaxed, protected position all night. After removing your guard, gently clench your teeth together a few times. Your bite should feel normal again within a few minutes to an hour.

Q: My jaw feels a little sore. Is that okay?

Mild muscle awareness or tenderness is normal for the first week as your muscles adjust. It should feel like the soreness after a new workout. If the pain is sharp or doesn’t improve, please call us, as your guard may need a minor bite adjustment.

Q: Can I wear my night guard during the day if I'm stressed?

Yes, you can. In fact, wearing your guard during times when you know you tend to clench (like while driving, working at the computer, or exercising) is an excellent way to protect your teeth and give your jaw muscles a break.

Q: How long will my hard night guard last?

With proper care, a custom hard night guard can last for many years. The lifespan depends on the severity of your grinding. We will check it for wear and tear at every one of your dental visits.

Appliance & Preventive Care

How to Use / Wear

Your new night guard is a custom-made medical appliance designed to protect your teeth and relax your jaw muscles.

Nightly Use: For the best results, you must wear your night guard every night, all night. Consistent use is the key to protecting your teeth and joints from the heavy forces of sleep bruxism.
Daytime Use: If you find yourself clenching or grinding during periods of high concentration or stress (like driving, working at a computer, or exercising), you may also wear your guard during the day for added protection and muscle relaxation.
How to Insert & Remove: Always rinse the guard with cool water before placing it in your mouth. Use your fingers to gently press it into place—never bite it into position. To remove, gently pull on the edge near your back molars on both sides.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily cleaning is required to keep your night guard clean, clear, and odor-free.

Morning Routine: Every morning when you take it out, clean your night guard immediately. Gently brush the entire appliance with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of mild liquid dish soap (like Dawn). Rinse it very well with cool water to remove all soap residue.
Avoid Toothpaste: Do not use any kind of toothpaste to clean your guard. Toothpaste is abrasive and will create microscopic scratches that can harbor bacteria, leading to discoloration and bad odors.
Also Avoid: Do not use hot water, as it can warp the hard acrylic. Do not use denture tablets or mouthwash with alcohol.
Storage: After cleaning, let the guard air dry completely and store it in its protective case. This keeps it safe from pets and accidental damage.
Bring it with you: Always bring your night guard to your regular dental check-up appointments so we can professionally clean it and check its fit and function.

What To Expect

It is completely normal for your new night guard to feel strange, bulky, and tight for the first one to two weeks. Your brain needs time to get used to it.

Common Temporary Feelings:

Bulkiness and Tightness: This is normal. The guard needs to fit snugly to work properly. This feeling will fade as you get used to wearing it.
Jaw or Muscle Awareness: You may notice some mild tenderness or fatigue in your jaw muscles for the first few mornings. This is because the guard is guiding your jaw into a new, more relaxed position.
Extra Drool or Dry Mouth: This is very common and will go away as your mouth adapts.
A Different Bite: You will notice that when you slide your jaw side-to-side, only your canine (eye) teeth touch the guard. This special feature is called “canine rise” and is designed to take the pressure off your other teeth and relax your chewing muscles. It may feel odd at first, but it is a key part of the therapy.

If you experience any sharp pain or if the guard feels unbearably tight, please contact our office. A simple adjustment is often all that is needed.