Occlusal guards are used to treat clenching and grinding as well as TMJ. Occlusal guards severe to eliminate the bodies need to clench and grind. In most cases, clenching and grinding is the byproduct of disharmony between the alignment of the jaw joint and the teeth when biting. Clenching and grinding can cause severe issues within the joint as well as causing severe damage to teeth. This includes: flat and worn teeth, wear along the gum line, cracked teeth and sensitivity. If left untreated for an extended time, costly and challenging treatment is necessary. An occlusal guard allows the body to realign the jaw joint.
Grinding and clenching can also be caused from non anatomical issues like stress and anxiety. By wearing an occlusal guard at night, if grinding or clenching persists, wear will occur on the guard itself instead of the teeth. A guard is a great investment to help protect against the need for serious treatment in the future!
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