Your occlusal guard is a custom-made piece that protects your teeth, joints and muscles. With proper care it will last many years and perform its function perfectly. Follow this guide to keep it in optimal condition.

What is it and what does your occlusal guard do?

An occlusal guard (also called a bite splint, bruxism guard or night guard) is a custom removable appliance made of rigid acrylic or semi-flexible material that is placed over the teeth — usually the upper — while you sleep.

Protects tooth enamel: When grinding or clenching teeth, the forces generated are 6-10 times greater than when chewing normally. The guard absorbs those forces so they don’t destroy the enamel.
Relaxes jaw muscles: By separating the teeth and modifying jaw position, the guard reduces involuntary muscle contraction during sleep.
Protects the temporomandibular joint: Reduces pressure on the TMJ (jaw joint), preventing or relieving headaches, neck and ear pain associated with bruxism.
Protects restorations and treatments: If you have veneers, crowns, implants or fillings, the guard protects them from the destructive forces of bruxism.

Your guard is unique — it was fabricated exactly on the mold of your teeth. Do not lend it to anyone and do not try to use it in the opposite direction to that indicated.

The First Nights of Use

Adaptation is gradual and completely normal

Night 1-3 — Strange sensation: It is completely normal for the guard to feel large, uncomfortable or to generate more saliva than usual. Your mouth is not used to the object. Don’t be discouraged — this improves quickly.
Night 3-7 — Progressive adaptation: The strange sensation decreases. Some patients notice that in the first mornings the jaw is a bit more rigid or muscles feel tension — a sign that the guard is working.
Week 2-4 — Natural use: Most patients adapt completely. Many report that they start to notice it only when they DON’T use it (waking up with more muscle tension or headache).
Month 1+ — Part of the routine: The guard is now part of your nightly routine. You may notice improvement in morning headaches, tooth sensitivity and muscle tension.

If after 2 weeks the guard is still very uncomfortable, causes pain on a specific tooth, or you feel your bite changed when you remove it in the morning, let us know. It may need a small adjustment.

Daily Cleaning — The Most Important Thing

A dirty guard loses effectiveness and can damage your oral health

The mouth during sleep is warm, moist and has less saliva flow — the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to colonize the guard. Daily cleaning is not optional.

Rinse immediately when removing it: As soon as you take it out in the morning, rinse it under cold running water. This removes saliva and residue before they harden. Do this before anything else.
Brush with soft brush and neutral soap: Use a soft toothbrush dedicated exclusively to the guard (mark it to avoid confusion). Brush all surfaces: inside, outside and the occlusal biting surfaces. Use neutral liquid soap or gentle hand soap — not toothpaste.
Full rinse with cold water: Rinse very thoroughly until no soap residue remains. Residual soap can irritate gums or affect taste. Always COLD water — hot water can deform the acrylic.
Dry before storing: Let it air for a few minutes or gently dry with a clean cloth before putting it in the case. Storing it wet in a closed case promotes fungal growth.
Weekly deep soak: Once a week, soak the guard in cold water with half an effervescent cleaning tablet (Corega, Polident, or similar) for 15-20 minutes. This removes accumulated tartar and deep disinfects. Rinse very well afterward.

Never do this with your guard:

Don’t use hot or boiling water — permanently deforms the acrylic
Don’t use toothpaste — its abrasives scratch the surface and weaken it
Don’t put it in the microwave, dishwasher or home autoclave
Don’t use bleach, chlorine or pure alcohol — they degrade the material
Don’t store it dry in a completely airtight bag for long periods
Don’t use home ultrasonic cleaners without consulting us first

When and How to Wear the Guard

Consistency is the key to treatment

When to wear it?

The occlusal guard is primarily designed to be worn while sleeping — when bruxism occurs unconsciously and you cannot voluntarily control it.

Every night at bedtime, without exception
During naps if sleeping more than 30 minutes
During high-stress periods, bruxism worsens — more reason not to skip nights
If your dentist indicated daytime use too (awake bruxism), follow the instructions given

How to place it correctly?

Identify which arch it corresponds to — usually upper, unless otherwise indicated
Orient it correctly (the concave part goes toward the teeth)
Place it with your fingers with firm, even pressure — it should be well seated
Don’t snap it with your lower teeth to adjust it — this can fracture it
It should fit without pain — if there’s a painful pressure point, let us know

One night without the guard won’t ruin treatment, but inconsistent use significantly reduces the benefits. Muscles and joints need consecutive nights of rest to recover.

Correct Storage

Where and how to store your guard when not using it

Always in its ventilated case: Always store the guard in the case we provided. Ideally a case with ventilation (small holes) that allows air to circulate. Don’t store it in completely airtight cases for long periods.
Dry before storing: Make sure the guard is dry or at least drained before putting it in the case. Trapped moisture inside a closed case is the ideal environment for fungi.
Cool place, away from heat: Don’t leave it in the car, on the radiator, near windows with direct sun or in hot places. Acrylic deforms with heat. Normal room temperature is perfect.
Out of reach of pets: Dogs are particularly attracted to the smell of saliva on the guard. It’s surprisingly common for pets to destroy guards. Always store it in a drawer or elevated location.

Understanding Your Bruxism for Better Treatment

The guard protects — but comprehensive treatment goes beyond that

Factors that worsen bruxism:

Stress and anxiety: The most important factor. During high-stress periods, bruxism intensifies noticeably. Relaxation techniques before sleep help a lot.
Caffeine and alcohol at night: Both substances increase muscle activity during sleep. Avoid coffee, black tea and alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime.
Screens and stimulation before sleep: Using your phone or computer before bed activates the nervous system and can intensify nighttime bruxism.
Medications: Some antidepressants (SSRIs) and other medications can increase bruxism as a side effect. If you started a new medication and bruxism worsened, discuss it with your doctor.

What complements guard treatment:

Physical therapy or massage of the masseter and temporal muscles
Relaxation techniques and stress management (yoga, meditation, breathing)
Avoid chewing gum or very hard foods during the day
Jaw relaxation exercises indicated by your dentist
In severe cases: botulinum toxin therapy in the masseter muscles
Evaluation by psychologist or doctor if stress is the main factor

Jaw relaxation exercise for before sleep:

Place your tongue gently on the palate, behind your upper teeth
Slightly separate your teeth — lips closed, teeth apart
Breathe deeply and let the jaw muscles relax
Hold this position 2-3 minutes before putting in your guard and sleeping

The correct resting position of the jaw is with teeth separated, not in contact. If your teeth touch during the day when you’re not chewing, that is a habit to correct.

Professional Maintenance and Lifespan

Your guard needs periodic check-up

Bring it to every check-up: Always bring your guard to control appointments. We check wear, fit, material integrity and do necessary professional polishing. An excessively worn guard can lose effectiveness.
Periodic adjustments: Over time, small changes in your teeth or gums may affect the guard’s fit. Small adjustments are done at the clinic quickly and at no additional cost.
Replacement based on wear: Lifespan depends on bruxism intensity. Mild bruxism: guard can last 3-5 years. Severe bruxism: may wear out in 1-2 years. Accelerated wear is a sign of how much you’re grinding.
Professional cleaning every 6 months: At the clinic we perform deep cleaning with dental ultrasonic specific for guards and polish the surfaces. This extends the guard’s life and ensures hygiene.

Signs that the guard needs replacement:

Visible wear — you can see the material has thinned significantly
Holes or perforations in the occlusal surface
The guard fractured or has deep cracks
No longer fits correctly even with no visible damage
Persistent odor that doesn’t go away with regular cleaning
Deep stains that aren’t eliminated with cleaning

Warning Signs

When to contact us

Consult us if you experience:

Tooth pain when wearing the guard: If any tooth hurts when putting on the guard or in the morning, there may be an excessive pressure point that needs adjustment. Don’t ignore it — it can damage the tooth.
Bite that changes when removing it: If when removing the guard in the morning you feel your teeth don’t occlude the same as usual, the guard may need adjustment or there may be bite changes to evaluate.
The guard fractured or has holes: A fractured guard may have sharp edges that can injure the gum or cheek. Bring it to the clinic — it may be repairable depending on the damage.
Headache or muscle pain that worsens: If you use the guard consistently but morning headaches or muscle tension worsen instead of improving, it may signal the fit is not optimal or there are other factors to evaluate.
Sores or irritation on the gum: If you notice irritation, lesions or sores on the gum under the guard, it may indicate material hypersensitivity, an incorrect pressure area or insufficient hygiene.

This is completely normal:

Strange or uncomfortable sensation the first nights
Excess saliva at the start of adaptation
Mild muscle stiffness in the first mornings — a sign it’s working
Small marks on the gum the first days
Guard making slight noise during grinding — it’s protecting the tooth
Progressive adaptation that can take 2-4 weeks

Keys for a Guard That Lasts and Works

Wash it every morning when removing it
Use it every night without exception
Store it dry in its ventilated case
Bring it to every check-up appointment
Cold water only — never hot
Relax your jaw before sleeping

Frequently Asked Questions

Every night, without exception?

Ideally yes. Bruxism is an involuntary reflex during sleep — you cannot control it consciously. Every night without the guard, your teeth and joints work unprotected. One forgotten night doesn’t cause permanent damage, but the habit of skipping nights does.

How long will it take to work?

Many patients report improvement in morning headaches and muscle tension within the first 2-4 weeks. Dental protection is immediate from the first night. Muscle and joint benefits accumulate with consistent use over months.

Does the guard cure bruxism?

Not directly. The guard protects from the consequences of bruxism but doesn’t eliminate the habit itself. Bruxism has roots in the nervous system and stress. The most complete treatment combines guard + stress management + in severe cases, other therapies. Your dentist can guide you.

Can I use a pharmacy-bought guard?

Not recommended as a substitute for the custom guard. Generic guards don’t perfectly fit your teeth, can alter your bite and generally don’t provide the same protection. A poorly fitting guard can even worsen TMJ dysfunction.

Will my partner hear me grinding with the guard?

The guard significantly reduces the sound of grinding. In many cases it eliminates it completely. If there’s still some sound, it’s considerably less than without the guard.

Can I talk with the guard in?

Yes, although initially pronunciation may be slightly affected. Within a few days you get used to it. If you need to talk to someone at night, there’s no problem.

What do I do if I lose it or forget it on a trip?

If you forget the guard one or two nights on a trip, it’s not a catastrophe. Avoid chewing gum or hard foods and try to reduce stress. When you return, resume normal use. If you lose it permanently, let us know as soon as possible to make a new one.

Can I use the guard if I have braces or aligners?

Aligners already provide some protection while you’re wearing them. For braces, there is a type of guard adapted for use with orthodontics. Consult us according to your specific case.

Will the guard help with my headaches?

In many cases yes, especially if the headache is tension-type or related to muscle dysfunction from bruxism. If pain persists or has another origin, it may require additional evaluation.

Can I clean it with hydrogen peroxide?

Diluted hydrogen peroxide (3%) can be used occasionally for extra disinfection, but not as daily cleaning. Gentle soap is sufficient and gentler on the material. Don’t use high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.

Care for Your Occlusal Guard