Night Guard Question

Posted on June 26, 2008
Filed Under personal |

Langage barrier with the dentist, so I’m asking here!

I got my night guard today from the dentist, to deal with the teeth-grinding issues I have when I sleep.

But when I first got it, the thing was REALLY tight, like, to the point of hurting. The dentist made some adjustments and all, but it still feels extremely tight. He said it would adjust to my mouth and feel more normal after some time. (It’s made of hard resin.)

1. A website I saw suggested wearing it during the day (about 8 hours per day) for a week before trying to wear it at night. Anyone else do this?

2.Those of you with night guards — did yours also feel tight as hell when you first tried it on? (It’s just that it feels like it’s pressuring my front teeth back and the teeth on the sides inward, even though the dentist said, “Oh, no, no, it’s not!”)

Thanks!

By the way, I’ll probably revert the post to limited access later, because who wants to read about night guards? But I still appreciate your comments!

Comments

6 Responses to “Night Guard Question”

  1. Mark on June 26th, 2008 4:25 am

    I’ve never had a custom owned nightguard that hurt, however they are tight (without being painful) when I get them. I wouldn’t wear them during the day, just wear them at night when they do the most good.

  2. Bruce on June 26th, 2008 5:30 am

    My only experience with nightguards was a *long* time ago, back in childhood. If they’re still cast out of clear plastic, yes, they do tend to be a little bit out of dimension, possibly due to shrinkage in the cast plastic as it sets/cures. I got used to it, but the first time I wore the thing it was definitely on the edge of being painful.

  3. Otto Silver on June 26th, 2008 9:29 am

    I have been wearing one for year, but because I traveled a lot I would often forget them in a hotel in a country I might not see again, ever.

    I solved this by buying a hand full of those cheap mouth guards you get at pharmacies. You know, the ones you would want to use for things like American Football or Rugby. You drop it in hot water, pop in in your mouth and after a bit of adjusting and cutting of the excess “plastic”, you are ready to go.

  4. roboseyo on June 26th, 2008 11:18 am

    I’ve heard the changing of the guard at 3pm in Deoksugung is worth catching.

    (snicker)

    I happen to know a pretty good dentist in the downtown, if you want a second opinion.

  5. gordsellar on June 26th, 2008 1:46 pm

    Thanks everyone!

    I didn’t wear it last night, but I think I will try it tonight. This morning I put it in for a half hour or so and it really felt like it was pressing my front teeth, but I figure one night can’t kill me. The dentist said if it bugs me, come back.

    Otto, in an earlier comment I made here about night guards, a commenter said those cheapies can give you an overbite.

    Robo, Thanks! I’ll bear that in mind. My guy’s locally very well regarded, though, so I was just wondering whether initial tightness is really normal. I have dentist trust issues, is all. But thanks!

  6. tal on June 28th, 2008 11:29 pm

    no, it should not hurt you (you should be able to pop it in and out easily with just a click.) sounds like it needs more adjustments. or ask for another nightguard made of soft material. they also have ones with soft inside and hard outside.

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