Adjusting a night guard encompasses two main aspects: the precise physical fitting of the appliance by a professional, and your personal process of adapting to comfortably wear it. While dentists handle the physical adjustments, there are effective strategies you can employ to help yourself get accustomed to wearing your night guard.
Professional Adjustment of a Night Guard
A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance designed for a specific fit. If your night guard feels uncomfortable, too tight, too loose, causes pressure points, or alters your bite in a detrimental way, it requires professional adjustment. Only a qualified dentist should make modifications to the night guard, as they possess the expertise and tools to subtly reshape, trim, or thicken the material to ensure an optimal and comfortable fit. Attempting to adjust the night guard yourself can damage the appliance and compromise its effectiveness.
Personal Adaptation: Adjusting to Wearing Your Night Guard
Beyond the initial dental fitting, successfully using a night guard involves a period of personal adaptation. This process allows your mouth and mind to become accustomed to the new sensation of wearing the appliance. Consistent practice and patience are key to making the night guard feel like a natural part of your nightly routine.
Tips for Getting Comfortable with Your Night Guard
To facilitate your adjustment, integrate the night guard into your evening activities gradually. According to SS Family Dentistry:
- Pre-Bedtime Placement: Place the night guard in position in your mouth 30 minutes before you intend to lay down. This early placement allows your mouth to begin adapting to the feel of the guard while you are still awake and engaged in other activities.
- Wear During Relaxing Activities: Incorporate wearing your night guard into your pre-sleep wind-down routine. This helps to normalize its presence and reduces the direct association of the guard with the immediate act of sleeping, which can alleviate initial anxiety. Wear it while you are:
- Reading in bed
- Watching television
- Stretching or performing other calming activities prior to falling asleep
- Extend Wearing Time: The more time you spend wearing the night guard while awake before going to sleep, the more quickly your mouth will adjust to it. Consistently wearing the night guard longer before bedtime helps accelerate your overall comfort and acceptance of the device.
| Adjustment Strategy | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
| Place 30 minutes before lying down | Initiates mouth adaptation prior to sleep |
| Wear during evening activities | Helps integrate into routine, reduces initial discomfort/anxiety |
| Consistently extend wearing time | Expedites overall comfort and adjustment period |
Understanding the Adjustment Period
It is common to experience initial sensations such as increased salivation, a feeling of bulkiness in the mouth, or slight discomfort when first starting to wear a night guard. These are normal responses and typically diminish as your mouth adapts. Consistency in wearing the night guard, even if only for short periods initially, will significantly contribute to a faster and more successful adjustment.
When to Consult Your Dentist
If, after a consistent period of personal adaptation (typically a few weeks), you continue to experience significant discomfort, pain, jaw soreness, or perceive any changes in your bite that persist, it is crucial to revisit your dentist. They can re-evaluate the fit of your night guard, make any necessary professional adjustments, or address any underlying issues that might be contributing to your discomfort.
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