Bite Splint/Nightguard Usage and Care
Night Guards are intended to
A commonly prescribed nightguard in our office is the Myohealth Clench Inhibitor (MCI). The following information is related to the MCI and it's usage.
Occlusion/Bite
Your bite load should distributed on the "occlusal table" which is over 3 or 4 opposing incisor teeth. Back teeth should not touch
Salivation
Some patients initially experience excess salivation for a period of days until they become accustomed to the appliance.
Adaption period
Occasionally patients require time to adapt to the appliance. In this situation it is recommended that the patient ease into wearing the appliance ie only wear for a few hours per night until they familiarize themselves with the appliance.
Monitoring
It is important to get in touch with our office should you encounter any difficulties with comfort and usage. We will usually schedule review appointments and it is important to attend these appointments.
Usage
The MCI must only be worn during sleep and not during the day or while eating.
During the first week or so it is common for patients to remove the MCI unknowingly while they are asleep. This is not a problem and soon diminishes as the mouth adapts.
If the appliance becomes loose and can be dislodged with tongue or lip pressure, discontinue use and call the clinic to make appointment for an adjustment.
Occasionally staining may occur to your MCI. This can be treated by soaking the appliance in 10% peroxide solution.(obtained from the pharmacy) for 1-2 hours.
The appliance and teeth should be checked at regular intervals. You should bring it along whenever you come for routine dental checkups.
Things to watch out for
Wearing the MCI can facilitate relaxation in tense and dysfunctional jaw muscles and a resulting change in the position of the jaw when the teeth come together. For a small percentage of patients there may be a permanent change in the way the teeth fit together. Usually this does not present any problems for the patient. However in rare situations discomfort may result and further dental treatment may be required to achieve an improved biting contact of the teeth.
The time frame for the resolution of jaw pain (if present) varies with individuals and can sometimes take up to 6-8 weeks.
- Prevent the harmful effects of nocturnal bruxism
- Be comfortable and reasonably long-lasting
A commonly prescribed nightguard in our office is the Myohealth Clench Inhibitor (MCI). The following information is related to the MCI and it's usage.
Occlusion/Bite
Your bite load should distributed on the "occlusal table" which is over 3 or 4 opposing incisor teeth. Back teeth should not touch
Salivation
Some patients initially experience excess salivation for a period of days until they become accustomed to the appliance.
Adaption period
Occasionally patients require time to adapt to the appliance. In this situation it is recommended that the patient ease into wearing the appliance ie only wear for a few hours per night until they familiarize themselves with the appliance.
Monitoring
It is important to get in touch with our office should you encounter any difficulties with comfort and usage. We will usually schedule review appointments and it is important to attend these appointments.
Usage
The MCI must only be worn during sleep and not during the day or while eating.
During the first week or so it is common for patients to remove the MCI unknowingly while they are asleep. This is not a problem and soon diminishes as the mouth adapts.
If the appliance becomes loose and can be dislodged with tongue or lip pressure, discontinue use and call the clinic to make appointment for an adjustment.
Occasionally staining may occur to your MCI. This can be treated by soaking the appliance in 10% peroxide solution.(obtained from the pharmacy) for 1-2 hours.
The appliance and teeth should be checked at regular intervals. You should bring it along whenever you come for routine dental checkups.
Things to watch out for
Wearing the MCI can facilitate relaxation in tense and dysfunctional jaw muscles and a resulting change in the position of the jaw when the teeth come together. For a small percentage of patients there may be a permanent change in the way the teeth fit together. Usually this does not present any problems for the patient. However in rare situations discomfort may result and further dental treatment may be required to achieve an improved biting contact of the teeth.
The time frame for the resolution of jaw pain (if present) varies with individuals and can sometimes take up to 6-8 weeks.