Stress guards are pieces of molded plastic that fit to your teeth. Stress guards may prevent tooth damage and related health conditions that may cause you physical and/or psychological distress and discomfort. Meeting with your dentist and inquiring about a stress guard will help determine if you need one and what type will work best for you.
Purpose
Stress guards create a space between your teeth and prevent your teeth from biting, gnashing, grinding or grating against one another. Wearing a stress guard at night reduces the effects and symptoms of unconscious grinding or clenching of your teeth.
Types
Drugstores and retailers sell stress guards that mold to your bite. After warming the mold in hot water, you bite on the guard and leave your teeth and jaw's imprint on the guard. Dentists make custom stress guards that form a more detailed and accurate mold of your teeth and jaw. If a health condition warrants the guard, your insurance may pay fully or partially for a custom-fitted stress guard.
Conditions Stress Guards Help
If you have temporomandibular joint disorder, known as TMJ, or bruxism, you may require a stress guard. TMJ affects the ligaments, joints and muscles surrounding your jaw, mouth and neck. No direct cause of TMJ has been established, but MedlinePlus reports that the condition may be instigated by clenching and grinding your teeth. Wearing a stress guard may help prevent TMJ or reduce symptoms related to it.
According to a March 18, 2009, Tufts University article, nighttime bruxism, also known as nighttime grinding, is a common response to anxiety and stress. Wearing a stress guard at night helps prevent unconscious clenching and grinding, and may reduce daytime jaw pain and headaches associated with bruxism.
Symptoms Indicating a Possible Need
Jaw clicking, jaw pain, lock-jaw, neck pain and headaches all indicate you may need a stress guard and/or have a jaw disorder. Additional symptoms include teeth sensitivity, insomnia, feelings of depression, earaches and stress. Contact your dentist for a medical evaluation and to evaluate the benefits of wearing a stress guard.
Considerations
Sometimes jaw misalignment and structural abnormalities influence jaw pain, clenching and grinding. If a bad bite or any of the aforementioned reasons cause you discomfort, you may require medical intervention as well as a stress guard. Poor posture, jutting your head in front of your spine and straining to see your computer screen may aggravate your symptoms, regardless of if you wear a stress guard. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle modifications that may complement a stress guard and may improve your situation.
Talk to your dentist about when to wear your stress guard. You may benefit from wearing it during the day if you clench your teeth while awake. Gently massaging the area surrounding your jaw, mouth and neck may alleviate pain associated with teeth grinding and clenching.
