Occlusal Guard Recovery
A shock absorber for grinding or clenching. Here’s what the adjustment period feels like.
The Full Guide
A custom, tight-fitting appliance worn over your teeth (most often at night), to protect them from the wear and pressure of grinding or clenching (bruxism). Think of it as a shock absorber sitting between your upper and lower teeth. Guards range from soft (mild grinding) to dual-laminate (moderate-severe) to hard acrylic (most durable, for severe grinding).
Grinding puts far more force on your teeth than normal chewing ever does. Over time it wears down enamel, cracks teeth, and strains your jaw joint. A guard absorbs that force instead. Common signs it's worth getting one: morning jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or a partner noticing grinding noises at night.
Waking up with jaw soreness or headaches and haven't been evaluated? Book a consultation and we'll take a look.
No special prep needed.
No numbing needed for this procedure.
An impression (and, for a hard guard, a bite registration) captures the exact shape of your teeth and bite at one visit. The guard is custom-fabricated, and at a second visit, typically 10–14 days later, the finished guard is delivered, fit, and adjusted as needed.
No numbing involved. You can wear it the same night.
Mild jaw soreness or increased saliva is common as your mouth adjusts to a new object at night, similar to sleeping with a retainer for the first time.
Most patients stop noticing it at all and sleep normally through the night.
Clean it before and after each wear with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water (never hot. Heat can warp the plastic). Store it in its case when not worn, away from pets (a surprisingly common cause of damaged guards).
it still feels consistently uncomfortable after 1–2 weeks, doesn't seat properly, or you notice new jaw pain. It likely needs a minor adjustment.
A note on this guide: this is general guidance. Your treating doctor's specific instructions for your individual case always take priority over anything written here. If something feels off or you're unsure, call us. Don't wait it out.
Questions about your recovery?
We're always happy to talk through anything that feels uncertain. Never hesitate to call.