The Importance of Night Guard after Dental Implants

Night guards are custom-fitted appliances that are highly recommended for people who grind or clench their teeth, to avoid the pressure their teeth put from damaging their dental implant, as well as their natural teeth and jaws.

Night guards are important to wear after certain dental procedures, such as full mouth restorations, and are recommended by your dentist according to the type of dental surgery you undergo. Whether it’s a full arch implant care or a single dental implant, night guards can not only protect the dental implant but also prevent failure or even loosening.

Moreover, after dental implants, night guards (which are also called occlusal guards) ensure the best healing and even prevent complications, among other benefits such as preserving your oral health. Let’s explore exactly what they are, the various types of night guards available, their primary purpose, and how to maintain them properly.

How to Take Care of Your Occlusal Guard

All On 4 dental implants require crucial protection, given that the procedure consists of 4 titanium implants supporting a full set of upper or lower teeth. And while these and dental implants in general are made to be a long-lasting solution for your smile, the night guards need replacement from time to time, and of course, daily cleaning. 

Taking care of your night guard is a key step in your treatment’s healing. While they protect your dental implant and prevent surface damage by reducing friction, they also perform an essential job: protecting your natural teeth and jawbone from the pressure your teeth might exert, such as chipping or cracking. In the same way your occlusal guard takes care of you, you must take care of it too to avoid bacteria from building up.

As night guards can be made of different materials, you must speak to your dentist to know how to take care of your own. Some of these materials can be hard acrylic (ideal for patients with bruxism), which is more durable and long-lasting; soft vinyl, dual laminate, and thermoplastic. Your dentist will recommend which are the right materials for your case in particular, so the ways and elements to take care of your own night guard may vary.

That said, there are a few simple steps to follow. First, you should rinse them with lukewarm water right after using them. Then, you can brush it gently with a separate toothbrush from the one you usually wear, using a mild soap and scrubbing smoothly. Let it air dry on a clean and dry surface, and then put it in its proper case. All of these steps will help you avoid any bacteria from growing on your night guards, as well as a weekly deep cleaning.

Remember, these steps are only general guidelines. Always follow your dentist’s advice—your night guard is custom-made for you, and so is the way you care for it.

Night guards work by protecting your dental work (but most especially your teeth and jaw) from the effects of grinding or clenching your teeth while asleep, and they’re still protected from any damage that may be caused, as well as stabilizing your jaw. Whatever dental treatment you’ve undergone, a good occlusal guard is always recommended to protect it and your teeth.

That’s why after a dental surgery, they’re so important for your recovery, optimal results, and preserving the longevity of your dental work.

While night guards can’t cure bruxism or stop patients from clenching or grinding, they can help protect your teeth, jaw, and implants from them.

FAQS on Night Guard After Dental Implants

How do they work?

Night guards distribute bite forces more evenly among teeth, so they act as a ‘cushion’ between upper and lower teeth, so they don’t ‘hit’ each other directly. By reducing friction between them, it avoids damaging the dental work by shielding it, as well as spreading the pressure from clenching or grinding across the occlusal guard.

Do I need a night guard after dental implants?

If you tend to grind your teeth while asleep, night guards are absolutely necessary to avoid bruxism after dental implants, given the damage that pressure from grinding or clenching can cause to the surrounding tissues and bone. 

Must I wear my night guards immediately after the dental surgery?

No, because implants need their time to heal and allow the process of osseointegration to take place. Unless your dentist specifically tells you to wear them right after, it its generally not recommended to wear them after surgery. If you have bruxism issues or grind your teeth during the healing process, you might need them as a temporary solution.

Are my night guards custom-made?

Night guards must be custom-made for a more precise fit and comfort, as well as durability and effectiveness. As they provide a more even force distribution, they can not only protect your teeth and jaw, but they can also last for years. Once your dentist takes a mold (or 3D scan) of your teeth, the guard gets sent to match to a dental lab, where it gets made according to your tooth shape and meant to match your exact bite.

Are the custom-made ones comfortable to wear?

Night guards should always be comfortable to wear, especially since they’re made to fit your mouth and bite perfectly. You can always book an appointment with your dentist for any adjustments or any discomfort you may be experiencing, but they should always feel comfortable to wear – so patients actually wear them!

I already have a previous night guard. Can I use that one?

Unless your dentist says you can, you probably shouldn’t. While your previous night guard may still fit, you should keep in mind that dental implants change your bite, especially full mouth restorations such as all on four. So in the long run, it can actually be harmful for your teeth and your dental work. Nonetheless, bring it to your dentist’s office to see how it fits after the procedure and if it can be adjusted for a more proper fit – but always check with your dentist!

>>> For further information, our team of professionals at the Cancun Dental Clinic is more than happy to help you with any inquiries. Contact us today!