Hi thisgirl,
Some splints are worn 24/7, and some may be worn at night only (night guards). You stated "the plates give me a straighter bite, which I don't get without their help". I'm wondering if at night, without your plates in, perhaps your lower jaw may be "dropping back" slightly? If this were the case, then I would think that a night guard might afford you the comfort level while sleeping, that your plates do during the day.
Think of it this way - If your jaw is dropping back slightly while you sleep, it is in a somewhat "incorrect" position. You wake up in the morning OK, and presumably put your plates in. The plates are putting your jaw in a more correct/stable position. By afternoon, the pain starts to get worse. It could almost be a sort of "cycle" - your jaw is in one position at night, and a different position during waking hours. Perhaps a splint worn at night would keep your jaw in the same position as during the day? Just a thought.
Marlene
[This message has been edited by Marlene (edited 01-19-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Marlene (edited 01-19-2003).]
| 
splints/mouthguards- will they help me? 
Linear Mode
