Are night guards supposed to fit snuggly around teeth? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

dal · 04-17-2004, 10:07 PM

My ENT informed me that I have TMJ and I decided to try an over the counter night guard first before going through the process of having one made at the dentist office - I purchased 'The Doctor's Night Guard' and after fitting the guard to my upper teeth as per the instructions, I find that the guard does NOT fit snuggly around the teeth and will slip down if I open my mouth and lower my jaw. Can anyone tell me how the fit is supposed to be? When the guard is in the upper mouth, should it be able to shift/move as you open and close the lower jaw or should it fit snuggly and not move?

tmosey · 04-17-2004, 11:47 PM

dal,

The mouth guard should fit snuggly around your teeth. It should not move or slip at all. You should be able to open and close your mouth without it slipping at all. I have one (mine is from the dentist) and it works alright. The ones from the stores do not work as well as the ones from the dentist.

Good luck!

westin4 · 04-18-2004, 08:02 AM

dal,
If you have tmj, I would be very leary about wearing something that is not made from custom molds for your teeth. If a splint does not fit according to your bite, and you have tmj, your symptoms are going to get worse, not better. I am curious, what kinds of symptoms do you have? My splint doesn't move at all, I have to eat in mine and it doesn't slip. But it stays in place unless I lift it out. I currently have a soft splint and am waiting for my hard one to be done, with those, they usually lock onto your teeth and you kind of "pop" them out.
Good luck!
Karen

brwneyez9 · 04-18-2004, 09:19 AM

I would diffenetly go to your dentist and get one made. They should fit pretty snuggley. You don't want to be sleeping and it fall out. It doesn't do what it's suppose to do if it's not fitting. I agree with angel. If it's not made from a mold of your teeth then i wouldn't wear it.Call your dentist and get one made.

TiffanyAnn · 04-18-2004, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dal

My ENT informed me that I have TMJ and I decided to try an over the counter night guard first before going through the process of having one made at the dentist office - I purchased 'The Doctor's Night Guard' and after fitting the guard to my upper teeth as per the instructions, I find that the guard does NOT fit snuggly around the teeth and will slip down if I open my mouth and lower my jaw. Can anyone tell me how the fit is supposed to be? When the guard is in the upper mouth, should it be able to shift/move as you open and close the lower jaw or should it fit snuggly and not move?

Hi dal:
With TMJ you need to have a splint that is specifically made for your mouth and your particular problem. The splints you buy at the store not only do not fit properly but in the long run can cause you further problems. I realize that the splints dentists make cost considerably more than those bought in the store cost but in the long run it is well worth it. You might consider getting in to your dentist to get a splint made for you.
Tiffany