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Occlusal Splints & Night Guards: Protect Your Teeth, Ease Your Jaw

Stop the cycle of grinding and clenching before it starts. Our expert-vetted occlusal splints and night guards cushion your bite, reduce muscle strain, and complement other TMJ treatments like Botox—so you can wake up refreshed, pain-free, and ready for your day.

Why Splints & Night Guards Matter for TMJ Relief

When you grind or clench, microscopic tears form in your jaw muscles and joint cartilage—fueling pain, headaches, and worn enamel. A properly fitted splint or night guard:

  • Redistributes bite forces to ease pressure on the TMJ
  • Prevents teeth damage and reduces sensitivity
  • Interrupts muscle overactivity, breaking the pain–tension cycle

Think of it as a shock absorber for your jaw: simple, non-invasive, and effective—especially when paired with targeted therapies.

Soft vs. Hard: Choosing the Right Material

Featured Soft Night Guard Hard Occlusal Splint
Comfort & Adaptation ✔︎ Cushiony, molds quickly to your bite ✘ Rigid—requires adjustment period
Durability ✘ Wears down in 6–12 months ✔︎ Lasts 2–3 years with proper care
Pressure Redistribution ✔︎ Good for mild to moderate bruxism ✔︎ Superior for severe grinding
Cost ✔︎ More affordable upfront ✘ Higher initial investment
Ideal For Light grinders, occasional clenchers Chronic, heavy bruxism, severe TMJ pain

Who Benefits Most?

  • Mild to Moderate Grinder: A soft night guard offers comfort and quicker adaptation.

  • Severe Bruxer or Chronic TMJ Pain: A rigid, hard acrylic splint provides maximum protection and bite correction.

  • Complementary Care Seekers: Anyone combining splints with Botox, physical therapy, or exercises for layered relief.

What to Expect: Fitting & Follow-Up

Evaluation & Impression

- Your TMJ provider reviews your bite, jaw alignment, and pain history.
- A dental mold or digital scan captures your unique bite pattern.

Custom Fabrication

- Labs craft your guard from medical-grade material for precise fit.

Fitting & Fine-Tuning

- Your provider adjusts edges and thickness for comfort and optimal force distribution.

Care & Maintenance

- Clean nightly with mild soap and a soft brush.
- Store in a ventilated case.
- Replace soft guards every 6–12 months, hard splints every 2–3 years.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

  • Pros: Simple to use, non-invasive, protects teeth, reduces muscle overuse, pairs well with other TMJ therapies.

  • Cons: Takes adjustment (especially hard splints), requires nightly wear, ongoing replacement costs.
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Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?

Protect your teeth and ease your TMJ discomfort with a custom occlusal splint or night guard—prescribed by local experts.

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TMJJawPain.com • Your one-stop TMJ resource—combining proven therapies for lasting jaw comfort.