How long does it take for a night guard to start working?

While at first a night guard can take some adjustment, after just a few weeks most patients will be completely adjusted to their new appliance. Many patients will even reach the point that they begin to feel uncomfortable and not sleep well without the night guard in place.

How long does it take to get used to a night mouth guard?

It often takes patients a few weeks to become accustomed to wearing a night guard. Placing it in the mouth about 10 minutes before going to bed is recommended, as this allows one to get used to the feeling of the dental device.

How long does it take for TMJ to heal?

For most adults, the treatment averages anywhere from 18 months to three years. Therapies like massaging or stretching the jaw, stretching the neck, and stress reduction exercises can instantly provide some relief. Still, it may take anywhere from weeks to months to see the full benefits.

Can TMJ get worse with night guard?

While most night guards can prevent enamel wear by avoiding direct teeth contact, it does not prevent grinding and clenching. In some cases, night guards actually increase the activity of the muscles that clench and this makes TMJ pain worse.

Will a mouth guard stop jaw pain?

Do you suffer from chronic headaches or jaw pain because you clench your teeth? If so, a custom night guard might be the answer. Wearing a mouth guard for jaw clenching and teeth grinding can help protect your teeth from excessive wear and provide relief from temporomandibular joint pain.

Will I ever get used to my night guard?

It is uncomfortable: When I first start wearing a night guard it absolutely uncomfortable. Sticking a hard piece of plastic in your mouth is unnatural and new. It takes time to make an adjustment, remember two weeks on average for most people to get used to it.

Why do my teeth hurt after wearing my night guard?

If you do experience pain or your mouth is hurting after wearing a night guard, it is a sign that your night guard is not fitted properly in your mouth. The device may be too large or too small and is not providing the adequate protection that you desire and need.

Does TMJ pain ever go away?

For most people, pain in the area of the jaw joint or muscles does not signal a serious problem. Generally, discomfort from these conditions is occasional and temporary, often occurring in cycles. The pain eventually goes away with little or no treatment. Some people, however, develop significant, long-term symptoms.

Can TMJ pain last for months?

For many people, TMD symptoms don’t last long, but for others, pain and discomfort when moving their facial muscles is chronic (long lasting) and can be made worse by clenching, chewing, swallowing, or grinding teeth over time.

Why does my jaw hurt after wearing night guard?

And, a poor-fitting guard doesn’t protect the teeth; in fact, it actually leads to greater problems like jaw pain and soreness. The ill fit of a generic night guard can throw off the alignment of the jaw. Recurring jaw pain is usually a clue that there is a problem with the night guard’s fit.

Why do my teeth feel weird after wearing a night guard?