It is common to wear a nightguard because it is the most effective way to get protection from teeth grinding and clenching. As this tool provides prevention, it makes it feel weird to bite after wearing a nightguard. It feels normal, while your bite feels weird after wearing a nightguard.
In this guide, we discuss why the bite feels weird after wearing a nightguard. There are several reasons, like muscle soreness, change of bite, and sensitivity. You can also get a lot of tips on how to adjust your nightguard and reduce this issue.
Understanding the Night Guard Adjustment Period
At the start, when you have just started using the night guard, you might feel uncomfortable and have difficulties eating. Many people face this issue when they use Night Guard for the first time, but it can be fixed, and you can feel normal after some days of usage because it needs some time to adjust properly.
As it takes some time to adjust, you might have to face some of the following difficulties:
- Muscle Soreness: Sometimes, you might face a problem where your jaw muscles get sore or tender, which might disturb you. This usually happens on the starting day; only then does it get normal.
- Altered Bite: You might feel a little bit of a changed bite at the start, which can cause difficulties while eating, but soon it gets normal.
- Sensitivity: Sometimes, you may have to face the sensitivity in your teeth while using it as a beginner.
Is it Normal for my Bite to Feel Different After a new Night Guard?
There is no need to worry because it is completely normal that a bite feels weird after wearing nightguards. When you use them, your jaw muscles and teeth begin to adjust according to this tool. When you wear it, it feels a little bit strange at first but becomes more comfortable with the flow of time.
Here are some common reasons why your bite might feel different:
- Muscle Soreness: Your jaw muscles may feel sore or tender, especially in the initial days of wearing a night guard.
- Altered Bite: The night guard can slightly change your bite, which may feel unusual at first.
- Sensitivity: Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity.
Common Causes of Post-Night Guard Discomfort
Muscle Soreness and Jaw Pain
A side effect that is most common while wearing night guards is that you experience soreness and pain in jaw muscles. It's because when you introduce a new object into your mouth, your jaw muscles feel different and slowly adjust according to the new tool. This issue takes a few days or weeks to become normal.
Altered Bite and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues
Your bite is temporarily affected while wearing night guard, which leads to a strange sensation when you are not wearing it. It's because the night guard is not like your natural bite. In many cases, feeling weird while wearing a night guard leads to TMJ issues or triggers new ones.
If you feel jaw pain or a clicking or popping sound, it's important to visit your dentist or a TMJ specialist. Don't take any stress and see what your dentist advises you.
Sensitivity and Tooth Discomfort
Most people face temporary tooth sensitivity after starting to wear night guard. Due to sensitivity, there is an increased pressure on the teeth, so you feel weird while wearing a nightguard or irritation in the gums.
Are you facing tooth sensitivity? Then don't wait and ask your dentist about this problem. They can check the area around your teeth or gums completely and tell them the cause of this sensitivity.
Tips for Adjusting to a Night Guard
Gradual Introduction of the Night Guard
If you just want to get out of discomfort while using a night guard at the start, make it fit accurately without any harm. You have to wear it for some time as a beginner, like for a few hours a day, then slowly increase the timing of wearing it over some weeks. This helps you reduce the chances of soreness and allows your jaw muscles to adjust according to the night guard to make sure that you feel normal while wearing it.
Proper Night Guard Fit and Maintenance
It is most important to wear your night guard with proper fit and maintenance because this can ensure your comfort, reduce the chances of any type of difficulty, and provide you with the best results. So make sure that your night guard fits well because it only works effectively when it fits exactly. You also have to clean it on a daily basis, which helps you to keep your night guard safe from the buildup of bacteria.
Consulting with Your Dentist
If you continue to notice that your night guard is not working well and it starts causing discomfort, then you have to consult your dentist about this problem. They can check it well and identify why your night guard is causing problems. Then, your dentist suggests the perfect solution. This way, you can save yourself from problems.
Your dentist tells you in detail about the best process for adjustment, like adjusting the bite or making it slightly thinner or thicker. Then you can get yourself out of this problem. Sometimes, you are using the wrong night guard that doesn't fit according to your needs. In this condition, your dentist recommended the best night guard option for you.
What to do if Your Night Guard is Changing Your Bite?
If you are still facing problems while using the night guard, then you have to consult your dentist for a better solution.
The following are the steps that you have to follow:
- Bring Your Night Guard to Your Dental Appointments: To get the best results, make sure to check your night guard with your dentist. They can make sure that it fits well and works effectively. This reduces the chances of any problem.
- Get a Custom-Fitted Night Guard: If you face an issue with the simple night guards, the best solution for you is to choose the custom-fitted night guards that are specifically designed to fit well according to the patient's needs and reduce the chances of bite changes.
- Try a Different Type of Night Guard: If you face any problem while using a hard night guard, then there is also a soft night guard for you, which is more flexible and softer and may be better for you.
FAQs
Why does my mouth guard make my bite feel weird?
Wearing a new night guard will interrupt your bite at the start because your muscles adjust according to this tool. So do not take stress, and its natural side effects end in a few weeks.
Does wearing a mouthguard change your bite?
If you wear a well-fitting night guard, it does not interrupt your bite permanently, and you feel happy. But you can temporarily adjust your bite with the time flow. If you have some serious problems or for any other confusion, contact your dentist.
Why does my mouth feel weird after sleeping with a mouth guard?
Mostly, this situation happens when your mouth guard does not adjust well. It takes some time to adjust because your jaw muscles can slowly get according to your mouth guard. But if you are still facing such a problem, then the best solution is to consult your dentist to get the perfect treatment.
Why does my jaw hurt worse after night guard?
Usually, your jaw causes pain only when your night guard is not adjusted properly or due to any dental issue. In this condition, the best solution from where you get the professional solution is to consult your dentist.