A hard night guard is a custom - fitted oral appliance meticulously crafted to safeguard teeth against bruxism, the involuntary grinding and clenching of teeth that occurs during sleep. Constructed from robust materials such as rigid acrylic or thermoplastics like poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), these guards typically measure 2 - 4 mm in thickness. This specific thickness is designed to absorb masticatory forces that can soar as high as 200 - 400 N, effectively preventing enamel erosion, tooth fractures, and reducing jaw muscle fatigue. In contrast to soft guards, hard night guards retain their shape even under continuous pressure, making them the preferred choice for individuals suffering from severe bruxism .
Dentiștii fabrică de obicei gardieni duri prin impresii sau scanări 3D, frezarea CAD/CAM asigurând o adaptare precisă la arcadele dentare . suprafețele lor ocluzale netede ghidează alinierea naturală a maxilarului, reducând temporomandibular articulația (TMJ) stresul . Studiile clinice arată că gardienii pot scădea forțele de ocluzal de către {}} 3}}}}%, de a scădea forțele de ocluzal de către {3} Pe termen lung - durabilitate pe termen lung . Întreținerea implică periajul zilnic cu săpun ușor și stocarea într -un caz ventilat pentru a preveni creșterea bacteriană .
Caution is advised: improper fitting may cause bite misalignment or gum irritation. Users should replace guards every 3 - 5 years as materials wear or dental structures change. While over - the - counter options exist, professional customization is recommended to balance protection and comfort, making hard night guards a cornerstone in bruxism management.