Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 6/22/2005

Question
My husband grinds his teeth while he is sleeping.  Some days are better than others.  Our dentist fitted him for a plastic mouth guard but he broke two of them during the night.  We're thinking that he may have swallowed the broken pieces.  We don't know what to do anymore...  Is there a better solution?  I am not able to sleep!

Thank you in advance for your help!

Best wishes, zoe

Answer
Dear Zoe,

Night guards are the most reliable means of managing nocturnal bruxism (clenching and grinding). There are many different designs, and some are far more durable than others. I suspect your dentist fabricated one of the flimsier designs that only cover some of the front teeth. Alternatively, he may have made one of the types of appliances that are thermoplastic heat-formed, rather than a laboratory-fabricated device. Custom-made laboratory acrylic night guards are quite durable, and although I have seen them become quite worn after years of use, are virtually unbreakable. If necessary, the appliance can be made thicker or reinforced with a metal framework.


I would suggest that you prevail upon your dentist to try making another type of night guard. Although it may be a bit more expensive to provide, I think you can appreciate the value of a successful outcome.

Good luck!

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY