Occlusal Guard (Night Guard) Post-Op Instructions

Congratulations on receiving your custom occlusal guard! To help ensure its longevity and effectiveness, please follow these care and usage instructions:

Wearing Your Occlusal Guard

• Wear your occlusal guard every night (or as instructed by your dentist) to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching.
• Insert the night guard before bed and remove it in the morning.
• If you experience discomfort or difficulty wearing the guard, contact our office. Minor adjustments may be needed.

Cleaning Your Occlusal Guard

• Clean your occlusal guard daily after each use:
  • Rinse with lukewarm water immediately after removing it.
  • Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste—it can be abrasive).
  • You may use mild soap or non-abrasive denture cleaner if needed.
• Allow the occlusal guard to air dry completely before storing it to prevent bacterial growth

Deep Clean Your Occlusal Guard Weekly – This can be done several ways:

• The first is by using an over the counter denture cleaner. Simply place your occlusal guard in a glass or bowl with water & allow the cleaner to dissolve completely into the water.
• The second way to dep clean your occlusal guard is by using a mixture of vinegar & hydrogen peroxide. Soak the occlusal guard in distilled white vinegar for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse the occlusal guard & bowl with water. Then soak the occlusal guard in hydrogen peroxide for at least 30 more minutes. Once finished, rinse with water & allow the occlusal guard to dry completely.
• The final way you can deep clean your occlusal guard is to use a mixture of mouthwash & water. Pour a cupful of mouthwash in a glass or bowl & then dilute with water until the occlusal guard is submerged in the solution. Let your guard soak for about 30 minutes & then rinse the occlusal guard & allow it to dry completely on a clean flat surface.
• Don’t ever leave your guard soaking in anything for longer than one hour. Extended time can damage the material of your occlusal guard.

Storage

• Always store your occlusal guard in its ventilated case when not in use.
• Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, hot water, or a hot car, as high heat can distort its shape.

Regular Maintenance

• Bring your occlusal guard to your regular dental appointments so we can check its fit and condition.
• Replace your occlusal guard if it becomes cracked, warped, or excessively worn.

Important Notes

• Do not chew on the occlusal guard.
• Keep it out of reach of pets—dogs especially like to chew on them!
• If you stop using your occlusal guard or have changes in your dental condition (new crowns, dental work, etc.), let us know.

If you have any questions or concerns about your night guard, please contact our office. We’re here to help!