Occlusal Guards
An occlusal guard is an acrylic appliance to protect your teeth and jaw joints when clenching or grinding. Occlusal guards are also referred to as night guards.
About a third of us will need occlusal guards at some time in our lives when we experience symptoms such as clenching, grinding, breaking teeth, headache, TMJs that are sore, stiff, or stuck, or excessive wear of teeth.
The occlusal guard must fit very well, and be harmonious with jaw movements, or it can actually make conditions worse. This is one of the reasons that you should not attempt to try a do it yourself kit for this purpose.
by Keith Collins, DMD