A flexible appliance designed to be worn in the mouth during sleep by individuals who utilize removable dental prosthetics, it serves as a protective layer between the upper and lower arches. This device is typically fabricated from a pliable material and aims to mitigate the effects of bruxism or clenching, which can be exacerbated by the presence of dentures. For example, an individual experiencing jaw soreness upon waking, who also wears complete dentures, might benefit from such a device to cushion and protect their oral structures overnight.
The utilization of such oral appliances offers several advantages, including the potential to reduce strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), minimize denture movement and subsequent sore spots, and extend the lifespan of the prosthetic by decreasing wear and tear. Historically, individuals with natural dentition have employed similar guards to protect their teeth from grinding. The adaptation of this concept to those wearing complete or partial removable replacements provides a means of safeguarding these artificial structures and improving overall comfort.
