Ora-GUARD offers new solution for sleep bruxism

Sleep bruxism, or excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth, can be a serious problem for some people. The most common form of treatment for sleep bruxism is wearing a night/occlusal guard.

Ora-GUARD^® is a relatively new dental guard that is designed to alleviate symptoms of bruxism. The Ora-GUARD is reportedly made from soft, medical-grade material to provide a cushion during clenching as well as a patented hard surface design that allows the teeth and jaws to slide naturally and protects teeth from the damaging effects of grinding. 

Dr. William Balanoff, DDS, MS, FICD, shared his insight regarding the development of the Ora-GUARD and how patients are responding to this new product.

How can people determine if they’re grinding their teeth in their sleep?

Patients can determine if they grind or clench their teeth in usually two ways. The first is that the gnashing of teeth will wake up a spouse or partner. This unsettling sound of enamel grinding against enamel is startling and alarming. I have heard from patients that their spouse or partner will wake them up with the hopes of stopping the grinding. The second common way to realize that you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep is when your facial and chewing muscles are fatigued or sore upon waking up. What is truly amazing is that when patients wear a night/occlusal guard, they report that they wake up and their face doesn’t feel tired. It may seem like an odd way to describe a clinical situation, but patients know the difference in the morning with and without a night/occlusal guard.

How was the concept for Ora-GUARD developed? 

Patients are told that they need to protect their teeth from the harmful effects of bruxism by wearing an occlusal/night guard. Ora-GUARD was developed and cleared by the FDA to help patients find an inexpensive yet effective device to protect their teeth from grinding and clenching.

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How does the Ora-GUARD help with teeth grinding? 

To date, dentists have not figured out how to stop patients from grinding and clenching. What Ora-GUARD does is protect teeth from grinding and clenching by covering the teeth with a removable piece of plastic, which has been specially designed and cleared by the FDA.  

Who can use this product?

Anyone who wants to protect their teeth from the harmful effects of grinding and clenching can use this product. Most dentists agree that 30 percent to 40 percent of their adult patient population should wear an occlusal/night guard to protect their teeth from excessive wear.

How does Ora-GUARD differ from other mouth guards available? 

Ora-GUARD is FDA cleared and manufactured by Bite Tech. Bite Tech is the industry leader in teeth protection. No other company has spent more money on research and development, with the sole intent of helping patients keep their smile. Unlike other grind guards, Ora-GUARD is a soft and hard surface wedge design oral appliance. The soft medical grade fit material cushions your jaws during clenching, while the patented hard surface design protects your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding. The patented bite plate wedge design is specially constructed to slide your lower jaw down and forward, releasing tension on the TMJ muscle while preventing tooth damage. No other product on the market can make this claim.

What has been the feedback so far from patients? 

We hear from patients that they wake up rested and their face doesn’t feel tired from grinding and clenching all night. Patients are grateful that there is an inexpensive, effective and FDA approved solution for a problem that has plagued them for many years and, up until now, has been left untreated. The smaller size, along with a tight fit, helps bruxism sufferers with the discomfort usually experienced with other grind guards, as well as prevents them from waking up in the morning with jaw tension and pain.