The Effects of Covid-19: Occlusal Guards for TMJ and Bruxism

To ensure a comfortable, well-fitting occlusal guard, some critical steps will significantly improve the final results. When an occlusal guard is ill-fitting and uncomfortable, it is usually the result of distortions in the impressions, issues with the bite, or a poor mounting.

To create excellent fitting guards, the following steps should be followed:

• Use a custom tray to ensure it fits the mouth properly.
• Use either a polyether or polyvinyl impression material for multiple pours.
• Don’t skimp on the amount of impression material used.
• Make sure to use an adhesive so the impression won't separate for the impression tray.
• Make sure the dentition is dry before taking the impression.
• Take a bite either like a Lucia Jig or George Gauge.
• Capture an accurate horizontal plane by using a facebow or Kois Facial analyzer.

With the appropriate information provided, the case can be mounted and will be a very accurate representation of the patient's occlusal scheme. If accurate information is provided, then the appliance will be fabricated to this level of accuracy.

There is no question that the current coronavirus pandemic has thrust many people into high levels of stress and anxiety. The mental toll has yet to be fully understood. It is no wonder that many dental offices are reporting higher levels of parafunctional issues like bruxism and clenching in their patients.