| Procedure | Kozmetik |
| Number of Visit | 1 (1 Days) |
| Number of Appointment | 1 |
| Procedur Time | 1 Hours |
| Anaesthetic Type | None |
| Recovery Time | None |
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These apparatuses, called gum shields, also known as night plaques, are a material that protects the teeth against grinding and clenching of teeth, especially at nights. Most people may have the disorder of teeth clenching and grinding due to psychological or genetic reasons. If the necessary precautions and treatments are not taken, it can lead to abrasion of teeth over time, pain in the jaws and bones, and even tinnitus (ringing in the ear) in advanced cases. Gum Shield is an option to minimize tooth damage against this problem.
What is a Gum Shield?
Often as a result of stress in daily life, the problem of clenching or grinding teeth at night is a common complaint. Gum Shields are accessories made of acrylic and has the exact shape of your bite. It is used to prevent wear and tear of teeth, as well as to relieve the main symptoms of the problems, such as pain and tension in the mouth, jaw and head area.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism can be defined as a parafunctional (excessive function) activity that involves clenching or grinding teeth and can affect people of all ages. This activity is done by chewing muscles and since it has no function, it can have various consequences for the patient such as tooth wear, periodontal (gum) injuries, temporomandibular joint (TME-Jaw Joint) disorders and muscle pain.
In the treatment of bruxism, use of gum shields, in other words night plaques as a preventive method is quite common.
Why Gum Shields Are Used?
The common feature of situations requiring the use of gum shields is the destruction caused by teeth grinding problem. However, its use should be decided under the supervision of the dentist and the appropriate plaque should be prepared after necessary examination.
Gum Shield is used in following situations as a preventive:
- Faced with teeth abrasion problem due to teeth clenching and grinding,
- Having teeth grinding (involuntary) problems during the day or at night in stressful situations,
- Having problems with the jaw and head ache in mornings,
- People showing reflexive responds against emotional changes by grinding or clenching the teeth
- Problems or distortions in the formation of teeth
How Gum Shields Are Made?
Gum Shield is produced by the dentist as tailor-made for each patient. The dentist takes the patient's oral and dental measurements and creates a mold made of silicone that is exactly compatible with the shape and alignment of the teeth. This mold, which is usually transparent, needs to be placed on the teeth before night sleep. Some patients may also need to use it during the day based on their symptoms.
Details such as day or night usage of these plaques, known as gum shields, and how many hours per day should be used are explained to the patient by the dentist.
How the Gum Shield is Used?
Transparent gum shield is suitable for both day and night use. It is recommended for patients who encounter involuntary tooth and jaw movements during the day. It has been observed that there is a reduction in jaw pain in as little as a few days in patients who use it regularly. Frequency of use per day, week and month is determined by the physician. It is generally recommended not to use it longer than 12 hours in 1 day.
It should be removed during eating the meals, and during the consumption of hot or cold beverages. It should be removed for activities such as taking shower and swimming. Since using more than the specified time will bring other problems, it is necessary to pay attention to the time.
How to Clean the Gum Shield?
Gum Shield’s cleaning can be done by brushing with soap or neutral detergent, which cleans the surface without scratching. Additionally, antibacterial cleaners can be used. Plaque maintenance should be daily and after use, the plaque should be kept dry, clean and well maintained in the protective box. In this way, the accumulation of bacteria or fungi on the plaque can be prevented.
Gum Shield / Night Plaque Cleaning Is Made As follows:
- Remove excess saliva and residues from plaque with running water;
- Brush the outside of plaque by using a soft toothbrush and neutral soap;
- Then brush the outside part with very soft movements;
- Rinse the plaque until all the soap foam is removed;
- Dry the bruxism plaque thoroughly with a paper towel;
- Put it in the protective box and store it in a safe place.