[Dental Health] Teeth braces come in soft and hard types, and wearing them can help reduce tooth damage.
Patients with a habit of teeth grinding unconsciously rub their teeth while sleeping, making abnormal noises. This not only affects sleep but can also damage teeth, causing pulpitis or even breakage due to the constant movement of the chewing muscles. To reduce dental problems caused by teeth grinding, a specially designed teeth grinding brace can be worn while sleeping.
What are the different types of teeth-grinding braces, and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
A molar brace, also known as a molar occlusal plate, primarily separates the upper and lower teeth to prevent tooth friction, reduce tooth damage caused by molars, provide a more stable bite and more comprehensive protection for the dental arch, prevent excessive temporomandibular joint movement, and relieve pressure on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles.
Teeth braces come in two main categories: soft and hard.
Soft bite plates are primarily made of soft resin, providing a more comfortable wearing experience. They can be custom-made and offer better comfort, allowing most patients to adapt quickly. However, because the material is thinner and softer, soft bite plates are less durable and do not stabilize the temporomandibular joint or relax the masticatory muscles.
Hard bite boards, also known as Michigan bite boards, are made of hard resin and are suitable for patients with moderate to severe molar abrasion and temporomandibular joint disorders. Hard bite boards typically cover only the lower half of the upper teeth, increasing the verticality of the bite to relax the jaw and neck muscles. Combined with a special canine guide design, they help reduce damage from molar abrasion and temporomandibular joint discomfort. Furthermore, hard bite boards are less prone to wear and tear, making them more durable. However, hard bite boards can be difficult to adapt to initially and are more expensive.
How should molar braces be worn and what precautions should be taken?
Before and after each use, gently brush the bite plate with clean water and a toothbrush. Avoid using hot water or toothpaste, as this may damage the material. After cleaning and drying, store the bite plate in a clean container.
When wearing a bite plate, first confirm that the vertical orientation is correct, and then ensure that the bite plate does not move from side to side. When removing it, soft bite plates should be gently removed with your fingers from the inside of the back teeth, while hard bite plates should be removed by grasping both ends of the teeth.
Author: Dr. Chen Haoxian
