Abstract
This presentation is based on a two-part article bearing the same title published in the British Dental Journal in 2018 and 2019. There are various conventional and unconventional designs of nightguards and other intraoral devices provided for a variety of clinical reasons. This little taught subject of the provision of night guards and other appliances at the undergraduate level and the scarcity of education on the subject at the postgraduate level has resulted in a paucity of recommended protocols in the provision of these appliances, far less highlighting possible unintended occlusal changes that can occur following their provision. Occlusal theories relevant to the provision of night guards or other appliances will be presented as well as covering the wide choice of designs available. The various unintended occlusal changes that can occur following their provision will be highlighted – in addition, the probable cause of the derangement related to the design of the appliance highlighted in each case. A variety of treatment options will be presented that can be used to try to reverse the occlusal changes that have occurred as well as the timeline involved. Conclusions based on the findings will be presented as well as suggested post provision instructions to ensure that any changes that do start to occur can be diagnosed earlier ensuring an early resolution of the occlusal changes that the patient is undergoing.
Download document:
1. TOM BEREZNICKI_PATIENT NIGHT PLATE INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
2. TOM BEREZNICKI_UNINTENDED CHANGES TO THE OCCLUSION FOLLOWING THE PROVISION OF NIGHT GUARDS AND OTHER REMOVABLE APPLIANCES.pdf
Learning objectives
- To give a better understanding of the choices in the provision of night guards and other oral appliances
- To appreciate the various unintended changes to the occlusion that can occur following the provision of night guards and other removable appliances
- To ensure there is better supervision of the patient following the provision of appliances to identify unintended changes at the earliest opportunity
- To suggest treatment options that can be used should unintended changes to the occlusion occur
- To provide suggested written instructions to be given to patients following provision of appliances
