The flat plane occlusal guard has been used to protect teeth for clenching and tooth grinding for the past 111 years. In 1908, Moritz Karolyi, a Viennese dentist, described bruxism as “traumatic neuralgia” and stated “it was the cause of a periodontal condition called pyorrhea (periodontitis).” He most likely fabricated the first occlusal guard and we have been using the design of ever since. Isn’t it time for a new design? In July of 2019 the FDA cleared The POD®, using Unilateral BiteBlock Technology® for bruxism and TMD. The POD® is a patent pending custom fit, laboratory fabricated intraoral mandibular splint designed to aid in treating clenching, grinding (Bruxism) and TMJ dysfunction. Worn during sleep the device serves to protect the teeth, crowns, veneers, and restorations from the destructive forces of bruxism and will help alleviate headaches, TMJ and muscle pain.
By having the dental arches out of contact, there is a reduction of trigeminal innervated muscular activity. This allows for reduced muscle tension and can help alleviate associated jaw pain and headache symptoms. The Unilateral BiteBlock Technology® allows for more room for the tongue, which is free to come forward for better breathing during sleep as opposed to the flat plane occlusal night guard which inhibits the tongue from coming forward.
Our body is equipped with a proprioceptive mechanism which will adjust to the biting forces based on the area of tooth contact. The Unilateral BiteBlock Technology® provides a reduced area of contact and can reduce the forces which could be harmful to our TMJ. This helps to protect our teeth and restorations from the destructive forces of bruxism. Does your jaw make sounds? Do you have headaches? Is your sleep disturbed? You may suffer from TMJ dysfunction and may benefit from The POD®. Ask your dentist about The POD®.
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