Case Study #1:
I Was Waking Up With Headaches Every Day
The Situation:
Jordan, a grad student, started waking up with dull headaches and jaw tension but didn’t know why.
📍Problem:
He had no idea it was due to unconscious night grinding (bruxism). His dentist mentioned visible wear on his molars.
🟪 What They Tried:
Jordan ordered a $15 night guard off Amazon. It was bulky, smelled like chemicals, and wouldn’t stay in place overnight.
✅ What Worked:
He switched to a boil-and-bite guard with a snug fit and better material. After a few nights of consistent use, the headaches faded.
📘 Takeaway:
Low-quality guards can cause more frustration than relief. Pay attention to materials, fit, and reviews before buying.
Case Study #2:
My Guard Turned Yellow and Got Moldy
🟦The Situation:
Samantha, a first-time user, left her night guard in the bathroom sink every morning.
📍The Problem:
She noticed a foul odor after two weeks. By week three, it turned yellow and had black specks.
🟪 What They Tried:
She rinsed it with hot water and tried brushing it with toothpaste, which made it worse.
✅ What Worked:
After learning proper cleaning habits from her dentist (and switching to a vented case), Samantha started using denture cleaning tablets weekly and rinsing it with antibacterial soap daily.
📘 Takeaway:
Storage matters. A clean case, daily rinse, and regular soak prevent bacteria and extend the life of your guard.
Case Study #3:
I Kept Spitting My Guard Out at Night
🟦The Situation:
Marcus invested in a custom-fit guard, but every morning he found it on the pillow, not in his mouth.
📍The Problem:
His body was rejecting the guard mid-sleep, likely due to a poor fit or material irritation.
🟪 What They Tried:
He contacted the lab that made it, and they offered a re-fit. He also switched to wearing it for 15 minutes before bed to help his body adjust.
✅ What Worked:
After the re-fit and pre-sleep routine, Marcus adapted. The guard stayed in place, and his jaw felt more relaxed in the morning.
📘 Takeaway:
Your mouth can adjust, but only if the fit is right. Choose a guard with a re-fit guarantee and give it time.