Guards are intra-oral removable devices used to help preserve the teeth from the destruction of clenching and grinding of teeth (bruxism).  Gastric contents (regurg) can complicate and accelerate the tooth loss. Diet/habits will also play a role in the severity of the tooth wear, especially caffeine and nicotine  

Most patients notice the breakdown of the front teeth - chipping, loss of height, uneven appearance, sharpness.  It is important to realize that if the front teeth are wearing, the back teeth also are affected and need protection also.

Guards are used mostly at night when the patient cannot control bruxism.  There are different types used for each situation -

• Anterior contact only - used when there is no joint breakdown and symptoms are mostly from muscle spasm
• Full contact (anterior & posterior contact) - used if the joint has structural problems and needs to be "protected" from eccentric movements.

An evaluation by a dentist trained to recognize muscle and/or joint dysfunction is needed to ascertain the type of guard needed - that is why over-the-counter guards will sometimes not work and may even make the pain/dysfunction worse.