Exactly. Clenching is a muscular action--the jaw muscles contract. A normal guard will help protect your enamel, but it can't do anything to stop your muscles from contracting.

I did come across a mouth guard that claimed that because it only covered the front teeth, it inhibited the degree of clenching by the back jaw muscles. The text was somewhat convincing, but I didn't know for sure. I lost the reference, but it must have been the NTI product that JR1977 because his/her statement matches up what I read.

So that's one option that looks legit.

For me, I found substantial relief through "The Quieting Reflex" by Charles Stroebel. I do a QR every time I clench my jaw or experience any other stress cue like temporalis pain, neck tightness, intercostal spasm, stressful thoughts, etc. Anything. A QR takes 6 seconds so if you do 150 of them in a day, that's only 15 mins. The genius here is that you are interrupting the stress responses with relaxation responses. This is why my TMJD no longer gets out of control. The other genius element is that it's easy to comply with--it's short and requires no tools.

Stroebel claims that if you keep it up for months then (a) it can become automatic during the day and (b) it can kick in during sleep. For most of his patients, it took 4 - 6 months to reach the automatic stage. I'm committed to getting there.

In the mean time, I'm already getting benefits. I noticed some mild improvement on the 2nd or 3rd day.

Also, Murray Grossman has a book on stress with some specific info on TMJD and tinnitus, but I haven't had a chance to delve into it yet. Him and Stroebel both point out that biofeedback devices are a legit means to reduce tension, but that it's difficult for patients to keep going back for appointments. Stroebel's response is his QR program. Grossman's is using a mirror as the biofeedback device which he claims is as effective as using the devices.

HTH

i don't seem to clench as much anymore. i think those few weeks with the bite guard, helped me.

i started clenching on the guard but now that i do not use it anymore, i don't think i clench anymore.