Does a mouth guard alter your bite?

Mouth guard: The intention of a mouth guard is to prevent your teeth form interacting. After wearing the guard for a number of hours, the jaw muscles will be have a different working length. Then they may guide you jaws together in a different position. It may feel like your brite changed but your teeth have not moved. Once the guard is out of the mouth for awhile, your teeth will come together as they did bef.

Maybe: If you have a store bought boil & bite or your bite on a custom made mouth guard was not adjusted there is the possibility the bite can become altered.

Mouth Guards: The term "Mouth Guard" is a very generic term, especially when used by patients. They can be used to prevent traumatic injury while playing sports or to help prevent or minimize damage to the teeth and TMJoints especially with people who clench and grind their teeth. There is a multitude of types, designs & materials. They can do damage or good depending upon various factors (Store bought\Custom)

They can: Especially generic OTC variety. Significant untoward bite change can occur. Whether an Athletic Mouth Guard or a TMJ Occlusal Orthotic (night guard), best results (fewest complications) are obtained when custom made and adjusted by your Dentist. Patients wearing an Occlusal Orthotic may be guided from a harmful occlusion to a better balanced occlusion. See your Dentist for proper guidance.