The morning aligner is a hands-free device that you can use during your normal morning routine (such as when you’re showering). To be proactive and help minimize the risk of permanent forward posturing, it is strongly recommended that patients perform these clenching exercises every morning upon removal of their sleep oral appliance. It is important NOT to chew or grind on the morning aligner, as this will damage the material and prevent it from working as intended.
Follow these steps:
- After removing any sleep oral device, place the morning aligner onto your lower teeth.
- Place the tip of your tongue as far back on the roof of your mouth as you can. While the tongue is in this position, close down onto the morning aligner.
- Keeping your mouth firmly closed in this position, you can now relax your tongue.
- Clench as firmly as you can, and hold this clench until it becomes uncomfortable. Please note that it is expected that you feel some discomfort in the musculature, as this is normal.
- When you can no longer stand the discomfort, release the jaw pressure slightly while trying to slide your lower jaw further back. Once again, clench as hard and as long as you can.
- After performing a couple of clenching exercises, it is recommended that you open your mouth as wide as you can and wiggle your lower jaw from side to side to help relax the musculature. Repeat steps 2 through 5, time permitting. Ideally, these clenching exercises should be performed for about 10 minutes every morning.
Need Extra Guidance? Get in Touch Today
Have questions about your morning aligner or want to learn more about our comfortable, easy-to-use oral devices for snoring and sleep apnea? The team at Tri-State Snore & Sleep is here to help. Call us today at 215-583-2790 to schedule your complimentary consultation and take the first step toward better, more restful sleep.
