Custom Night Guards
A custom-made night guard helps protect your teeth and restorations from damage caused by grinding and clenching.
About this treatment
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realising it. It is often only noticed when the dentist sees signs of wear, or when they wake up with sensitive teeth, tired jaw muscles or a headache.
A night guard — sometimes called a bite guard or grinding guard — is a clear, removable protective appliance made specifically to fit your teeth. It forms a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth and helps limit direct wear and damage from grinding or clenching.
A night guard does not always stop the grinding, and it does not automatically treat the underlying cause. Its main purpose is to protect the teeth and existing restorations.
What is teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the unconscious grinding or forceful clenching of the teeth. It can happen during the day or while sleeping.
In practice, this means that someone unconsciously:
- Grinds the teeth forcefully against each other
- Keeps the jaws clenched together for long periods
- Does this during sleep, during the day, or both
Possible signs include:
- Visible wear, or teeth that are becoming shorter
- Chipped, cracked or sensitive teeth
- Damage to crowns, bridges, veneers or composite restorations
- Tired or tense jaw muscles
- Jaw discomfort or a headache on waking
- Grinding sounds noticed by a partner
These signs can also have other causes. Only a dental examination can establish what is going on in your situation.
Who this may suit
This is not a diagnosis. Whether a treatment is appropriate in your situation can only be established during an in-person examination. A conversation may be worthwhile if you recognize the following:
- You grind or clench your teeth during sleep
- You have visible wear on your teeth
- You regularly wake up with tense jaw muscles
- You want to protect crowns, bridges, veneers, implant crowns or composite restorations
- A tooth or restoration has previously been damaged by grinding
Worth discussing if you grind or clench, notice wear on your teeth, or want to protect crowns, bridges or veneers. Whether a night guard suits you can only be established after an examination.
Examination and treatment process
The process differs from patient to patient. In broad terms it looks like this:
Examination and assessment
The dentist assesses your teeth, restorations, bite and jaw muscles, and looks for signs of wear.
Digital scan or impression
An accurate scan or impression of your teeth is taken.
Custom fabrication
The night guard is made individually, so that it fits your teeth properly.
Fitting and review
The fit and bite are checked. You receive instructions on wearing, cleaning and looking after the guard.
Possible benefits
A custom-made night guard may:
- Help protect your teeth from further wear
- Reduce the risk of fractures and chipped restorations
- Help protect crowns, bridges, veneers and composite restorations
- Distribute pressure more evenly across the teeth
- Fit more precisely than a generic, shop-bought guard
A night guard does not cure bruxism and is not a treatment for headaches, jaw-joint problems or pain. Whether it is likely to help you is something the dentist will discuss with you after the examination.
Limitations and realistic expectations
- A night guard protects the teeth, but may not stop the grinding or clenching itself.
- It is not a substitute for investigating persistent jaw pain, headaches, sleep problems or other possible causes.
- The guard itself can wear down and may eventually need replacing.
- Its fit should be checked periodically.
- A damaged, loose or uncomfortable guard should be assessed by the practice.
- Whether a night guard is suitable for you can only be established after an examination.
Aftercare and maintenance
- Rinse the night guard after every use.
- Clean it using the method your dentist recommends.
- Do not use boiling or very hot water.
- Let it dry before placing it in its ventilated case.
- Keep it out of reach of pets.
- Bring it with you to your regular check-ups.
- Contact the practice if it becomes loose, damaged or uncomfortable.
Frequently asked questions
This page is general information, not medical advice or a treatment plan. Whether a treatment is suitable and feasible depends on your oral health, the clinical situation and an examination at the practice. Outcomes, duration and cost differ from patient to patient. If you have acute symptoms, pain or a dental emergency, call the practice directly rather than using the contact form.
Not sure what to do next?
Answer a few questions about your concern, your gums or your smile. You will see which appointment fits and what you can discuss with us.
Severe pain, swelling or an accident? Call the practice straight away: 020 619 9397
About 2 minutes · no registration · free