Guides · General
Who needs a night guard? How a splint works for clenching and grinding
What a night guard (occlusal splint) does, who it is recommended for, the difference between an over-the-counter guard and one made by the dentist, getting used to it and caring for it.
A night guard is a hard or semi-hard custom-made protector that reduces the damage sleep clenching and grinding (bruxism) do to the teeth, crowns and jaw joint. It is recommended for people with morning jaw fatigue, tooth wear, broken crowns or fillings, jaw-joint pain and morning headaches. It does not stop clenching; it protects the teeth and reduces muscle load.
What is bruxism?
Clenching or grinding the teeth without being aware of it. The sleep form is mostly linked with stress, sleep disorders, caffeine, alcohol, some medicines and genetic predisposition; daytime clenching increases with tasks needing concentration and with tension. The force applied during sleep is several times that of chewing, so damage accumulates in the teeth, restorations and jaw joint. More: Teeth clenching and grinding.
Who is a night guard recommended for?
- People with flattened teeth, worn incisal edges or enamel cracks
- Those who wake with tired jaw muscles, temple headaches or pain in front of the ear
- Those with repeated fractures of fillings, crowns or veneers
- Those who have had new porcelain restorations, implant prostheses or veneers (for protection)
- Those with jaw-joint (TMJ) clicking, locking or pain — depending on the diagnosis
- Those with gum recession and cervical notches (abfraction)
How does it work?
The splint sits between the teeth and breaks the contact between upper and lower; force is spread across the splint and enamel no longer rubs on enamel. With the right thickness and balanced contacts, tension in the jaw muscles decreases and the load on the joint is lightened. It does not remove the habit — it prevents the damage.
Over-the-counter guard or one made by the dentist?
| Ready-made / boil-and-bite | Custom-made in the clinic | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Loose or tight; can move the teeth | Fits exactly, does not move the teeth |
| Bite | Unbalanced; loads some teeth | Bite adjusted, balanced contact |
| Thickness/durability | Soft, deforms quickly; may increase clenching | Hard acrylic, lasts 2–5 years |
| With joint problems | Not suitable | Designed to the diagnosis |
Soft sports guards are not recommended for bruxism because they can stimulate the chewing reflex; they are for impact protection.
Making it and getting used to it
- Examination: assessment of wear, muscles and joint; X-rays if needed.
- Impression or digital scan; usually made for the upper jaw, sometimes the lower.
- Bite check and adjustment at delivery.
- 1–2 hours the first night, then all night. Extra saliva in the first week and a temporary "teeth don't quite meet" feeling in the morning are normal; it fades in 10–15 minutes.
- Check after 2–4 weeks; adjustment according to wear marks.
Care
- Wash in the morning with cold water and a soft brush; toothpaste scratches it — soap or a denture cleaner can be used.
- Hot water and sunlight distort it. Store dry, in its case.
- Perforation, cracks or loss of fit call for replacement; the dentist assesses it at check-ups.
What else helps besides the guard?
A sleep routine, less caffeine and alcohol in the evening, daytime awareness of "teeth apart, lips together", stress management and physiotherapy if needed. In severe cases the dentist may suggest additional measures. Bruxism in children usually resolves with growth; a guard is made only in selected cases.
This article is for general information only; diagnosis and treatment tailored to you require a dental examination.
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