Night guards: protection against grinding damage
Teeth grinding at night (bruxism) slowly wears down enamel, chips teeth and can damage fillings, crowns and veneers. A night guard is the standard way to protect the teeth in this situation, and it helps prevent further damage to natural teeth and restorations. At the clinic, every night guard is custom-made for the patient.
Seeing a dentist early matters: grinding damage to tooth structure is not reversible, and the earlier it is detected, the simpler the protection. A consultation includes an examination of the teeth and jaw joints and a recommendation on the type of guard that fits your case.
What is a night guard, and what can it do?
A night guard (occlusal splint) is a dental appliance custom-fitted to the patient's mouth, designed to protect the teeth from grinding damage during sleep. It reduces the load on the teeth and jaw joints and helps prevent enamel wear, cracks and fractures. A night guard protects the teeth from wear, but it does not cure bruxism itself.
Custom night guard vs generic night guard: a custom guard is made from an accurate impression of your teeth (a digital scan with the clinic's intraoral scanner or, when needed, traditional impression material). Unlike a generic boil-and-bite guard sold in pharmacies, a guard made by a dentist usually offers a more precise fit and more comfort during use.
Wearing a night guard regularly protects the teeth and restorations from further damage. However, systematic reviews show that the evidence for an effect of the guard on grinding itself is limited, so it is usually combined with managing contributing factors such as stress or sleep disorders.
Alongside the guard, the dentist may discuss lifestyle changes that can help reduce grinding: relaxation techniques, avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening and, in some cases, an assessment for a sleep disorder by a physician.
What is a night guard made of? Types of night guards for grinding
The material is chosen according to how severe the grinding is and the specific needs of each patient. The most common material is hard acrylic, which offers strong protection and durability. Dual-laminate guards combine a soft inner layer against the teeth with a hard outer layer, and flexible thermoplastic guards may suit some patients with milder grinding. All guards are made of materials approved for dental use.
| Type of night guard | Usually suited to | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Hard acrylic | Severe grinding | Strong protection and durability |
| Dual laminate (soft inside, hard outside) | Patients who need more comfort or have sensitive teeth | Protection with a softer feel on the teeth |
| Flexible thermoplastic | Milder grinding | Comfort |
| Reinforced guard | Very heavy night grinding | Extra protective layer on the biting surface |
| Custom-made / over-the-counter (pharmacy) guard | A custom guard is made by the dentist from a mold or scan of your teeth; an over-the-counter guard is sold in stores and online, with no individual fitting | According to the ADA, a custom guard gives the closest, most comfortable fit, while a store-bought guard may not provide the same protection |
A mouth guard for bottom teeth grinding or for the upper teeth: the guard is usually made for one arch only. The dentist chooses the upper or lower arch according to your bite, any missing teeth and comfort.
Who needs a night guard? Signs of teeth grinding
Teeth grinding (bruxism) has both physical and psychological causes. Stress and anxiety are common triggers of night grinding. Other factors include sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, habits like chewing hard objects or frequent gum chewing, an unbalanced bite, and some medications, in particular certain antidepressants.
Typical signs of grinding include:
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Sensitive or painful teeth
- Visible wear of the enamel
- Pain or stiffness in the jaw joints (TMJ)
- Cracked or chipped teeth or restorations
- Receding gums and sensitivity
- Tired jaw muscles on waking
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Many people who grind their teeth are not aware of it, because it happens during sleep: often a partner is the first to hear it. If you notice one or more of these signs, an examination can confirm the diagnosis and determine whether a night guard is appropriate.
How is a custom night guard made and fitted?
Fitting a night guard is a precise process in three steps.
Examination
The process starts with an examination of the teeth and jaws, an assessment of existing wear and a search for signs of grinding. If orthodontic treatment is needed first, the patient is referred to the clinic's orthodontist before the guard is made.
Accurate impressions
Accurate impressions of the teeth are taken with a digital scan using the clinic's Shining 3D Aoralscan 3 intraoral scanner, without impression paste, and used to create a working model of the mouth. The model is sent to a dental laboratory, which makes the guard from durable materials.
Fitting appointment
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks how it sits, makes sure it causes no discomfort or excessive pressure, adjusts it if needed and explains how to use night guard appliances and care for them over time.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
How should a night guard fit, and how do you use it?
A well-fitting night guard snaps gently into place, stays in without being held by the tongue, does not press painfully on any tooth or on the gums, and lets the opposite teeth meet it evenly. Wear it every night, put it in just before going to sleep, and rinse it when you take it out in the morning.
Possible relief of jaw pain and morning headaches
In some patients with jaw pain or morning headaches linked to grinding, the guard may ease the symptoms. The response varies from one person to another, and headaches or migraines also call for an assessment by your physician.
A short adjustment period
Some patients feel slight discomfort, extra saliva or an odd sensation at first; this usually fades as the mouth gets used to the guard. Pain, rocking or a guard that falls out are signs that it needs adjusting. A night guard does not replace teeth straightening when there is an alignment problem.
How to clean and store your night guard
Proper care keeps a night guard effective and hygienic over time.
01
Daily cleaning
Brush the guard every day with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid regular toothpaste, which can scratch the surface; use a mild unscented soap or a cleaner designed for dental appliances.
02
Storage
Keep the guard dry in its ventilated case when you are not wearing it. Keep it away from hot water, direct sunlight and heat, which can warp it, and out of reach of pets.
03
Deeper cleaning and check-ups
Soak the guard regularly, for example once a week, in a cleaning solution made for dental appliances. Bring it to your check-ups so the dentist can examine it and tell you whether it needs replacing.
Watch for signs of wear such as cracks, fractures, warping or marked discoloration, which mean the guard needs to be replaced. How long a night guard lasts varies with the material, the intensity of grinding and the quality of daily care.
Night guard cost: what affects the price?
Several factors determine the final cost of a night guard. The material matters: hard acrylic or dual-laminate guards may cost more than softer options. The manufacturing method also plays a role, as does the complexity of the case, for example severely worn teeth, an irregular bite or a jaw joint problem that requires a specially designed guard.
The clinic does not publish a price list. After the examination you receive a detailed written estimate, and itemized receipts that you can submit to your insurer (coverage depends on your policy).
What happens at a night guard consultation?
If you have tooth wear, jaw pain or sleep problems linked to grinding, the first visit is used for a full assessment: signs of wear, the function of the jaw joints and chewing habits. The dentist explains the options, including different types of night guards and, in selected cases of headaches linked to clenching, an NTI-TSS night guard.
At the end of the consultation you receive a personalized plan with the recommended type of guard, the expected timeline and any complementary care.
Dr Haim Aseriel, a US-trained dentist (DDS, NYU College of Dentistry), explains each option in English, including its advantages and limits. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem, open Sun 8:00–19:00 · Mon 9:00–19:00 · Tue–Wed 9:00–21:00 · Thu 8:30–21:00 · Fri 8:00–14:00.
Night guards: frequently asked questions
A night guard is a removable dental appliance, usually made of hard acrylic and custom-fitted to your teeth, that you wear while you sleep to protect them from the damage caused by grinding and clenching (bruxism). A night guard protects the teeth from wear, but it does not cure bruxism itself.
A well-fitting night guard snaps gently into place, stays put without being held by the tongue or teeth, does not press painfully on any tooth or on the gums, and lets the opposite teeth touch it evenly. Mild tightness and extra saliva during the first nights are common; pain, rocking or a guard that falls out needs an adjustment by the dentist.
A custom night guard made by a dentist from an impression of your teeth usually fits more precisely and is more comfortable than a generic boil-and-bite guard from the pharmacy, which is thicker and may not cover the teeth evenly. The dentist also checks the teeth and jaw before choosing the type of guard.
Rinse the night guard after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water, using mild unscented soap or a cleaner designed for dental appliances rather than regular toothpaste, which can scratch it. Store it dry in its ventilated case, away from heat, direct sun and pets.
The cost of a night guard depends mainly on the material (hard acrylic or a dual-laminate guard), the manufacturing method and the complexity of the case, such as severe tooth wear or a jaw joint problem. The clinic does not publish a price list: you receive a written estimate after the examination.
Sources
- Manfredini D et al., Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2015 – View the study
- Macedo CR et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2007 – View the study
- Soares-Silva L et al., Sleep and Breathing, 2024 – View the study
- ADA MouthHealthy, Teeth Grinding – View the page
