Dental night guards are custom-made in a dental laboratory based on an impression of the patient’s upper or lower jaw. They serve to stabilize and relieve pressure on the jaw joint and related chewing muscles. Being individually tailored means they are made specifically for each patient.
Night guards are made from special soft foils available in different thicknesses. Depending on the reason for the guard, there are different types: guards for teeth grinding (bruxism), anti-snoring guards, sports guards, relaxation guards for people who clench their teeth at night, guards for preventing jaw joint dislocation, and more.
The fabrication process takes one day. After taking the impression, the dentist sends it to the dental laboratory, which produces the guard.
If you believe you have any of the conditions mentioned above, feel free to contact us. During a dental examination, the dentist will determine if you need to wear a night guard.
A night dental guard prevents direct contact between the upper and lower teeth, distributes pressure during clenching or grinding (bruxism), and thus protects teeth from wear and damage.
In addition to protecting teeth, the night guard reduces strain on the jaw muscles, which can relieve jaw pain and headaches caused by teeth grinding.
It is custom-made based on a dental impression to ensure a perfect fit and maximum comfort while wearing.
Regular use can prevent long-term harmful effects on the teeth and jaw joint.
Universal dental guards available in pharmacies are often appealing due to their accessibility and low price but are not an ideal solution for people suffering from bruxism.
These guards are not precisely made to fit the individual characteristics of your teeth and jaw, which means they do not provide proper pressure distribution or adequate protection against tooth wear.
Poorly fitting universal guards from pharmacies can even cause discomfort, increase strain on the jaw joint, and raise the risk of damage.
For those with bruxism, it is recommended to have custom night guards made by a dentist.
Dental guards made by a dentist are tailored to each patient, providing optimal protection for teeth and jaws while reducing unpleasant symptoms like jaw pain and headaches.
Universal guards from pharmacies may be suitable as sports guards for children, protecting teeth during physical activity.
Since children’s jaws and teeth change rapidly due to growth and development, temporary and less precise guards can serve in these situations.
However, for persistent issues like bruxism, it’s always best to consult a dentist to create a permanent and effective solution.
You should start wearing a dental night guard when signs of bruxism, jaw pain, or temporomandibular joint discomfort appear.
It is also necessary when protecting teeth from wear or injury, such as during sports activities.
A night guard can be helpful after prosthetic treatments or in cases of tooth sensitivity to prevent further damage.
Additionally, it is recommended after creating prosthetic restorations like veneers, crowns, or bridges for patients with pronounced parafunctional habits.
To prevent ceramic fractures and preserve the natural structure of remaining teeth, a night guard is essential.
They are also beneficial for patients with periodontal disease, as they help prevent unwanted tooth movement.
A dentist’s advice is crucial for timely recognition of the need and fabrication of a night guard tailored to individual requirements.
Sports guards protect the teeth from impacts during sports activities.
Retainers keep teeth in proper alignment after orthodontic treatment.
Protective night guards prevent tooth wear and jaw damage caused by bruxism.
A dental night guard is custom-made based on an impression of the patient’s teeth.
First, the dentist takes an accurate impression or digitally scans the teeth to create a model of the jaw.
The laboratory then shapes the guard on this model using high-quality materials that ensure durability and comfort.
After fabrication, the guard is adjusted to fit the patient perfectly, providing proper function and protection for the teeth and jaw joint.
The guard is made within one day. Two visits to the clinic are needed: the first for taking the impression and the second, about three hours later, to deliver the finished night guard.
The lifespan of a dental night guard is typically 1.5 to 2 years, but this depends on the patient’s habits and hygiene.
For patients with severe parafunctional habits, the guard can wear out much faster - some may even bite through it within two months.
Proper oral hygiene and care of the night guard can extend its durability, but in any case, it is better to replace guards more often than risk permanent damage to your own teeth.
A dental night guard should be washed with cold or lukewarm water using liquid hand soap.
Avoid using toothbrushes and abrasive toothpastes, as they can damage the surface of the guard.
Water should not be too hot, as this can soften and deform the guard, reducing its effectiveness and durability.
Do not soak the night guard in mouthwash.
After cleaning, rinse and dry the guard before storing it.
A retainer is an orthodontic device worn after teeth straightening to prevent them from shifting back to their original position.
It is usually worn at night and custom-made to fit the final alignment of the teeth. A dental night guard, on the other hand, is used by people who grind or clench their teeth - typically during sleep - to protect enamel and relieve stress on the jaw joint.
Although they may look similar, their purpose and function are completely different.
A night guard is usually thicker and more rigid because it needs to withstand strong forces from nighttime grinding. A retainer does not protect teeth from these forces; its sole purpose is to maintain teeth in their corrected position after orthodontic treatment.
Therefore, it is important that a dentist accurately determines what you need, as choosing the wrong device can lead to unwanted consequences.
