Grinding or clenching your teeth at night can wear them down, crack fillings and leave you with a sore jaw in the morning. A custom-made night guard protects your teeth while you sleep, and is made to fit comfortably so you’ll actually wear it.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. Many people do it in their sleep without knowing, often finding out only when a partner hears it or their dentist spots the signs. Some people also clench during the day, especially when concentrating or stressed.
The forces involved in grinding are much stronger than normal chewing. Over time, this can wear teeth flat, cause chips and cracks, and strain the jaw muscles and joints.
Signs you may be grinding your teeth
- Waking with a sore jaw, face or temples, or a headache
- Teeth that look flat, short, chipped or worn
- Teeth that are more sensitive than they used to be
- Cracked teeth, or fillings and crowns that keep breaking
- Jaw clicking, tightness, or difficulty opening wide
- A partner telling you they hear you grinding at night
- Ridges on the inside of your cheeks, or scalloped edges on your tongue
Why people grind their teeth
Bruxism often has more than one cause. Common factors include:
- Stress, anxiety and a busy mind
- Sleep disorders, including snoring and sleep apnoea
- Caffeine, alcohol and smoking, especially in the evening
- Some medicines, including certain antidepressants
- A bite that doesn’t fit together evenly
What does a night guard do?
A night guard, also called an occlusal splint, is a thin, custom-made appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It doesn’t stop you from grinding, but it takes the force instead of your teeth. It can:
Types of night guards
| Hard night guard | Dual-layer night guard | Over-the-counter guard | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Rigid acrylic | Soft inside, hard outside | Soft, boil-and-bite plastic |
| Fit | Custom-made from a scan of your teeth | Custom-made from a scan of your teeth | Shaped at home, often bulky |
| Best for | Heavy grinders, jaw pain | Comfort with good protection | Short-term use only |
| Durability | Long-lasting | Long-lasting | Wears through quickly |
| Bite adjusted by dentist | Yes | Yes | No |
Soft guards from a pharmacy can sometimes make clenching worse, because the soft material invites chewing. We’ll recommend the type that best suits your teeth, jaw and how heavily you grind.
What to expect
- Assessment
We check your teeth for wear and damage, examine your jaw joints and muscles, and talk about your symptoms and sleep. If a night guard is right for you, we’ll give you a written quote.
- Scan
We take a quick digital scan or impressions of your teeth.
- Fitting
About 1 to 2 weeks later, we fit your night guard and adjust your bite on it, so it feels even and comfortable.
- Review
We check how you’re going after a few weeks and make any fine adjustments.
It can take a few nights to get used to wearing a night guard. Most people find it feels normal within a week or two.
Care tips
- Rinse your night guard in cool water every morning, then gently clean it with a soft toothbrush. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch it.
- Let it dry, then store it in its case.
- Keep it away from hot water, dishwashers and direct sun, as heat can warp it.
- Keep it out of reach of pets. Dogs love to chew them.
- Bring it to your check-ups so we can check the fit and look for wear.
A well-cared-for night guard usually lasts several years, depending on how heavily you grind.
When it’s more than grinding
Jaw pain, clicking or locking can also come from problems with the jaw joint, known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). A night guard can help some people with TMD. Others need a combination of approaches, such as jaw exercises, physiotherapy, or managing stress and sleep. If your symptoms are complex or not improving, we may refer you to a specialist.
Fees & health funds
We’ll give you a written quote at your assessment. Many private health funds cover part of the cost of a custom night guard under extras, so check your policy.
We accept all private health funds with HICAPS on the spot, and payment options include Afterpay and Humm.
Fees & health fundsCommon questions
Will a night guard stop me grinding?
Not usually. It protects your teeth and can relax the jaw muscles, but it doesn’t remove the cause. Managing stress, cutting back on evening caffeine and alcohol, and checking for sleep problems can help reduce grinding.
Upper or lower night guard?
Both work. We’ll recommend one based on your bite, comfort, and any dental work you have.
Is a night guard the same as a sports mouthguard?
No. A sports mouthguard is thick and soft to absorb impact during contact sport. A night guard is thinner and harder, designed for the steady pressure of grinding. We make both.
My child grinds their teeth. Do they need a night guard?
Grinding is common in young children and often stops as their adult teeth come through. Children usually don’t need a night guard, but we’ll check for wear at their regular check-ups.
Waking up with a sore jaw? Book an assessment
Call us on 9725 2029 or book online.