If you wake up with a tired jaw, or someone has heard you grinding your teeth in your sleep, it’s worth mentioning it at your next dental appointment. You might also first hear about grinding when your dentist notices wear on your teeth. If they think your teeth would benefit from protection, they may recommend a custom night guard.

What does a night guard do?

A night guard is a removable appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth. It puts a barrier between them while you sleep, helping protect the biting surfaces from direct contact when you grind. A guard can protect your teeth even if the grinding continues. Your dentist can also assess symptoms such as jaw pain or sensitivity, which can have other causes.

How is a custom night guard made?

Your dentist starts by checking your teeth and bite and deciding which design suits you. If a custom guard is prescribed, the dental practice takes a scan or impression of your teeth and sends it to the laboratory. Our technicians make the guard to your dentist’s prescription, then return it to the practice for fitting.

At the fitting appointment, your dentist can check how the guard sits, show you how to put it in and take it out, and explain when to wear it. If it feels loose, rubs or is difficult to remove, let your dentist know so they can check the fit.

Is a night guard the same as a retainer?

A clear night guard can look a lot like a clear orthodontic retainer. A retainer is designed to hold your teeth in position after orthodontic treatment. A night guard is designed to help protect your teeth from wear. If you already wear a retainer and think you might be grinding, bring it to your appointment so your dentist can advise how to manage both needs.

Looking after your night guard

Follow the cleaning instructions your dentist gives you for your appliance. Clean it after use and keep it in its protective case when you’re wearing neither the guard nor cleaning it. Bring it to your dental reviews so your dentist can check the fit and look for signs of wear. If it cracks or breaks, stop wearing it and contact your dentist.

Custom night guards at BJM Dental Laboratory

At our Wallington lab, we make custom night guards and splints for dental practices, with a standard laboratory turnaround of three working days for night guards. Your dental practice can confirm when your guard will be ready to fit. If you’re a clinician and would like to discuss a design or find out what records to send, get in touch with our team.