What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Matter?

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth — most commonly during sleep. It is extremely common, affecting an estimated 10–15% of adults, and most people are completely unaware they do it until a partner mentions the noise or a dentist notices the damage.

The forces generated during bruxism are far higher than those during normal chewing — often exceeding 250 kg per square centimetre. Applied repeatedly throughout the night, this causes progressive, irreversible damage to the teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints (TMJ). The damage accumulates slowly over years and is often not noticed until it is extensive.

A night guard (also called an occlusal splint) is a custom-fitted hard or soft acrylic appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep. It absorbs and distributes the grinding forces, protecting the teeth and allowing the jaw muscles to relax.

Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth

Morning jaw pain or stiffness
Headaches on waking, especially temples
Worn, flattened or chipped tooth edges
Tooth sensitivity that has increased over time
Cheek biting or ridging on inner cheeks
Partner reports grinding sounds at night
Clicking or popping jaw joint
Cracked teeth or repeatedly failing fillings
Facial muscle soreness or fatigue
Earache with no ear infection present

The Damage Bruxism Causes Over Time

Left untreated, bruxism causes progressive and expensive damage

  • Enamel wear — once lost, enamel does not regenerate
  • Tooth fracture — cracked teeth often require crowns or extraction
  • Cracked and failing restorations — fillings and crowns break repeatedly
  • TMJ disorder — jaw joint damage causing chronic pain and limited opening
  • Gum recession — grinding forces cause the gums to pull away from teeth
  • Bone loss — heavy occlusal forces accelerate periodontal bone loss
  • Implant failure — bruxism is a leading cause of implant overload and failure

Types of Appliances We Provide

Most Effective

Hard Acrylic Night Guard

Laboratory-fabricated from hard acrylic. Custom-fitted to your exact bite. More durable than soft guards and better at reducing muscle activity. The clinical standard for bruxism management.

Softer Option

Soft Night Guard

Made from flexible material. More comfortable initially for patients new to wearing a guard. Less durable — heavy grinders chew through soft guards faster. Better for mild bruxism.

TMJ Therapy

Stabilisation Splint

A precision-adjusted hard splint designed to reposition the jaw joint. Used when bruxism has caused TMJ disorder with pain, clicking, or limited mouth opening.

Sports

Sports Mouthguard

Custom-fitted over the teeth for contact sports. Absorbs impact to the face and jaw. Far superior to over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards in fit, protection, and comfort.

The Night Guard Process

1

Assessment

The teeth are examined for signs of wear, fracture, and TMJ involvement. The severity of bruxism and any existing damage is assessed. The appropriate appliance type is recommended based on your specific presentation.

2

Impressions

Precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth are taken. These are sent to a dental laboratory where your custom night guard is fabricated to fit your exact bite precisely.

3

Fitting & Adjustment

The finished guard is tried in and adjusted for fit and bite. A night guard that is too tight, too loose, or alters your bite significantly will not be tolerated well. Precise fit is essential for compliance.

4

Review

A follow-up review after 2–4 weeks confirms the guard is comfortable and effective. Any further adjustments are made. Patients are advised on care, cleaning, and when to return for monitoring of wear on the appliance.

Jaw pain, clicking, or unexplained headaches? See our specialist guide to TMJ disorders and prosthodontic care — including our conservative treatment ladder and splint pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a night guard stop me grinding my teeth?
A night guard does not stop bruxism — it protects the teeth from its effects. The grinding force is absorbed by the appliance rather than by the tooth enamel. Many patients also notice reduced jaw muscle soreness and fewer morning headaches as the muscles learn to relax against the guard rather than clenching down on teeth. Addressing underlying causes — stress, sleep disorders, medication side effects — may reduce bruxism itself.
Is a custom night guard better than a pharmacy one?
Significantly better. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are bulky, fit poorly, and often make bruxism worse by providing an unstable surface the muscles push against. Custom laboratory-fabricated guards fit precisely to your bite, are much thinner, and are far more comfortable to wear all night. Most patients who have tried pharmacy guards and failed to wear them find custom guards much more tolerable. The cost difference is worthwhile.
How long does a night guard last?
A hard acrylic night guard typically lasts 2–5 years depending on the severity of bruxism. Heavy grinders wear through guards faster. The guard should be checked at every dental visit — when it has worn through significantly it needs replacing. A worn guard is still better than no guard, but a very worn guard provides less protection. Soft guards last 6–18 months.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse under cold water immediately after removing in the morning. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — not toothpaste, which is abrasive. Allow to air dry before storing in its case. Never store in hot water or leave in direct sunlight — heat warps acrylic. Periodically soak in a denture cleaning tablet solution. Bring it to your dental appointments for professional inspection and ultrasonic cleaning.
I have crowns and implants — do I still need a night guard?
If anything, more so. Bruxism is one of the leading causes of crown fracture and implant failure. Protecting an investment of crowns, veneers, or implants with a night guard is essential — the guard costs a fraction of replacing a fractured crown or failed implant. All patients who have had significant restorative work and have any signs of bruxism should be wearing a night guard.
What is the difference between a night guard and a splint?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, a night guard primarily protects teeth from grinding wear, while an occlusal splint is adjusted to reposition the jaw joint and is used therapeutically for TMJ disorders. In practice, a well-made night guard achieves both — it protects teeth and allows the jaw muscles and joints to decompress during sleep. For established TMJ disorder with significant symptoms, a stabilisation splint with specific bite adjustments may be prescribed.