A night guard is a custom-made clear appliance that prevents the teeth from rubbing and clenching against each other during sleep. Worn on the upper or lower jaw, it creates a protective barrier between the teeth and reduces the load on the jaw joint. It is used to prevent tooth wear, relieve jaw pain and protect restorations such as crowns.
- It is recommended to wear it continuously throughout sleep, about 7–8 hours.
- A night guard does not straighten teeth; it is only a protective appliance.
- Clean it every morning with cold water and liquid soap; hot water can warp it.
- A custom guard made from your dentist's impressions is recommended over ready-made ones.
- Cost depends on the hardness of the material and the laboratory processes.
Do you wake up in the morning with pain in your jaw joints, sensitive teeth or a severe headache? If the answer is yes, you may be grinding your teeth at night without realizing it. One of the most common side effects of the stress of modern life, bruxism can seriously damage tooth structure in the long term. The most effective, protective solution to this problem is wearing a night guard.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a custom-made clear appliance generally used to prevent the teeth from rubbing and clenching against each other during sleep. Worn on the lower or upper jaw, it acts as a protective barrier between the teeth and reduces the load on the jaw joint.
Why Is a Night Guard Used?
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) not only wear down the teeth; they also lead to gum recession, cracked teeth and jaw joint disorders (TMJ problems). A night guard is used to:
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Prevent Tooth Wear: It stops the enamel from being damaged by teeth rubbing against each other.
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Relieve Jaw Pain: It reduces tension in the jaw muscles and eases morning pain.
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Protect Restorations: It prevents treatments such as porcelain veneers, zirconia crowns or implants from breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards (FAQ)
1. How many hours should a night guard be worn?
For maximum benefit, it is recommended to wear a night guard continuously throughout sleep, about 7–8 hours. If you also clench your teeth in stressful moments during the day, you can wear it for short periods on your dentist's advice.
2. Does a night guard straighten teeth?
No, the purpose of a night guard is not to move teeth or correct crowding. Clear aligners (orthodontic treatment) are used to straighten teeth. A night guard is only a protective appliance.
3. How do you clean a night guard?
Every morning after taking it out, clean your guard using cold water and liquid soap with a soft brush. Hot water can warp the guard. Special cleaning tablets can also be used once a week.
4. Are ready-made night guards safe?
Standard guards sold in pharmacies do not fit your mouth perfectly and may cause more harm to your jaw joint. The healthiest option is to have a custom night guard made from impressions taken by your dentist.
5. How much does a night guard cost?
Night guard prices vary depending on the hardness of the material used and the laboratory processes. For current pricing and an examination, you can contact our clinic.
OptimaDent Note: When teeth clenching is neglected, it can lead to tooth loss that is difficult to reverse. At our clinic in Üsküdar, our specialist dentists protect your health with a night guard designed just for you.
For any questions and appointment requests, you can contact us.
