Nightguards

A nightguard is a custom-made dental appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It acts as a barrier between the teeth, preventing the surfaces from grinding directly against each other. This helps reduce the wear and tear caused by bruxism (teeth grinding) and clenching. A well-fitted nightguard can also help balance your bite and reduce strain on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to less jaw pain, headaches, and facial tension.

Common signs you may need a nightguard include:

• Waking up with jaw pain, facial soreness, or headaches

• Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth

• Tooth sensitivity (especially to cold)

• Clicking or popping in the jaw joint (TMJ symptoms)

• Scalloped edges on the tongue or indentations on the inside of the cheeks from clenching

• Partners reporting you grind your teeth audibly at night

Even if you’re unaware of grinding, your dentist may spot early signs during a check-up.

Bruxism can have several causes, including:

• Stress and anxiety (the most common triggers)

• Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea

• Misaligned bite or crooked teeth

• Certain medications or stimulants (e.g., caffeine, nicotine)

• Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol use or recreational drugs

A nightguard doesn’t treat the root cause, but it protects the teeth from damage while you address contributing factors.

While both are made to protect teeth, they serve different purposes:

• Nightguards are designed for sleep, typically thinner and more flexible, focusing on absorbing grinding forces and relaxing the jaw.

• Sports mouthguards are thicker, cover more of the gums, and are built to protect teeth from trauma during physical activity.

Using a sports mouthguard as a nightguard (or vice versa) is not recommended.

Over-the-counter (OTC) nightguards are available, but they often come as boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all versions. These can be bulky, poorly fitting, and sometimes cause more harm than good, such as altering your bite or irritating the gums. A professionally made nightguard is custom-fit using digital scans or impressions, ensuring optimal comfort, durability, and function. It also takes into account your bite alignment and specific dental needs.

With proper care, a custom nightguard typically lasts between 2 and 5 years. Its lifespan depends on factors such as:

• The severity of your grinding or clenching

• The material used (soft vs. hard acrylic)

• How well you maintain and clean it

We recommend bringing your nightguard to your regular check-ups so we can inspect it for signs of wear and make sure it still fits properly.

Daily care is essential to extend the life of your nightguard and keep it hygienic:

• Rinse it with cold or lukewarm water after each use (never hot water, as it can warp the material)

• Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste, as it can be abrasive)

• Use a dedicated nightguard or denture cleaner once or twice a week for deep cleaning

• Store it dry in its ventilated case when not in use

• Keep it away from pets, dogs, in particular, love to chew them!

No, the nightguard does not stop the grinding or clenching; rather, it protects the teeth and reduces strain on the jaw muscles. Addressing underlying causes (such as stress management or treating sleep apnoea) may reduce or eliminate the grinding habit over time.

At Calm Dental, we offer transparent pricing for custom nightguards. While NHS does not typically cover nightguards, some private dental insurance plans may cover part of the cost under dental appliances or occlusal splints. We’re happy to check your policy details or provide you with documentation for a claim.

Ignoring bruxism can lead to serious dental and health issues over time, including:

• Enamel wear, exposing dentin and increasing sensitivity

• Cracked or fractured teeth

• Damage to fillings, crowns, or veneers

• Gum recession

• Chronic jaw pain and TMJ disorders

• Frequent headaches or migraines

Early intervention with a nightguard helps prevent long-term damage and costly restorative work.

Yes, children and teens who grind their teeth may benefit from a custom nightguard, though designs differ slightly to accommodate growing jaws and teeth. If you suspect your child is grinding their teeth, book a consultation so we can assess whether a nightguard is suitable or if other treatments are needed.