Night Guard
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without realizing it. This condition, also known as bruxism, can place excessive pressure on the teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles over time.
At Blez Dental Clinic, we provide custom-made night guards designed to help protect teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching during sleep.
Night guards are commonly recommended for patients who experience symptoms such as jaw discomfort, tooth sensitivity, headaches upon waking, or excessive tooth wear.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard, also called a dental splint or mouth guard, is a custom-made appliance worn over the teeth while sleeping.
The purpose of the night guard is to create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, helping reduce the impact of grinding and clenching forces during the night.
Unlike over-the-counter products, professionally made night guards are customized to fit the patient’s teeth more comfortably and accurately.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Many patients are unaware they grind their teeth until symptoms gradually appear.
Common signs include:
- Worn or flattened teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain or tightness
- Morning headaches
- Cracked teeth or fillings
- Neck or facial muscle tension
- Clicking sounds in the jaw joint
- Poor sleep quality caused by clenching
In some cases, severe grinding may also damage crowns, veneers, implants, or other dental restorations over time.
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?
Teeth grinding can occur for various reasons and may differ from person to person.
Possible contributing factors include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Sleep-related habits
- Bite imbalance
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
etc
Some patients may grind occasionally, while others experience stronger clenching forces every night without noticing it themselves.
Custom-Made Night Guards
At Blez Dental Clinic, night guards are custom-made individually for each patient to improve comfort, stability, and protection.
The dentist first takes impressions or digital scans of the teeth, and the appliance is then fabricated at a dental laboratory.
Depending on the patient’s condition, different materials may be selected, including:
- Soft-type materials
- Hard plastic materials
- Double laminate night guards
The most suitable type depends on grinding severity, comfort preference, and oral condition.
Treatment Process
Night guard treatment generally requires approximately two visits.
First Visit
- Oral examination
- Evaluation of teeth grinding signs
- Impressions or digital scans
- Bite assessment
Second Visit
- Delivery of the custom night guard
- Adjustment for comfort and fit
- Instructions for use and cleaning
The dentist may also recommend periodic adjustments depending on long-term use and wear.
How to Care for a Night Guard
Proper cleaning and maintenance help extend the lifespan of the appliance and maintain oral hygiene.
We generally recommend:
- Rinsing after each use
- Rinsing after use
- Storing it in a clean protective case
- Avoiding hot water exposure
- Bringing it to regular dental check-ups for evaluation
Over time, night guards may show signs of wear due to grinding pressure and may eventually require replacement.
Protecting Teeth Long-Term
Teeth grinding often happens unconsciously during sleep, and many patients do not realize the amount of pressure placed on their teeth until damage occurs.
Using a night guard may help protect:
- Natural teeth
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Veneers
- Implants
etc
Early management may also help reduce long-term wear and discomfort.
English-Speaking Dental Care in Bangkok
At Blez Dental Clinic, we regularly care for English-speaking patients living in Bangkok and provide English support throughout consultation and treatment.
If you are experiencing teeth grinding, jaw discomfort, cracked teeth, or morning headaches, our team is happy to help evaluate your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment option.