Private, General & Speciality Referral Clinic

Night Guards

Dream Without Damage, Protect Your Smile.

What is Night Guard?

A Night Guard (sometimes called an occlusal splint or bite guard) is a custom-made device you wear while sleeping. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage from clenching and grinding (known as bruxism).

Night guards are custom-fitted to ensure comfort and effectiveness for each individual.

Do You Need a Night Guard?

You might need a Night Guard if you notice signs of teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching, especially at night. Many people don’t realise they grind until their dentist spots the wear — or a partner hears it during sleep. Common signs include:

Worn-down or chipped teeth
Enamel fractures or sensitivity
Headaches or facial pain on waking
Clicking or pain in the jaw joint
Tired, tight jaw muscles

A custom Night Guard creates a protective barrier between your teeth, preventing further wear and damage. It also reduces stress on your jaw muscles and joints, helping ease headaches, clicking, and discomfort. In some cases, it can also support the jaw in a healthier position through splint therapy.

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, or your partner has mentioned grinding sounds at night, a Night Guard may be the right solution for you.


Tooth Wear and Worn Occlusion

Tooth wear occurs when the enamel gradually erodes, often from grinding or clenching (bruxism). This can cause sensitivity, bite changes, and jaw discomfort. A night guard helps protect your teeth by reducing wear and evenly distributing biting forces.

When wear becomes more severe, teeth may shorten or lose function. In these cases, crowns or onlays can restore your bite, smile, and comfort.
If you notice signs of tooth wear, book a consultation to explore the best protection and treatment options for you.


Jaw Clicking, Jaw Joint Disorders

The jaw joint or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the small joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. A soft disc inside cushions the movement so you can open and close your mouth smoothly.

If the disc slips or doesn’t move correctly, the joint may click or pop. This is known as a TMJ disorder and can lead to jaw pain, stiffness, headaches, or difficulty chewing.

Following an assessment, a custom Night Guard can help by allowing the jaw joint and muscles to rest.
This reduces strain, improves the way the joint functions, and often relieves symptoms like jaw pain, facial discomfort, and clicking.

Teeth Grinding & Night Guards

Bruxism means grinding or clenching your teeth, often while asleep. Most people do it at some point, but for some, it becomes a serious problem. Night-time grinding can damage teeth, wear down the canines and front teeth, and cause sensitivity, pain, and even jaw issues.

A custom-made Night Guard (also called a dental guard or splint) is the most common way to protect teeth from damage. It is worn every night and prevents tooth wear by creating a safe barrier between your teeth. While a Night Guard doesn’t cure bruxism, it greatly reduces the risk of enamel loss, pain, and Jaw joint (TMJ) strain.

In some cases, a repositioning splint may be recommended. This looks similar to a Night Guard but is designed to gently adjust the bite and relieve pressure on the jaw. ( Advanced Splint Therapy)

Lost Canine Guidance & Guards

Our canine teeth, the pointed teeth next to your front ones, have an important job. They guide your bite when you move your jaw from side to side. This “canine guidance” helps protect your back teeth and jaw joint from too much pressure.

When canine guidance is lost, the back teeth start taking the load. Over time this can lead to tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, headaches, and even jaw pain. Many people don’t realise that this imbalance can also strain the jaw joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles, causing clicking or discomfort.

A custom Night Guard or splint can restore this protection. By guiding the jaw into a healthier position, it reduces strain on the teeth, muscles, and joints. This not only prevents further wear but also helps relieve symptoms like jaw tension and facial pain.

Which Night Guard is Right for me?

Basic Night Guard – from £385


Thin (about 1.5mm) custom acrylic splint
Works mainly as a barrier between upper and lower teeth
Protects against grinding damage and enamel wear
Affordable and effective for mild cases of bruxism

Advanced Night Guard from £865 

Thicker, more specialised design custum acrylic splint
Provides not only a barrier, but also:
Repositions the bite for healthier function
Guides jaw movements to protect back teeth
Rests and unloads the jaw joints (TMJ), deprogrammer
Reduces muscle strain, headaches, and clicking
Recommended when there are symptoms of jaw pain, joint problems, or more severe grinding
FAQs

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards

If you grind or clench your teeth or experience jaw pain, clicking, or tension, a custom night guard can protect your teeth, ease joint strain, and prevent further damage.

Yes, advanced Night Guards (splints) can reduce pressure on the jaw joint and its disc (TMJ), relax the muscles, and ease symptoms like headaches, facial pain, and jaw clicking.

No, a Night Guard doesn’t cure bruxism, but it prevents damage, protects teeth, and reduces painful symptoms.

A basic guard acts as a barrier to protect teeth from grinding. Advanced splints (like Michigan or Tanner splints) also guide the bite, support the jaw joint, and help relieve TMJ-related problems.

It all depends on how strong your grinding and clenching are. In most cases, a custom Night Guard can last around 2 years or more with proper care. Heavy grinders may wear them down sooner, while lighter users often keep them much longer.

Yes — in fact, a Night Guard is highly recommended after many restorative treatments. Grinding or clenching puts extra stress on dental work like implants, veneers, crowns, and bridges, which can shorten their lifespan. A custom Night Guard helps distribute biting forces evenly, protects your restorations from damage, and reduces pressure on your teeth and jaw.

Most patients adapt quickly. In fact, most people report better sleep once grinding pain, jaw tension, and headaches improve.

Any Questions, We Can Help You

Call Us On:
0207 837 3938

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ANGEL SMILE LONDON

Private Dentist, Hygienist, Orthodontist in central London , Angel, Islington

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