Night Guard

Night guards are commonly recommended for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep. Bruxism can affect both adults and children, and often occurs without you even realising it.

Your dentist may suggest a night guard if they notice signs such as excessive wear or flattening of the teeth, cracks or chips in the enamel, jaw tension or soreness, morning headaches, tooth sensitivity, or symptoms related to TMJ (jaw joint) discomfort.

Several factors can contribute to bruxism, including stress or anxiety, genetics or family history, jaw alignment or facial structure, and sleep habits or lifestyle factors. A custom night guard helps protect your teeth by cushioning the bite and reducing the strain placed on the jaw muscles and joints during sleep.

Getting a custom night guard at Dentistry on Unley is a straightforward and comfortable process, completed over two appointments.

Consultation & Assessment -  Appointment 1

Your dentist will examine your teeth for signs of grinding or wear and discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as jaw pain, headaches or tooth sensitivity.

Impressions

Precise impressions of your teeth are taken using dental moulds or digital scanning technology to capture the exact shape and alignment of your teeth.

Fabrication

Your impressions are then sent to a specialised dental laboratory, where your night guard is carefully crafted using durable, high-quality materials designed for comfort and long-term protection.

Fitting - Appointment 2

At your second visit, your dentist will ensure the night guard fits securely and comfortably, making any necessary adjustments. You'll also receive clear instructions on how to wear and care for it going forward.

Ongoing Care

Our team will guide you on how to clean, store, and maintain your night guard to keep it in good condition. With proper care, a custom night guard can provide long-lasting protection for your teeth and help relieve the symptoms associated with grinding and clenching.

Significantly. Over-the-counter night guards are made to a generic shape and rarely fit well, which means they can be uncomfortable to wear, may not stay in place during sleep, and often don't provide the level of protection needed.

A custom-fitted night guard made from a precise impression of your teeth fits securely and comfortably, which means you're far more likely to wear it consistently and far better protected when you do.