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Night guards

Night guard for grinding and clenching

Many people clench or grind their teeth during sleep without being aware of it. Repeated loading can contribute to tooth wear, fractures, damage to dental restorations or discomfort in the jaw muscles. A hard occlusal splint provides a durable protective surface between the teeth.

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A splint does not necessarily stop you clenching or grinding. Its purpose is to protect your teeth and restorations. Not everyone who grinds needs a splint: we first assess whether one is appropriate for you.

How a night guard is made

  1. 1

    Consultation

    The dentist assesses your teeth, existing restorations, tooth wear, jaw muscles and jaw joints. We discuss your symptoms and dental history and determine whether a splint is appropriate for your individual situation.

  2. 2

    Digital scanning

    A digital scan is taken of your teeth to create an accurate 3D model. This information is used to design your splint specifically for your mouth.

  3. 3

    Made in the laboratory

    Your splint is individually fabricated by our dental laboratory in the UK using your digital scan. It usually takes two to three weeks to manufacture.

  4. 4

    Fitting and handover

    We check the fit of the splint in your mouth and assess the contacts between the splint and your opposing teeth. If necessary, we make adjustments to ensure that the appliance is stable and comfortable. You will also receive instructions on wearing and caring for your splint. This appointment is included in the price.

  5. 5

    Follow-up

    Four to six weeks later, we review the fit and condition of the splint and discuss how you have adapted to wearing it. We also review any changes in your symptoms and make further adjustments if necessary. This appointment is included in the price.

The treatment journey in time and money

StageTimeCost
Consultation and scanning1 visit160 €
Night guard against grinding2–3 weeks600 €
Snoring guard2–3 weeks999 €
Fitting and handover1 visitincluded
Follow-up1 visit after 4–6 weeksincluded

Your splint is made in a UK dental laboratory and individually fabricated from your digital scan, which takes two to three weeks. The fitting, adjustment and follow-up appointments are included in the €600 appliance fee. Orthodontic aligners come from a German laboratory and take about four weeks.

Signs that you may be grinding your teeth at night

  • ✓Jaw muscle soreness, pain or tiredness in the morning
  • ✓Headaches when waking
  • ✓Teeth that are showing significant wear, chipping or fractures
  • ✓Repeated damage to fillings or crowns
  • ✓Your partner has heard grinding at night

These signs do not necessarily mean that you have sleep bruxism. They are reasons to have your teeth and jaw assessed.

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Why a custom hard splint?

Not all night guards are the same. There is a clear difference between a generic self-fitting appliance and an individually fabricated dental splint.
Individually fitted

Your splint is made from your digital scan rather than adapted from a standard size.

Durable

A hard dental material provides a durable surface designed to withstand repeated tooth contact and loading.

Clinically adjusted

The contacts between the splint and your opposing teeth are checked in your mouth and adjusted where necessary.

Reviewable over time

Your splint can be checked over time for fit, wear and changes to your teeth or restorations.

A hard splint is not automatically the right choice for every patient. The type of appliance should depend on your individual clinical situation.

Frequently asked questions about night guards

Does a night guard disturb sleep?
A new splint can feel unfamiliar for the first few nights. Most patients gradually adapt to wearing it during sleep. Because your splint is individually made for your teeth, it is designed to fit securely and comfortably. If it feels painful, excessively tight or causes persistent changes in your bite, contact us so that we can assess it and make any necessary adjustments.
Does a night guard cure grinding?
No. A night guard does not necessarily stop you clenching or grinding. Bruxism is a complex behaviour influenced by multiple factors, and stress is only one possible contributor. An occlusal splint should therefore not be presented as a way of eliminating bruxism. The main purpose of the appliance is to provide a durable protective surface between the teeth and help manage the effects of excessive loading. For some patients, a splint may also form part of the management of jaw or muscle symptoms, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Do I need a splint if I grind my teeth?
Not necessarily. Grinding or clenching alone does not automatically mean that you need an occlusal splint. We look at the condition of your teeth, restorations, tooth wear, jaw muscles, jaw joints and symptoms before recommending treatment. In some cases, another approach may be more appropriate.
How long does a night guard last?
There is no fixed lifespan. It depends on factors including how heavily you clench or grind, how frequently you wear the splint and whether your teeth or restorations change over time. We check the condition and fit of the splint during your regular dental visits and can advise you when adjustment or replacement is appropriate.
How do I care for the night guard?
Wash the splint in the morning with cool water and a soft toothbrush. Allow it to dry and store it in its protective case. A suitable appliance-cleaning tablet can be used periodically according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid exposing the splint to hot water, as heat can alter its shape.
Can I buy a cheaper night guard online?
Yes. There are many generic and self-fitting mouthguards available. However, these are different from a professionally made occlusal splint. A custom splint is fabricated specifically for your teeth and is assessed, fitted and adjusted in your mouth by your dentist. For patients with significant tooth wear, extensive restorations, fractures or jaw symptoms, professional assessment is particularly important before deciding which type of appliance is appropriate.
What if I have crowns, veneers or implants?
A splint may be appropriate for patients with many crowns, veneers or implants, but the design needs to take them into account. We assess your existing situation during the consultation and determine whether a splint is appropriate and how it should be designed.
Can a splint treat jaw pain or TMJ problems?
Temporomandibular disorders include a range of different conditions, so there is no single treatment that is appropriate for everyone. An occlusal splint may form part of conservative management for selected patients, but it should not be considered a universal treatment or cure. If you have significant or persistent jaw pain, we will assess the likely cause and discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you.

The information on this page is intended to provide general information about occlusal splints. Treatment recommendations are made individually following a clinical assessment.

Your teeth don't have to wear down at night

If you are concerned about tooth wear, clenching, grinding, fractured teeth or repeated damage to dental restorations, we can assess whether a custom hard occlusal splint is appropriate for you.

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