Night Guard

A night guard is a removable dental appliance that fits over the teeth to create a barrier between the upper and lower arches during sleep. It is commonly made from soft or hard acrylic and is used to manage bruxism (tooth grinding) and clenching, helping to reduce tooth wear, prevent fractures, and ease associated jaw muscle pain and headaches.

Night guards may be custom-made from impressions or digital scans to ensure a correct bite and comfortable fit, though some over-the-counter options are available with less precise fit. They can protect teeth and relieve symptoms but do not cure the underlying cause, so regular review, proper cleaning, and replacement when worn are important, and ongoing or worsening pain should prompt a dental assessment.