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Night Guard: Protection Against Teeth Grinding

A night guard is a dental splint that protects teeth and jaw joints from damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). It is custom-fitted by a dentist.

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Things worth knowing about "Night guard"

A night guard is a dental splint that protects teeth and jaw joints from damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). It is custom-fitted by a dentist.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard (also known as an occlusal splint or bite splint) is a custom-made plastic device worn over the upper or lower teeth. It protects the teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles from the damaging effects of bruxism – the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, which most commonly occurs during sleep.

Causes of Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

The exact causes of bruxism are not yet fully understood. Key contributing factors include:

Stress and psychological strain: Anxiety, emotional tension, and psychological pressure are considered the main triggers.
Sleep disorders: Bruxism frequently occurs alongside snoring or sleep apnea.
Jaw or teeth misalignment: Occlusal disorders can promote grinding behavior.
Medications: Certain antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) can cause bruxism as a side effect.
Genetic factors: A familial tendency has been observed.

Symptoms and Consequences of Bruxism

Without treatment, persistent teeth grinding can lead to significant damage:

Wear and erosion of tooth enamel
Grinding noises during sleep that disturb a bed partner
Jaw pain and tension, especially in the morning
Headaches, particularly at the temples
Jaw joint disorders (Temporomandibular Dysfunction, TMD)
Increased tooth sensitivity
Cracks or fractures in teeth and dental restorations

How Does a Night Guard Work?

A night guard works on several levels:

Protective barrier: It sits between the upper and lower teeth, preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact during grinding. The plastic absorbs the friction instead of tooth enamel.
Muscle relaxation: The defined bite height allows the chewing muscles to relax, reducing tension and pain.
Joint stabilization: Even distribution of bite forces relieves the jaw joint and helps prevent TMD symptoms.

Fabrication and Fitting

A high-quality night guard is individually fabricated by a dentist:

Precise impressions of both jaws are taken.
The splint is manufactured in a dental laboratory from medical-grade plastic.
During a fitting appointment, the splint is adjusted and the bite is fine-tuned.
Regular follow-up appointments ensure the splint fits correctly and no new bite imbalances develop.

Over-the-counter thermoplastic boil-and-bite guards are also available, but they are significantly inferior in protective function and fit compared to custom-made devices.

Wearing Instructions and Care

The night guard is typically worn during sleep. Important care tips include:

Clean the splint after each use with cold water and a soft brush.
Avoid hot liquids, as heat can deform the plastic.
Store the splint dry in the provided case.
Have the splint inspected regularly by a dentist.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

The cost of a custom-made night guard varies depending on the country and type of splint. In many countries, statutory health insurance covers costs only partially or under specific medical indications such as confirmed Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD). Private insurance coverage depends on the individual policy. It is advisable to request prior authorization from the insurer before starting treatment.

References

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde (DGZMK): Guideline on Bruxism and Occlusal Splints (2019).
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM): Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Sleep Bruxism (2015).
Lobbezoo F. et al.: Bruxism defined and graded: an international consensus. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2013; 40(1): 2–4.

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