Night Guard: Price and Bruxism Treatment
Protect your teeth from bruxism wear and relieve jaw tension and associated headaches.
- Protects teeth from nighttime wear
- Relieves jaw tension and headaches
- Custom-made for your mouth
Free, no signup, no commitment
What is it?
A night guard is a removable dental device — a rigid or semi-rigid custom-made protector — placed over the teeth (usually the upper arch) at night. It treats bruxism: the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding teeth while sleeping.
Bruxism affects 1 in 5 adults in Spain and most are not aware of it until symptoms appear: evident enamel wear, dental sensitivity, headache upon waking, jaw pain, joint clicking or neck tension. The night guard does not cure bruxism (which has muscular and often psychological origin), but protects teeth and relieves symptoms.
It's important to differentiate it from soft sport mouth guards (much cheaper but ineffective for chronic bruxism) and from generic pharmacy guards: only the custom guard, fitted by a dentist, offers proper protection and relief without causing bigger bite problems.
How is the process?
- 1
Bruxism diagnosis
The dentist evaluates dental wear, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and chewing muscles. Sometimes complemented with X-rays or sleep studies in severe cases.
- 2
Measurement taking
A digital scan or impression of your dental arches is performed to fabricate a guard that fits your bite perfectly.
- 3
Lab fabrication
The dental lab fabricates the custom guard in 1-2 weeks. Material is chosen by bruxism severity: rigid for severe cases, semi-rigid for mild ones.
- 4
Placement and adjustments
In the final appointment it is tried, adjusted and you are taught how to place and clean it. There may be 1-2 follow-up reviews to fine-tune occlusion.
How long does it take?
The complete process from diagnosis to delivery takes 2-3 weeks. A well-made and well-cared-for guard lasts between 3 and 7 years. It should be reviewed annually with the dentist.
What is included
- Complete bruxism diagnosis
- Digital scan or impressions
- Custom guard fabrication
- Initial placement and adjustments
- Adjustment reviews during the first month
- Use and maintenance recommendations
What is NOT included
- Repair of pre-existing dental damage (fillings, crowns)
- Replacement in case of loss or breakage from misuse
- Treatment of the cause of bruxism (stress, anxiety)
- Physiotherapy or TMJ treatment if affected
Expected results
Symptom relief usually appears in 1-2 weeks: less pain upon waking, more relaxed jaw, no new tooth wear. The guard does not eliminate bruxism, but breaks the cycle of wear and pain it causes. To address the root cause (stress, anxiety, posture) it can be combined with physiotherapy, relaxation techniques or psychological treatment.
Aftercare
- Place the guard each night when going to bed
- Clean it each morning with soft brush and neutral soap or toothpaste
- Store it in the case with a bit of moisture to prevent drying
- Don't leave it in the sun, hot water or near heat sources
- Take it to the dentist annually to review fit and wear
Frequently asked questions
What is a night guard for?
It protects teeth from bruxism wear, relieves jaw tension and associated headaches, and reduces clicking and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It does not cure bruxism itself but cuts off its consequences.
How much does a night guard cost?
A rigid custom-made guard by dentist (the only recommendable option) has a price that depends on material, complexity of your bite and geographic area. Soft pharmacy guards (much cheaper) are NOT equivalent and often worsen the problem. To know your personalized price in 30 seconds, use our AI calculator: free and no commitment.
How long does a guard last?
Between 3 and 7 years with good care. If bruxism is very severe it can wear out sooner (2-3 years) and need replacement. It should be reviewed annually.
Do I have to wear it every night?
Yes, every night. Bruxism doesn't warn: a single night without the guard can cause wear or microfractures in teeth that already had accumulated tension.
Is it uncomfortable to sleep with a guard?
The first 3-7 days there may be a strange sensation when sleeping, increased salivation or difficulty speaking. Adaptation comes quickly and most patients forget about it after 1-2 weeks. If discomfort persists, the dentist must adjust it.
Can I buy a guard without going to the dentist?
Not recommended. Pharmacy or internet guards don't fit your specific bite and can alter it, causing problems in the joint or teeth. The properly fitted guard can only be obtained from a dentist.
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