Dra. Cléo Salustiano In this article
SummaryWhat types of night guards are there?How to use, clean and check your night guardFAQRead nextNight Guard for Bruxism: Types, Store-Bought Guards and Care
Quick summary of this article+
A night guard protects the teeth from the wear caused by grinding and clenching and helps spread the forces of the bite, but it does not cure bruxism. A custom hard guard, with the bite adjusted by the dentist, is the type most often used for sleep bruxism. Soft guards have more limited uses, and store-bought guards are not recommended, because they have no adjustment and may increase muscle pain and TMJ symptoms. Clean the guard with a soft brush and mild soap, never hot water, store it dry in its case and have it checked at routine visits. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A night guard for bruxism is an appliance worn over the teeth, usually while sleeping, to protect the enamel from the wear caused by grinding and clenching and to spread the forces of the bite more evenly. In most cases, the recommended option is a hard guard custom-made by the dentist from an impression or scan of your mouth, with the bite adjusted at the office. Store-bought "boil-and-bite" guards are not recommended for bruxism, because they lack that adjustment.
It helps to know from the start that a night guard protects, but does not cure bruxism. It keeps teeth from wearing down or cracking and keeps fillings and veneers from breaking, and it can ease the load on the jaw muscles and joint. The causes of the habit, such as stress, sleep issues and other factors, are addressed alongside it, as explained in the article on bruxism and its treatment.
Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844), a dentist in Mooca, explains the types of guards, why a store-bought guard does not replace a custom one, how to use and clean your guard day to day and when it needs to be checked or replaced.
This article comes from Dr. Cléo Salustiano's dental office in Mooca, São Paulo (care in English, Portuguese and Spanish). See the general dentistry page to learn how the treatment is done here and book your assessment.
What types of night guards are there?
Custom hard guard (acrylic): this is the type most often used for sleep bruxism. It is made in a lab from an impression or scan of the teeth, and at delivery the dentist adjusts the bite contacts so the teeth meet evenly on it. Because it is hard and smooth, the jaw glides more easily over it and the wear happens on the guard instead of the enamel. It is often made for the upper teeth, but the choice depends on each case.
Soft guard (silicone): it is more flexible and is sometimes used for a short period or in specific situations. In some people, the soft material can encourage chewing and clenching movements, and it tends to wear out or tear sooner. For that reason, it is not the first choice for heavy grinders. There are also dual-layer guards, soft inside and hard outside, which the dentist may consider.
Store-bought guard ("boil-and-bite"): a prefabricated guard you soften in hot water and shape by biting into it. It has no bite adjustment, tends to be bulky and can leave the teeth touching unevenly. With long-term night use, this may increase muscle pain, worsen jaw joint (TMJ) symptoms and, in some cases, contribute to small shifts in tooth position. Sports mouth guards were not designed for bruxism either.
How a custom guard is made: the dentist examines the teeth, muscles and jaw joint, confirms whether a guard is indicated, takes an impression or scan and, at the delivery visit, checks the fit and adjusts the bite. Another adjustment may be needed in the first weeks. If you have jaw joint pain, clicking or difficulty opening your mouth, the article TMJ disorder: symptoms and relief helps explain what may be going on.
| Type | How it is made | When it is usually considered | Points to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom hard (acrylic) | Impression or scan, lab work and bite adjustment at the office | Sleep bruxism and protection of teeth, fillings and veneers | Needs check-ups and adjustment after treatments |
| Soft (silicone) | Custom, in a flexible material | Short-term use or specific situations, at the dentist's discretion | Wears out faster; may encourage clenching in some people |
| Dual-layer | Custom, soft inside and hard outside | Cases assessed individually | Same cleaning and check-up care |
| Store-bought (boil-and-bite) | Prefabricated, shaped at home | Not recommended for bruxism | No bite adjustment; may increase pain and TMJ symptoms |
How to use, clean and check your night guard
Use: in most cases, the guard is worn during sleep. In the first days it is common to feel that your mouth is full, to produce more saliva or to notice light pressure on the teeth in the morning; these sensations usually fade as you adapt. Pain that increases, a tooth that is always sore in the same spot or a bite that feels different in the morning are reasons to go back for an adjustment. If you also clench during the day, your dentist may give you other guidance.
Cleaning: when you take the guard out, rinse it under cool or lukewarm running water and brush it with a separate soft brush and mild soap. Avoid toothpaste, which is abrasive and scratches acrylic, and do not use hot water, alcohol or bleach, which can warp or damage the material. Let it dry and store it in a ventilated case, away from sunlight and pets. Brush your teeth before putting the guard in at night.
Check-ups: bring the guard to your routine visits so the dentist can check the fit, the wear and the bite. Signs that it needs adjusting or replacing include cracks, broken edges, a loose or overly tight fit, an odor that does not go away with cleaning and new discomfort. After treatments such as fillings, crowns, veneers or orthodontics, the guard usually needs to be adjusted or remade. Bruxism in children is handled differently, as explained in teeth grinding in children; the dentist assesses the child and, when needed, refers to a pediatric dentist.
This content is for information only and does not replace an exam. Consult a dentist before using any guard, especially if you already have jaw pain, clicking or worn teeth. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano sees patients every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including Sundays and holidays, and you can find more details about the night guard for bruxism in Mooca.
What does a night guard for bruxism do?
+
It sits between the upper and lower teeth during sleep and takes the wear from grinding and clenching instead of the enamel. It also helps distribute bite forces and may reduce the load on the facial muscles and jaw joint. It protects, but does not stop the habit.
Do store-bought night guards work for bruxism?
+
They are not recommended. Boil-and-bite guards have no bite adjustment, tend to be bulky and can leave the teeth touching unevenly. With night use, this may increase muscle pain and TMJ symptoms. For bruxism, a guard made and adjusted by the dentist is the recommended option.
Hard or soft night guard: which should I choose?
+
For most cases of sleep bruxism, dentists recommend a hard acrylic guard, because the bite can be adjusted precisely and it lasts longer. A soft guard may be considered in specific situations or for a short time. The choice depends on an exam of your teeth, muscles and jaw joint.
Is a night guard worn on the upper or lower teeth?
+
It is often made for the upper teeth, but that is not a rule. The dentist decides based on your bite, any crowns, bridges or implants, comfort and ease of adjustment. What matters most is that it is custom-made and has a balanced bite.
How do I clean my night guard?
+
Rinse it when you take it out, brush it with a separate soft brush and mild soap, rinse again, let it dry and store it in a ventilated case. Do not use toothpaste, which scratches the material, or hot water, alcohol or bleach, which can warp or damage the guard.
How often should a night guard be replaced?
+
There is no single timeframe, because durability depends on how hard you grind and how you care for it. Bring it to your routine visits for a check. Cracks, a loose fit, heavy wear, a lasting odor or changes in your teeth after treatment are signs it needs adjusting or replacing.
Where can I get a night guard in Mooca?
+
In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients at Rua Hipódromo, 1141, near Bresser-Mooca station, Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays. At the visit, she assesses whether a guard is indicated and which type makes sense. Appointments via WhatsApp (11) 97409-7834, in Portuguese, English or Spanish.
