Nightguard

A nightguard is a custom dental appliance, typically made from hard acrylic or a dual-laminate material, that fits over the upper or lower teeth and is worn during sleep. Its primary purpose is to protect the teeth from the damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), which many people do unconsciously while they sleep. Without intervention, chronic bruxism can wear down enamel, crack teeth, damage existing restorations, and cause persistent jaw, head, and neck pain.

Custom nightguards made from dental impressions are far superior to over-the-counter options. A properly fitted nightguard distributes bite forces evenly, stays securely in place without being bulky, and does not interfere with breathing. The dentist adjusts the fit and bite at the delivery appointment to ensure the patient's jaw sits in a comfortable, relaxed position while wearing it. Over-the-counter guards, by contrast, are often too soft (which can actually encourage more clenching) or too bulky to wear comfortably through the night. The signs that a patient may benefit from a nightguard include worn or flattened tooth surfaces, cracked or chipped teeth with no clear cause, scalloped tongue edges, morning jaw soreness or headaches, and reports from a partner about grinding sounds during sleep. Many patients are unaware they grind their teeth until the dentist points out the evidence during an examination.

For your practice, nightguards represent a reliable service line. The fabrication process is simple, involving an impression and a lab turnaround of about a week. Nightguards typically last three to five years before needing replacement, creating a natural recall cycle. Insurance coverage varies, but many dental plans cover occlusal guards at least partially. Positioning the nightguard as protection for the patient's investment in their dental work, especially for patients with crowns, veneers, or implants, often resonates strongly during case presentation.