Grinding or clenching your teeth at night doesn’t just disturb your sleep. Over time, it can wear away enamel, crack fillings, and strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). One of the simplest ways to protect your teeth is to wear a night guard or occlusal splint. Night guards cushion your teeth so that the forces of grinding are absorbed by the device rather than your enamel. There are different styles and price points available in Australia, and understanding the differences will help you decide whether a custom night guard or store‑bought night guard is right for you.
People who grind or clench their teeth (a condition known as bruxism) often don’t realise they’re doing it. Symptoms include headaches, facial or jaw soreness and worn or chipped teeth. Causes range from stress and anxiety to misaligned teeth, snoring and sleep disorders. Left untreated, bruxism can cause damage to teeth and lead to costly dental repairs. A night guard provides a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing wear and relieving strain on the jaw muscles.
Night guards fall into three broad categories. Each has a different balance of cost, comfort and durability.
| Night‑guard type | Fit & comfort | Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (ready‑made) | Pre‑formed tray that fits loosely; often feels bulky | A few months | Available off the shelf; inexpensive but offers limited protection |
| Boil‑and‑bite (mouth‑formed) | Thermoplastic that you soften in hot water and bite into; better fit than stock but can loosen | Several months | Can be moulded at home; good interim option |
| Custom‑fitted (dentist‑made) | Made from dental impressions; fits snugly without being bulky | Years | Crafted to your teeth; adjustable thickness for heavy grinders |
Store‑bought guards – stock or boil‑and‑bite – are easy to find at pharmacies and sporting goods shops. Advantages include low cost and the ability to mould boil‑and‑bite guards at home. They’re useful as a short‑term solution, especially if you only grind occasionally or need protection while waiting for a dentist appointment. However, the drawbacks are significant:
A dentist creates a custom night guard. During the fitting appointment, the dentist takes an impression or digital scan, and a laboratory fabricates a guard that follows the contours of your teeth. Because the thickness can be adjusted, these guards can be designed for use with heavy grinders or for individuals with TMJ disorders. The result is a device that fits snugly, evenly distributes pressure and lasts for years. Dentists can adjust material and thickness for sport, bruxism or sleep apnoea.
The main drawbacks are the higher upfront cost and the need for two appointments. However, many health funds reimburse part of the cost, and the investment often pays for itself by avoiding repeat purchases or dental repairs.
At Bigger Smiles the process of creating a custom night guard usually takes two visits:
This professional oversight ensures that your guard is comfortable, durable and suited to your particular grinding pattern.
Wearing a dental night guard is only one part of caring for bruxism. To reduce grinding, you should also have regular dental check‑ups, maintain good oral hygiene and discuss stress, sleep and orthodontic issues with your dentist. Choosing a dentist‑made night guard means you benefit from professional advice and adjustments as your mouth changes. Investing in a teeth‑grinding guard, therefore, supports broader dental care for teeth grinding.
At Bigger Smiles, we’re happy to answer questions about custom night guard cost in Australia and explain how a high‑quality custom mouth guard fits into your oral health plan.
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