Night Guards

Protecting teeth from grinding and relieving jaw strain during sleep.

Teeth grinding and clenching often occur unconsciously at night and can lead to tooth wear, fractures, jaw soreness, and headaches. Because the forces involved are stronger than normal chewing, damage can accumulate gradually before symptoms become obvious.

At WA Dental, night guards (occlusal splints) are custom made to balance the bite and distribute pressure evenly rather than simply placing a soft barrier between the teeth. The aim is to protect enamel while allowing the jaw muscles to relax.

Each appliance is designed based on how your teeth contact and how your jaw moves, creating a fit that stays secure without bulkiness. This helps improve comfort and encourages consistent nightly use.

Over time, reducing excessive loading helps prevent further wear and protects existing dental work such as fillings, crowns, and implants.

Book online to have your custom night guard made comfortably and accurately.

Night Guards in Perth

A solution for protecting teeth from hidden nightly forces.

Grinding rarely feels dramatic while it happens, but the effects accumulate. People often notice morning jaw tightness, chipped edges, tooth sensitivity, or recurring headaches long before they realise clenching during sleep is the cause.

At WA Dental, assessment focuses on wear patterns, muscle tenderness, and bite contact points rather than assuming every patient needs the same appliance. Some benefit from cushioning, while others require guidance that changes how the jaw closes overnight.

The guard is designed to control pressure distribution and reduce muscle overactivity, helping the jaw settle into a more relaxed position instead of fighting against resistance during sleep.

Because the appliance is precisely fitted, it remains comfortable enough for regular use, which is what actually prevents long-term damage to enamel and restorations.

Looking for a custom night guard in Perth? WA Dental provides professionally fitted occlusal splints designed to protect teeth and reduce clenching related symptoms.

Why Choose WA Dental for Night Guards

Night guards are often thought of as simple barriers, but the effectiveness depends on how the jaw is guided during sleep, not just covering the teeth. At WA Dental, appliances are designed around bite behaviour rather than made to a generic thickness.

Assessment identifies which teeth carry the load, how the muscles activate overnight, and whether the jaw shifts during clenching. This determines the type of splint required, as cushioning and repositioning appliances serve very different purposes.

Each guard is adjusted so contact occurs evenly across the arch. The aim is controlled contact instead of isolated pressure points, helping reduce fractures, sensitivity, and muscle fatigue rather than only protecting enamel surfaces.

Because the splint influences muscle activity, comfort matters as much as durability. Edges and contours are refined to allow natural tongue space and relaxed closure, supporting consistent nightly wear and improved jaw comfort.

Follow up reviews ensure the guard continues working as intended as teeth settle or dental work changes. The goal is long term protection and stability, not just a temporary shield against grinding.

Contact Us

WA Dental 3/150 Coolamon Bvd Ellenbrook 6069 WA

ellenbrook@wadental.com.au

08 9297 4663

Looking for a dentist in Perth? Contact WA Dental today to book an appointment for orthodontics, dental implants, cosmetic or general dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A night guard (occlusal splint) is a custom appliance worn while sleeping to protect teeth from grinding and clenching forces. It can also reduce jaw muscle fatigue, headaches, and tooth sensitivity caused by overnight pressure.

  • Store bought guards are soft and generic, so they often encourage clenching and wear out quickly. A custom guard is designed around your bite position and muscle activity, helping distribute pressure evenly and making it far more comfortable to wear.

  • After a short adjustment period, most patients forget they are wearing it. Because it is shaped specifically to your teeth, it stays in place and allows normal breathing and swallowing during sleep.

  • With normal use, a professionally made guard often lasts several years. Heavy grinders may wear through it sooner, but that wear protects your teeth instead of damaging them.