Night Guard (Bruxism Treatment): Everything You Need to Know

A custom-moulded plastic appliance you wear at night to protect your teeth from grinding damage, relieve jaw soreness, and prevent enamel wear.

Duration: 15-min impression + 30-min fitting visit, 1 week apart
Recovery: 2–3 nights of mild salivation while adjusting; full habituation in 1 week

What is Night Guard?

A night guard (also called occlusal splint or bruxism appliance) is a thin, custom-fitted dental appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep. It absorbs the force of teeth grinding (bruxism), prevents tooth wear and chipping, reduces jaw muscle soreness, and protects expensive dental work like crowns and veneers. Custom dental night guards last 3–5 years, far longer than over-the-counter versions.

How the Procedure Works

  1. 1

    Diagnosis of bruxism via tooth-wear pattern and morning soreness signs

  2. 2

    Discussion of guard type, soft, hard, or dual-laminate based on grinding intensity

  3. 3

    Dental impressions or 3D scan of your bite

  4. 4

    Custom fabrication in dental lab (1 week)

  5. 5

    Fitting visit, adjustments for comfort and accurate occlusion

  6. 6

    Wear at night; clean with toothbrush and store dry between uses

  7. 7

    6-month check-up to assess wear pattern + jaw comfort

Night Guard Cost in India (2026)

CityMin Cost (₹)Max Cost (₹)
Mumbai3,0008,000
Delhi2,5007,000
Bangalore3,0008,000
Chennai2,5006,000
Kolkata2,0005,500
Hyderabad2,5007,000

Prices are approximate and vary based on clinic, dentist experience, and specific case complexity.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guard

How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs: morning jaw soreness, frequent headaches near the temples, flattened or chipped tooth tips, increased tooth sensitivity, partner reports of grinding sounds at night. Your dentist can confirm by examining tooth-wear patterns.
Are store-bought night guards as good as custom dental ones?
No. Over-the-counter "boil-and-bite" guards (₹300–₹800) provide minimal protection and often cause jaw discomfort because they don't fit your bite properly. Custom dental guards (₹2,000–₹8,000) are made from impressions of your teeth, last 5x longer, and don't shift while sleeping.
Soft vs hard night guard, which do I need?
Soft guards (cheaper, more comfortable) work for mild grinding and TMJ-related muscle soreness. Hard acrylic guards last longer, protect against severe grinding, and are required if you have significant tooth wear or porcelain restorations. Dual-laminate (soft inside, hard outside) is the middle ground. Your dentist will recommend based on your wear pattern.
How long does a custom night guard last?
A well-cared-for hard acrylic night guard lasts 3–5 years. Soft guards last 1–2 years. Both should be replaced sooner if you see significant wear-through. Clean daily with a toothbrush; store dry; don't leave in hot car (heat warps the plastic).

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