Night Guard or Grinding Guard

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If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom night guard (grinding guard) can protect your teeth and prevent long-term damage.
Many people don’t realise they grind their teeth until symptoms start to appear. A professionally fitted night guard is a simple way to protect your smile while you sleep.

What Is a Night Guard or Grinding Guard?

A night guard (also called a grinding guard, sleep guard or occlusal splint) is a custom-made dental appliance worn over your teeth at night.

It is designed to:

  • Prevent teeth from grinding against each other
  • Reduce pressure on your jaw
  • Protect teeth from wear, cracks and fractures
  • Support a stable and comfortable bite

At Chadstone Dental, each night guard is custom-fitted to your teeth, making it far more effective than over-the-counter options.

Who Needs a Night Guard?

You may benefit from a night guard if you:

  • Grind or clench your teeth (bruxism)
  • Wake up with headaches or jaw pain
  • Have sensitive or worn teeth
  • Have cracked or chipped teeth
  • Are getting crowns, veneers or other dental work

In many cases, a grinding guard is recommended to protect dental work and prevent further damage.

Why Teeth Grinding Causes Damage

Teeth grinding usually happens during sleep, meaning it often goes unnoticed.

Your jaw can generate significant force overnight, placing constant pressure on your teeth. Over time this can lead to:

  • Tooth wear and flattening
  • Cracks and fractures
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Jaw pain and tightness

A custom grinding guard works by absorbing and redistributing this pressure, reducing damage and strain.

Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth

Not sure if you grind your teeth? Common signs include:

  • Morning headaches
  • Jaw stiffness or tightness
  • Neck or shoulder tension
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Limited mouth opening

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s worth having your bite checked.

The Cost of Ignoring Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can cause serious long-term damage if left untreated.

Many patients end up needing:

  • Crowns
  • Repairs for cracked teeth
  • Ongoing dental treatment

This can cost thousands of dollars over time, while a night guard is a simple preventative solution and can help to reduce your risk.

Treatment for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

The first step in treating bruxism is protecting your teeth with a custom night guard.

Depending on your situation, we may also recommend:

  • Addressing muscle tension
  • Physiotherapy or myotherapy
  • Identifying lifestyle or stress-related factors

This helps manage both the cause and effects of grinding.

How Long Does a Night Guard Last?

Your grinding guard is custom-made to fit your teeth comfortably and securely.

Most night guards:

  • Last 2–3 years on average
  • May wear faster if you grind heavily
  • Can be adjusted or replaced as needed

We will monitor your guard over time to ensure it continues to protect your teeth effectively.

Do Children Need Night Guards?

Children often grind their teeth as part of normal development.

In most cases:

  • Treatment is not required
  • Grinding reduces as they grow

We usually do not recommend night guards for children unless there are specific concerns. We will monitor this during regular check-ups.

Book a Night Guard in Chadstone

If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, early treatment can prevent serious damage.

At Chadstone Dental, we provide custom night guards designed for comfort, durability and long-term protection.

To assess your grinding guard or sleep guard requirements​

We will give you a quote on any and all services so that you can be
sure that your choices are within your timeframe and budget.

Please call us at

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Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.