Night Guards
A night guard (occlusal guard) is a custom-fabricated dental appliance worn during sleep that prevents direct contact between upper and lower teeth. It protects enamel from grinding wear, reduces jaw muscle fatigue from clenching, and can help alleviate TMJ symptoms.
The damage you can't see happening
Waking up with jaw soreness or stiffness
Frequent morning headaches
Tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause
Worn, flattened, or chipped tooth edges
A partner who says you grind loudly at night
Existing dental work that fails prematurely
How a custom night guard is made
Evaluation. Dr. Yeo checks for wear patterns, muscle tenderness, TMJ sounds, and bite alignment.
Digital scan. A 3D scan of your upper and lower teeth.
Custom fabrication. A lab creates a precise guard in hard, soft, or hybrid acrylic depending on your case.
Fitting appointment (about 2 weeks later). Dr. Yeo checks the fit, adjusts contact points, and confirms comfortable wear.
Follow-up after 2–3 weeks of use to confirm it's working as intended.
Custom vs. over-the-counter
Fit
Custom Night Guard
OTC Boil-and-Bite
Precise, custom-molded
Approximate
Durability
3–5 years typical
6–12 months
Effectiveness
Clinically reliable
Variable
TMJ support
Yes, with proper design
Limited
Cost
Higher upfront
Lower upfront
For most patients with moderate to severe grinding, custom is the better long-term value.
Other Services
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom night guard last?
Is it uncomfortable to wear?
Does insurance cover night guards?
Can't I just buy one at the drugstore?
Will a night guard help my TMJ pain?
