Night Guards and Teeth Grinding: Do You Need One?
Dr Nader Gavgani, GDC 75484Published 6 min read
Grinding often happens without you knowing
Bruxism is clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep and without any awareness of doing it. It's frequently spotted first by a dentist, from the wear pattern on your teeth, rather than by the person doing it.
Stress is the most common trigger, though it can also happen alongside certain medications or sleep patterns. However it starts, the effect on your teeth is the same: real, ongoing force applied for hours at a time, night after night.
Signs you might be grinding
- Flattened or worn edges on your front teeth that weren't there before.
- Jaw soreness or tightness, especially first thing in the morning.
- Headaches centred around the temples, again most noticeable on waking.
- A partner mentioning grinding sounds while you sleep.
- Chips, cracks, or a crown or filling that keeps coming loose without an obvious cause.
Any of these on their own isn't a diagnosis — it's worth mentioning at your next check-up so it can actually be looked at.
Why it matters for work you've already had done
Grinding doesn't just wear down natural teeth — it puts the same force through crowns, veneers and fillings, and is one of the more common reasons that work needs attention sooner than it otherwise would. If you've had, or are planning, crowns or veneers, a night guard is what protects that investment.
Night guard vs sports guard
Similar idea, different job — and priced differently as a result.
| Night guard | Sports guard | |
|---|---|---|
| Worn | At night, during sleep | During contact sport |
| Protects against | Grinding and clenching | Impact |
| Typical price here | £280 | £300 (an extra colour option is +£10) |
Related reading
- Dental crowns explained — what a night guard is actually protecting.
- Composite bonding vs porcelain veneers — cosmetic work worth protecting the same way.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a night guard custom-made, or can I buy one over the counter?
A night guard fitted here is custom-made to your own bite, which is what makes it comfortable enough to actually wear every night. An over-the-counter one is a generic shape and far less likely to be worn consistently.
How much does a night guard cost?
A night guard at Pure Elegant Smile is £280. A sports guard is £300, with an extra colour option for £10 more.
Do I need a night guard even if nothing hurts yet?
If a check-up shows wear consistent with grinding, a night guard is worth having before a crown or filling is damaged, not after. It's a conversation to have at your next visit rather than something to wait on.
Notice any of these signs?
Reviewed by Dr Nader Gavgani, GDC 75484