Night guards for teeth grinding, Setapak

Klinik Pergigian Genting makes custom-fitted night guards for teeth grinding at our clinic on Jalan Genting Kelang, Setapak, each made from an impression of your own teeth.

We do not make custom sports mouthguards.

Assessment starts from RM25.

Starting price, not a quotation. Your personalised treatment plan and fee estimate will be provided following assessment.

Night guards: teeth grinding

Grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, mostly happens during sleep, so many people do not know they do it until a dentist notices the wear.

Signs you may be grinding:

• teeth that look flattened, chipped or worn at the edges
• jaw ache or tightness, particularly in the morning
• headaches around the temples on waking
• increased tooth sensitivity as enamel wears through
• a partner noticing the noise
• cheek or tongue indentations

What grinding does over time. Enamel does not grow back. Sustained grinding wears teeth down, can crack fillings and crowns, and puts load on the jaw joint. A night guard does not stop you grinding - it puts a replaceable layer between your teeth so the guard wears instead of them.

We also look at what may be contributing. Grinding is often linked to stress, sleep disturbance, an uneven bite, or certain medications. A guard protects your teeth either way, but knowing the likely cause sometimes points to something else worth addressing.

Custom-made versus shop-bought

Thickness is a clinical decision

Night guards are made in different thicknesses, and the right one depends on how heavily you grind and what is being protected. A heavy grinder needs a different guard from someone protecting new crowns or veneers.

Because of that, the thickness, the design and the price can only be decided after an assessment. Anyone quoting a single price for a night guard without looking at your teeth is guessing.

Getting one made

1. Assessment. Your dentist examines your teeth for wear patterns and checks your bite. For a suspected grinding problem, this is also when other causes of jaw pain are ruled out.

2. Impression or scan. We take either a conventional impression or a digital scan, depending on the case.

3. Fitting. The finished guard is usually ready within one to two weeks. It is checked and adjusted so it sits comfortably and your bite is even.

Looking after it

• Rinse in cool water after every use. Hot water warps it permanently
• Brush gently with a soft brush, not toothpaste, which is abrasive
• Let it dry fully before storing, in a ventilated case
• Bring it to check-ups so wear can be assessed
• Keep it away from pets, who find them appealing

A guard that has worn thin or cracked is no longer protecting properly and needs replacing.

What it costs

Night guards vary in thickness and design depending on what your case needs, so the price is confirmed after your assessment.

Assessment starts from RM25.

Starting price, not a quotation. Your personalised treatment plan and fee estimate will be provided following assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Will a night guard stop me grinding? No. It protects your teeth from the grinding rather than stopping the habit. Grinding has various causes, and your dentist can discuss what may be contributing.

Can I just buy one from a pharmacy? You can, and it is better than nothing for sport. A boil-and-bite guard fits approximately, often loosens, and is bulkier to breathe and speak through. For night-time grinding, a poorly fitting guard can also affect how your teeth meet.

How long does one last? It depends how heavily you grind. Some people wear through a guard noticeably faster than others. Bring it to check-ups so wear can be monitored.

Can I wear one with braces? Discuss it with your dentist. A guard made for teeth that are actively moving will not fit for long.

Does it feel strange at first? Most people take a few nights to adjust. Increased saliva at first is normal.

Do you make sports mouthguards? No. Klinik Pergigian Genting makes night guards for grinding. For contact sport, a shop-bought guard is better than none, though it will fit less well than a custom one.