Emergency Dentist NewtownBook Online02 9519 6098

Bruxism & jaw function

Night Guards & Occlusal Splints in Newtown

Assessment and custom-made protection for teeth affected by grinding or clenching, with clear guidance for associated jaw symptoms and tooth wear.

Book OnlineWhat to Expect
AI-generated image of a custom clear occlusal splint in its protective case for nighttime wear

Newtown Elite Dental

Level 1, 170A King Street, Newtown

16 years in Newtown

A Newtown Elite Dental treatment room used for night-guard and splint assessments

Could this help?

Could a night guard or splint help?

Bruxism is grinding or clenching that may happen unconsciously, particularly during sleep. Jaw symptoms can have different causes, so an assessment helps determine whether a custom splint, monitoring, advice, further investigation or referral is appropriate.

You may wish to discuss

  • Teeth appear worn, flattened, chipped or repeatedly fracture
  • You wake with tight or tired jaw muscles
  • You notice clenching or grinding during the day or someone hears it at night
  • You experience morning headaches, facial discomfort or head and neck muscle tension
  • Your jaw clicks, catches, locks or feels uncomfortable when opening
  • Existing fillings, crowns or teeth are being placed under heavy bite forces

Custom splint or store-bought guard?

A custom splint is a removable appliance made from a scan or impression and adjusted to your teeth and bite. Worn during sleep where appropriate, it acts as a physical barrier between the teeth and may help protect against further wear or damage.

  • Custom fit — designed for your teeth to support secure, comfortable overnight wear
  • Bite adjustment — checked and refined so the appliance contacts the opposing teeth appropriately
  • Durability — professionally made for ongoing use and reviewed for changes in fit or wear
  • Protection — may help reduce grinding-related damage and the need for future restorative treatment
  • Clear limitations — it may help selected symptoms, but it does not necessarily stop the underlying grinding or clenching habit

Personalised care

Protection designed around your teeth and bite.

Custom splints are made from your dental records and clinically adjusted. Store-bought guards are not individually planned for your teeth, restorations or bite.

Assessment, fitting and review

We discuss when symptoms occur and examine the teeth, restorations, bite, jaw movement and surrounding muscles. If a splint is suitable, a scan or impression is taken and the appliance is fitted at a later visit.

  • Initial assessment — discuss symptoms, relevant health history and previous treatment
  • Records — examine tooth wear and bite, with photographs, scans or X-rays only when clinically appropriate
  • Fitting — check retention, comfort and bite contacts and explain wear, cleaning and storage
  • Review — reassess fit, appliance wear, teeth and symptoms and adjust where required

What a splint can and cannot do

A splint can provide a protective barrier and may help manage selected symptoms, but it is not a universal treatment for every headache, clicking jaw or facial pain.

  • It may help protect teeth and restorations from grinding-related wear or fracture
  • It may help selected muscle or jaw symptoms when clinically appropriate
  • It does not guarantee that grinding or clenching will stop
  • Persistent locking, significant pain or other findings may require further investigation or referral

What to expect with Night Guards & Occlusal Splints

Your splint assessment, explained.

We assess the symptoms and bite first, then explain whether a custom splint, monitoring, advice or referral is appropriate.

Listen

discuss your concerns, goals and relevant health history

Assess

examine the teeth, gums, bite and surrounding structures

Explain

share the findings, suitable options and limitations clearly

Plan

agree on an appropriate sequence, timing and follow-up

Book OnlineCall 02 9519 6098

Common questions

Questions about night guards & occlusal splints.

Clear information is part of good care. These answers are a starting point for your conversation.

How do I know if I grind or clench my teeth?

Possible signs include worn or chipped teeth, repeated fractures, tight jaw muscles, morning headaches, facial discomfort or a partner hearing grinding at night. These signs can have other causes, so an assessment is important.

Will a night guard stop me grinding my teeth?

Not necessarily. A splint can help protect teeth and restorations and may help selected symptoms, but it does not guarantee that the underlying grinding or clenching habit will stop.

Can a splint help with jaw pain or headaches?

It may help selected patients, depending on the cause of the symptoms. Jaw pain, clicking, locking and headaches can have different causes, so we assess whether a splint, advice, monitoring, investigation or referral is appropriate.

What happens at the first assessment?

We discuss your symptoms and relevant health history, then examine the teeth, restorations, bite, jaw movement and surrounding muscles. Scans, photographs or X-rays are recommended only when clinically appropriate.

How long does a custom splint take to make?

A custom splint normally requires an assessment and dental records, followed by a separate fitting appointment after fabrication. We explain the expected timing when arranging your care.

How much does a night guard or occlusal splint cost?

Fees depend on the assessment, appliance and individual requirements. We explain the recommended option and associated costs before the splint is made.

Appointments in Newtown

Ready to discuss grinding, clenching or jaw discomfort?

Book online or call our team to arrange a jaw pain and splint assessment.

Book OnlineCall 02 9519 6098