| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0321 |
| Type | splint |
| Category | bruxism_TMD |
| Fixed/removable | removable |
| Primary function | bruxism protection; enamel preservation; TMD symptom relief |
| Malocclusion target | bruxism / clenching / TMD |
| Inventor | various (custom occlusal splints developed 1960s onward) |
| First year | 1960s |
| Period | historical / current |
| Status | current |
| Uses TADs | no |
| Material options | EVA (soft), hard acrylic, dual-laminate (soft inside / hard outside), 3D-printed |
A night guard (occlusal guard / bite guard) is a custom removable splint worn during sleep to protect the dentition from parafunctional grinding (bruxism) and clenching. Custom laboratory-fabricated guards are the clinical gold standard — they provide better fit, better retention, more durable materials, and superior long-term compliance than OTC thermoplastic stock guards. The appliance distributes occlusal loads across all teeth, reducing stress concentration on individual teeth, restorations, and TMJ structures. While night guards protect against enamel wear, they do not cure bruxism — the habit persists, making periodic appliance replacement necessary.
Night guards work by (1) providing a hard or resilient surface that absorbs and redistributes parafunctional forces, preventing tooth-to-tooth contact and enamel abrasion; (2) in full-coverage designs, establishing a neuromuscular centric relation stop that can reduce masseter and temporalis hyperactivity; and (3) creating a proprioceptive barrier that, for some patients, reduces grinding intensity through a "habit interruption" mechanism. Hard acrylic splints are the evidence-based choice for TMD management because they can be adjusted to create even occlusal contacts (equilibration); soft EVA guards may paradoxically increase clenching in some patients.
comfortable, good for clenchers without heavy grinding.
exterior); best balance of comfort and protection.
durability; adjustable occlusal surface.
or flat-plane splint); allows precise occlusal equilibration.
veneers, implants from parafunctional forces.
sports impact.
OTC/boil-and-bite guards are not a substitute for custom appliances — poor fit leads to poor retention and potential airway issues. Soft guards are not recommended for severe bruxors (may increase clenching forces). Patients with sleep apnea should discuss guard design with their physician — full-coverage guards can affect airway positioning. Guards require periodic replacement (soft: 1–3 years; hard: 5+ years with care) and must be monitored for wear through.
Soft guard (EVA):
vacuum-formed over the model.
Dual-laminate guard:
copolyester exterior.
Guard" is this type.
Hard acrylic guard:
throughout.
patients and TMD management.
3D-printed guard:
.
compatible.
Accurate models are critical — a poorly fitting guard rocks or lacks retention, and patients abandon it. For EVA guards, thermoforming temperature and pressure consistency matter; over-pressing thins the material unevenly. Dual-laminate construction requires two-step forming: soft inner layer first, then outer hard layer over it — timing and temperature are key. Hard acrylic guards are flasked and processed like a partial denture base; the finish surface must be polished smooth to reduce tongue irritation and plaque accumulation. CFL offers a wide range — positioning hard/soft dual-laminate as the "standard" and hard full-coverage as the premium option makes the line clear and upsellable.
.
Blog](https://blog.pro-craft.com/types-of-night-guard-materials)
Dandy](https://www.meetdandy.com/learning-center/articles/night-guard-materials-and-best-use-cases/)
Blog](https://blog.ddslab.com/benefits-of-hard-and-soft-dental-night-guards)
Labs](https://odlortho.com/product-line/splints-nightguards/)
business notes.