Night Guards for Implants, Crowns and Veneers: Protection While You Sleep

Dental work is designed for everyday chewing. Night-time grinding is a different kind of load: longer, harder and often sideways. A night guard does not stop you grinding, but it changes what takes the force. The guard wears instead of your teeth, and the load is spread across the arch rather than focused on one crown.

What a Night Guard Protects

For people with implants, the guard is especially useful because implants lack the natural cushion that teeth have. Our article on grinding and dental implants explains why.

Custom Night Guard vs a Store-Bought Guard

Pharmacy and sports guards are made to fit many mouths, so they tend to be bulky and loose. When there are crowns, bridges or implants in the mouth, that matters:

• Fit. A custom guard is made for your teeth and dental work, so it stays in place without you clenching to hold it.
• Even contact. Your dentist adjusts the biting surface so the force spreads evenly and no single crown takes the load.
• Comfort. A thinner, closer fit is easier to sleep in, and a guard is only useful if you wear it.
• Checking. The fit is reviewed at check-ups, and the guard can be adjusted if your dental work changes.

How a Night Guard Is Made at Vera Dental

1. ConsultationYour dentist checks for grinding wear, your jaw muscles and any implants, crowns or veneers, and confirms the type of guard that suits you.
2. 3D scanA quick 3D scan records your teeth and bite digitally.
3. FittingThe guard is fitted and the biting surface adjusted so contact is even and comfortable.
4. ReviewWe check how you are getting on and fine-tune the fit if needed.

Night guards start from $230. The type, and so the final fee, is confirmed at your consultation ($40–$50).

Looking After Your Night Guard

• Rinse and brush it gently with a soft brush and cool water each morning. Hot water can warp it.
• Let it dry, then store it in its case, away from heat and pets.
• Bring it to your check-ups so the fit and wear can be checked.
• Tell us if it feels tight, loose or cracked. Changes in fit can follow new dental work.
• Expect wear. Visible grooves show it is doing its job. Heavy grinders may need a replacement sooner.

If you also wake with a sore jaw or headaches, see our guide on waking up with jaw pain. For the full picture of options, visit our teeth grinding and jaw clenching page.