Custom Nightguard vs Chemist Mouthguard: What’s the Difference for Teeth Grinding?

If you’ve been waking up with a sore jaw, or someone’s mentioned they can hear you grinding at night, you’ve probably seen the mouthguards on the shelf at your local chemist. They’re cheap and easy to pick up, so it’s a fair question: do you really need one made by a dentist? Here’s how the two options compare, from our team at Doncaster Dental.

What is a nightguard, and who needs one?

A nightguard is a thin, removable appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It sits between your upper and lower teeth so that, if you grind or clench, the pressure goes into the guard rather than wearing down your teeth. Nightguards are usually recommended for people who show signs of teeth grinding (bruxism) or heavy clenching.

Grinding often happens during sleep, so plenty of people don’t know they’re doing it until a partner mentions it or their dentist spots the wear at a check-up.

What are the signs you might be grinding your teeth at night?

Some of the more common signs include:

• Waking up with a tight or tired jaw, or a dull headache around your temples
• A partner or family member hearing grinding or clicking while you sleep
• Teeth that look flatter, shorter or chipped along the edges
• Teeth that have become more sensitive to hot or cold
• Fillings or crowns that crack or wear faster than expected

None of these on their own mean you’re grinding, but if a few sound familiar, it’s worth mentioning at your next check-up and clean.

How is a custom nightguard different from a chemist mouthguard?

Both are designed to sit over your teeth, but they’re made quite differently. Here’s a quick side-by-side:

Chemist mouthguards can be a reasonable short-term option for some people. The main issue we hear about is comfort. A guard that feels bulky or moves around during the night is easy to take out half asleep, and a guard that isn’t being worn isn’t doing much.

A custom nightguard is shaped around your own teeth, and your dentist checks how it sits against your bite before you take it home. It also comes with an examination, which matters because grinding isn’t always the only thing going on. Worn edges, cracked teeth or jaw discomfort can have other causes too, and those are worth ruling out.

Is a nightguard the same as a sleep apnoea appliance?

No, and this one comes up a lot. A nightguard is there to protect your teeth from grinding. An oral appliance for snoring or sleep apnoea does a different job: it holds your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep to help keep your airway open.

They can look similar, but they’re not interchangeable. If you snore as well as grind, let your dentist know, as the two can sometimes go together. Our posts on whether a dentist can treat snoring and sleep apnoea and oral appliance therapy vs CPAP explain that side of things in more detail.

What happens when you get a custom nightguard?

Getting a nightguard made usually takes two short visits:

• Assessment: Your dentist checks your teeth, bite and jaw, looks for signs of wear and talks through whether a nightguard suits you.
• Scan or impressions: We take a record of your upper and lower teeth so the guard can be made to fit.
• Fitting: Once it’s ready, your dentist checks the fit and your bite, makes any adjustments, and shows you how to put it in, take it out and clean it.

After that, bring it along to your regular check-ups so we can keep an eye on how it’s wearing. If grinding has already cracked or broken a tooth, your dentist may talk to you about repairing it first. Our post on CEREC same-day crowns explains one of the options, and our broken teeth page covers the others.

How long does a nightguard last, and how do you look after it?

How long a custom nightguard lasts depends mostly on how heavily you grind. With good care, many last several years. A few simple habits help:

• Rinse it each morning and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush
• Let it dry and keep it in its case during the day
• Avoid hot water, which can warp the material
• Keep it away from pets, as dogs in particular love to chew them
• Bring it to your check-ups so your dentist can look for thinning or cracks

Does private health insurance cover nightguards?

Many extras policies include some cover for custom nightguards or splints, but it depends on your fund and your level of cover. The easiest way to find out is to ask your fund before your appointment, or ask our team for a treatment estimate you can check against your policy. We process claims on the spot through HICAPS, and our post on which health funds we accept has more detail.

Talk to us about teeth grinding in Doncaster

Doncaster Dental has been looking after local families from our Doncaster Road practice for over 50 years, including patients from Doncaster East, Templestowe, Bulleen, Box Hill North and Balwyn North. We’re open until 7:30 pm on Wednesdays, with Saturday appointments available by arrangement.

If you think you might be grinding, get in touch with our team or call (03) 9848 1322. You can also meet our dental team before your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a nightguard if I only clench and don’t grind?

Possibly. Clenching can put a lot of pressure on your teeth and jaw even without the side-to-side movement of grinding. Your dentist can look for signs of wear or strain and let you know whether a nightguard is worth considering.

Can I use a sports mouthguard for grinding at night?

A sports mouthguard is designed to absorb impact during contact sport, not to be worn all night. It’s usually bulkier and softer than a nightguard, so it’s not a like-for-like substitute. It’s best to talk to your dentist about what suits you.

How long does a custom nightguard last?

It depends on how heavily you grind and how well the guard is looked after. With good care, many custom nightguards last several years. Bring yours to your regular check-ups so your dentist can check it for wear or cracks.

Will a nightguard stop me grinding my teeth?

A nightguard is designed to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding. It doesn’t necessarily stop the grinding itself. Your dentist can talk to you about other factors that may be involved.

Is a nightguard the same as a snoring or sleep apnoea device?

No. A nightguard sits over your teeth to protect them. An oral appliance for snoring or sleep apnoea is designed to hold your lower jaw slightly forward to help keep your airway open, and it’s used after an appropriate assessment.