Occlusal Splints & Night Guards in Carnegie
Over 2,000 5-star reviews
Occlusal Splints & Night Guards in Carnegie
Over 2,000 5-star reviews
Occlusal Splints & Night Guards in Carnegie
Occlusal Splints
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is more common than most people realise — and many people who do it have no idea, because it happens during sleep. If you're waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or sensitive teeth, or your dentist has noticed unusual wear on your enamel, a custom-made occlusal splint could make a significant difference.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, usually during sleep but sometimes during the day as well. The forces involved are surprisingly powerful — far greater than those used in normal chewing — and over time they can cause serious damage to your teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles. Bruxism is often linked to stress and anxiety, but it can also be related to sleep disorders, bite alignment issues, or certain medications. Many people only find out they grind their teeth when a dentist spots the signs during a check-up, or when a partner tells them they can hear it at night.
Common signs you may be grinding:
- Waking up with jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness
- Frequent headaches, particularly first thing in the morning
- Earache without any ear infection
- Facial muscle tension or fatigue
- Sensitive teeth, especially in the morning
- Teeth that appear flattened, chipped, or worn down
- A partner reporting grinding sounds during the night
What Damage Can Grinding Cause?
Left untreated, bruxism can lead to significant dental problems over time. The constant pressure and friction gradually wears down tooth enamel — which doesn't grow back — leaving teeth shorter, flatter, and more sensitive. In more severe cases it can cause teeth to crack, chip, or fracture, and may place stress on the jaw joint (TMJ), leading to pain and clicking that can become chronic.
Catching and managing bruxism early protects both your teeth and your long-term comfort.
What Is an Occlusal Splint?
An occlusal splint (also called a night guard or bite splint) is a custom-made, hard acrylic appliance that fits over your upper teeth. You wear it while you sleep, and it works by:
- Creating a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, so the splint absorbs the grinding forces rather than your enamel
- Allowing your jaw muscles to relax by holding your jaw in a more comfortable, neutral position
- Reducing strain on the jaw joint, which can relieve headaches, facial pain, and morning soreness
It doesn't stop the grinding itself, but it prevents the damage and significantly reduces the associated discomfort — most patients notice an improvement in symptoms within a few weeks of wearing one consistently.
Custom-Made vs Over-the-Counter
You can buy generic mouthguards from a pharmacy, but they're not the same thing.
Custom-Made
Over-the-Counter
Custom-Made
A custom-made occlusal splint is fabricated from hard acrylic from precise impressions of your own teeth. It fits exactly, stays securely in place, and is designed to last for years with proper care. The difference in comfort and effectiveness is considerable.
Over-the-Counter
Over-the-counter options are made from soft material in a generic shape, which can actually encourage some people to grind more. They also don't fit precisely, which means they can be uncomfortable to wear and may not stay in place through the night.
What Does the Process Involve?
Getting a custom occlusal splint is straightforward and takes two short appointments.
- First appointment
Your dentist examines your teeth, jaw, and bite, and discusses your symptoms. Impressions (or digital scans) of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your splint is custom-made.
- Second appointment
Your finished splint is fitted and adjusted to ensure it sits comfortably and your bite feels even. Your dentist will show you how to insert and remove it, and how to care for it.
Most people adapt to wearing a splint within a week or two and find it quickly becomes a natural part of their routine.
Caring for Your Splint
With proper care, a custom occlusal splint can last many years.
- Rinse it with cold water before and after wearing
- Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the surface
- Store it in its case when not in use, away from heat (which can warp it)
- Keep it away from your pets who love munching on splints!
- Bring it to your regular dental check-ups so we can monitor its condition and your teeth for any changes
What If My Symptoms Don't Fully Resolve?
An occlusal splint is highly effective for most patients, but bruxism can sometimes be part of a broader picture involving jaw joint issues (TMJ disorder), bite alignment problems, or stress-related habits that benefit from additional management. If your symptoms persist or are more complex, your dentist will talk through other options with you — including bite adjustment or referral where appropriate.
Book Your Appointment
If you're waking up with jaw pain or have been told you're grinding your teeth, don't ignore it. A custom night guard is a simple, non-invasive solution that can protect your smile for years to come.
Email:
dentalcarecarnegie@gmail.com
Phone:
(03) 9571 6667
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people are unaware they grind because it usually happens during sleep. Common signs include waking with a sore jaw or headaches, sensitive teeth in the morning, earache with no ear infection, facial muscle tension, or teeth that appear flat or worn. A partner may also hear the grinding. Your dentist can identify signs of bruxism during a check-up — often before symptoms become noticeable.
Over-the-counter guards are made from soft material in a generic shape — and for many patients, they can actually encourage more grinding rather than less. They also fit poorly, making them uncomfortable to wear consistently through the night. A custom-made hard acrylic splint, fabricated from precise impressions of your own teeth, fits correctly, stays in place, and is far more effective at protecting your teeth.
A night guard doesn't eliminate the grinding habit itself, but it protects your teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joint from the damage and discomfort grinding causes. Most patients notice a significant reduction in jaw pain, headaches, and facial soreness within a few weeks of wearing one consistently.
Most patients adapt within one to two weeks. The first few nights may feel unusual, but most people find it quickly becomes a comfortable part of their routine. If it feels significantly uncomfortable after the adjustment period, come back and we can make refinements.
With proper care, a custom occlusal splint typically lasts several years. Heavy grinders may wear through one faster. We check the condition of your splint at routine appointments and can advise when it needs replacing.
Stress and anxiety are among the most common contributing factors to bruxism, but it can also be related to sleep disorders, certain medications, or bite alignment issues. Managing stress can help reduce grinding in some patients, though a night guard provides direct protection for your teeth regardless of the underlying cause.
Usually, you can avail our services in the suburbs like: Murrumbeena, Moorabbin, Chadstone, Ashburton, Caulfield, Malvern, Glen Iris, Malvern East, Bentleigh, Bentleigh East.
We’re also happy to see patients from any suburb, town or country.
Preferred Providers:
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Why Choose DentalCare Carnegie?
- Open 7 days, with extended hours and public holiday availability.
- Flexible payment plan options available, including Afterpay, ZIP Money, Humm and SmileFund.
- On-the-spot health fund claiming with HICAPS.
- Preferred provider status with Medibank, Bupa and NIB.
- Comfort-focused care, including modern local anaesthetic techniques to help minimise discomfort during treatment.
