Bite Splints
Bite splints, occlusal guards or night guards are one of the most common appliances we make. A well designed guard is a necessary protection device to people with habitual bruxing, and also pattern grinding.
Expensive restorative work can have a longer life if the patient is comfortable wearing an occlusal guard.
We can use either IOS (intra-oral scan or traditional impressions)
At Denture South we now offer you a large range of options for patient’s different needs.
- CNC machined, flat plane hard PMMA splints (no fuss fit)
- CNC machined Michigan splint with anterior guidance or canine guidance
- CNC machined alternative material. Astron clear-splint flexible, and also Acetel semi- rigid for very hard bite patients
- Vacuum formed hard/ soft splints. Traditional layer of PMMA over the top of a pressure formed base
More Treatments Available
Frequently Asked Questions
A bite splint (also called an occlusal guard, night guard, or mouth splint) is a custom-fitted device worn over your teeth — usually at night — to protect them from grinding (bruxism) and clenching. It absorbs the forces that would otherwise wear down your enamel, crack restorations, or strain your jaw muscles, and is one of the most common dental appliances made.
Common signs of grinding or clenching include waking with a sore jaw, tension headaches in the morning, worn-down or chipped teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, or a partner mentioning grinding sounds at night. Your dentist can also spot characteristic wear patterns on your teeth during a routine check-up — if any of these sound familiar, a night guard is worth considering.
Significantly. A custom-made splint is built from a scan or impression of your own teeth, so it fits precisely, stays in place all night, and distributes biting force evenly. Boil-and-bite or stock guards are bulky, often work loose, and can actually shift teeth or worsen jaw strain over time. For habitual grinders, a custom guard is well worth the investment.
There are several. Hard CNC-machined PMMA splints offer simple, durable protection. Michigan splints add anterior or canine guidance to manage how your jaw moves during grinding. Flexible (Astron clear-splint) and semi-rigid (Acetel) options are gentler on the teeth and useful for severe grinders, and traditional vacuum-formed hard/soft splints combine a soft inner layer with a harder outer surface. Denture South offers all of these.
A night guard generally won’t stop the underlying grinding behaviour, but it absorbs the force so your teeth, fillings, and crowns don’t take the damage. It also reduces jaw muscle strain, which often means fewer morning headaches and less jaw tension. If grinding is severe or stress-related, addressing the underlying cause alongside wearing a guard gives the best result.
A well-made custom splint typically lasts three to five years with regular use, though heavy grinders may wear through one in less time. Hard CNC-milled splints generally last longer than vacuum-formed ones. If your splint develops cracks, becomes loose, or shows significant wear, it’s time for a replacement.