Teeth grinding, sports injuries, and jaw clenching are three of the most damaging — and preventable — causes of tooth damage. At Basil Dental Clinic, Sector 82A, Gurgaon, we provide custom-fitted mouthguards, night guards, and occlusal splints that offer precise, comfortable protection you simply cannot get from chemist off-the-shelf guards.
What Is a Night Guard (Occlusal Splint)?
A night guard (also called an occlusal splint or bruxism guard) is a custom-fitted appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep to protect against the effects of teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching. It cushions the teeth and jaw joints, absorbing the forces that would otherwise wear down enamel and stress the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
- Waking with a sore jaw, headache, or facial muscle pain
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth — particularly on the tips
- Increased tooth sensitivity (from enamel loss)
- Cracked or broken fillings and crowns that recur unexpectedly
- A partner reporting that you grind your teeth at night
- Clicking, popping, or pain in the jaw joint (TMJ)
- Tight, painful chewing muscles (masseter hypertrophy)
Bruxism affects up to 10% of adults and is frequently related to stress, anxiety, caffeine, and certain medications. Many bruxers are unaware they grind — they only notice the downstream effects: worn teeth, recurring restoration failures, and morning jaw pain.
Sports Mouthguards in Gurgaon
A sports mouthguard is essential for contact and collision sports — cricket, football, boxing, martial arts, basketball, hockey and cycling. A single blow to the jaw without a mouthguard can chip or fracture teeth, split the lip, or cause a jaw fracture.
Custom sports mouthguards from Basil Dental are fabricated from impressions of your teeth at a dental lab. They fit precisely, stay in place during activity, and do not impair breathing or speech the way boil-and-bite guards do. They are significantly more protective than any over-the-counter option.
Custom vs Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards made from dental impressions fit precisely, stay in place, are comfortable enough to wear all night, and provide optimal protection because the force is distributed evenly across all teeth. They last 3–5 years with proper care.
Over-the-counter stock guards are bulky, fit poorly, and are often abandoned after a few uses because they are uncomfortable. Many patients who try a store-bought guard and give up would wear a custom guard without difficulty.
TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders cause jaw pain, clicking, locking, and headaches. An occlusal splint is frequently the first-line treatment for TMJ disorders — it reduces the load on the joint, allows the muscles to relax, and prevents further joint damage caused by grinding. For moderate to severe TMJ issues, splint therapy is combined with physiotherapy and in some cases, further specialist management.
How long does a night guard last?
Custom night guards at Basil Dental typically last 3–5 years with proper care. Severe grinders may wear through a guard in 1–2 years — this is actually a sign the guard is doing its job, protecting teeth that would otherwise be ground down. The guard should be checked at regular dental appointments and replaced when significantly worn.
How is a custom mouthguard made?
We take an impression of your teeth (a quick, comfortable process taking about 5 minutes). The impression is sent to a dental lab where your guard is fabricated to precise measurements over the following 5–7 days. You return for a fitting appointment where the guard is adjusted if necessary for perfect comfort.
Can I wear a night guard if I have braces?
A standard night guard is not compatible with braces, as the brackets prevent proper seating. If you grind your teeth and are undergoing orthodontic treatment, discuss this with your orthodontist — there are appliance designs that can be adapted for use with braces in specific situations.
Basil Dental Clinic, Vatika Town Square, Sector 82A, Gurgaon. Open 7 days, 10 AM–8 PM. Call +91-8826181666 or book an appointment.