Bruxism and dental protection in South Tenerife
Night guard for bruxism in Los Cristianos
If you clench or grind your teeth, a custom-made night guard can help protect your enamel, fillings, crowns, and other restorations. Before prescribing one, it is necessary to check what is happening and whether a night guard is truly the right option.
From €300 · free initial assessment · written quotation
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Bruxism can occur while you are sleeping or while you are awake.
- Not all dental wear proves that you are currently still clenching.
- A night guard can protect teeth and restorations, but it does not necessarily eliminate the habit.
- It must be designed, adjusted, and reviewed for your bite.
- The published rate starts at €300 after assessment.
What is bruxism
International consensus describes bruxism as a jaw muscle activity: it can consist of clenching, grinding, or maintaining tension in the jaw. A distinction is made between sleep bruxism and awake bruxism because they are not assessed in the exact same way.
It is not automatically a disease. It becomes a clinical problem when it acts as a risk factor or produces consequences: wear, cracks, sensitivity, overload of restorations, or muscle and joint discomfort.
Signs that justify an assessment
- Jaw or facial muscles feeling tight upon waking up.
- Flatter, shorter, chipped, or sensitive teeth.
- Fillings, bonding, or ceramics that fracture repeatedly.
- Facial, jaw, or ear pain.
- Another person hearing teeth grinding at night.
- Realizing during the day that you are clenching your teeth without eating.
No single sign confirms the diagnosis. Wear can also be related to acid erosion, diet, reflux, dental position, or past activity.
What a night guard can do — and what it cannot
A night guard is a removable device adapted to your teeth. It creates a controlled surface for the contact of the opposing arch. It can reduce direct contact, protect restorations, and distribute loads in a more controlled manner.
The night guard does not guarantee that you will stop clenching or resolve all jaw pain on its own. The available systematic review does not allow to state that night guards are superior in all patients to eliminate bruxist activity. If the origin is different, the plan may require physical therapy, medical evaluation, sleep management, or other measures.
How we decide if you need it
- We listen to what you notice and when it appears.
- We check recent wear, cracks, and overloaded restorations.
- We check how the teeth contact and move.
- We differentiate, as far as the examination allows, a muscular, joint, or dental problem.
- We assess whether a night guard provides a clear advantage or if it is advisable to monitor, change habits, or refer.
It shouldn't be manufactured just because there is visible wear: first we need to find out what is happening now.
Custom night guard versus over-the-counter mouthguard
A standard guard can separate the teeth, but it does not individually replicate how your bite fits and moves. A clinical night guard requires a mouth record, individual design, contact verification, and follow-up.
The General Council of Dentists has warned about devices sold without diagnosis and supervision. The goal is not to alarm: it is to understand that a night guard is not just a piece that fits.
If you have crowns, veneers, bonding, or implants
Bruxism can increase the load on restorations. The night guard must seat without rocking, not force the margins, allow safe removal, and be readjusted if the bite changes. Check how we care for your dental crowns, the bonding, the veneers and the restorations on implants.
Price of the night guard
From €300. This is an indicative fee. The price is confirmed after examining your mouth and you will receive a written quotation before starting.
The quotation must detail the type of night guard indicated, the necessary records, the scheduled appointments, and the included adjustments. If there is another clinical need, it is explained and quoted beforehand. You can consult the complete dental price list.
Adapting to it, cleaning, and check-ups
During the first few days, you may notice more saliva, pressure, or a different sensation when closing your mouth. It should not cause persistent pain, sores, or bite changes that last after removing it.
- Clean it after use following the provided guideline.
- Let it dry before storing it and protect it from heat.
- Do not trim or adjust it at home.
- Bring it to your check-ups.
- If it breaks or stops fitting, do not force it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the night guard cure bruxism?
Not necessarily. Its main role is usually to protect teeth and restorations and help manage certain consequences.
Does it go on top or bottom?
It depends on your mouth, restorations, bite, and clinical goal. There is no universally better dental arch.
Should it be rigid or soft?
The design is individualised; there is no single superior material for everyone.
How much does it cost?
At Smile Tenerife, the starting price is €300. The final amount is provided in writing after the assessment.
Is it okay if I wear Invisalign or retainers?
No device should be combined or replaced with another without planning. Consult the treatment of Invisalign.
When should I ask for an earlier check-up?
If it causes injuries, increasing pain, stops fitting, breaks, or you notice that your bite changes when you remove it.
Sources and clinical review
Main sources: international consensus on bruxism (Lobbezoo et al., 2018), systematic review on night guards (2021), General Council of Dentists and Spanish Dental Foundation.
Informative content subject to individual clinical assessment. This content informs, but does not replace a clinical examination.