Bite Splint vs Night Guard: Which is Right for You?
If you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or notice that your teeth are starting to look a little worn down, chances are your dentist has mentioned either a bite splint or a night guard. Both are common dental appliances worn in the mouth, usually while you sleep, but they are not the same thing. In fact, mistaking one for the other could mean you’re treating the wrong problem.
It’s fair dinkum—the difference can be confusing!
This simple guide will break down the key differences between a bite splint vs night guard, explain what each device is designed to do, and help you understand which one might be the right fit for your situation.
What is a Bite Splint?
A bite splint (often called an occlusal splint or a TMJ splint) is a highly customised dental appliance that looks a bit like a mouthguard but has a very different job. It is considered a therapeutic and medical device.
The main purpose of a bite splint is to treat the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and its associated muscles. The TMJ is the hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull, and problems with it are known as Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).
When a dentist prescribes a bite splint, they are usually trying to achieve one of two things:
Jaw Repositioning: A splint is often built to guide your lower jaw into a specific, more relaxed position. This takes the pressure off your inflamed jaw joints and allows the surrounding muscles to relax, often providing significant jaw clenching relief.
Stabilisation: It provides an even and stable surface for your teeth to meet. This stops your teeth from locking together in their old, painful pattern, giving your jaw joints a chance to heal.
Bite splints are generally made from a hard, durable acrylic material and are fabricated by a dental laboratory based on extremely precise moulds of your mouth. They are a serious, custom-made device designed to change the function of your bite, not just protect your teeth.
What is a Night Guard?
A Night Guard (sometimes called a mouthguard or occlusal guard) is primarily a protective device. It is typically worn over your upper or lower teeth to create a physical barrier between them.
The problem a night guard addresses is bruxism, which is the medical term for involuntary teeth grinding and clenching, mostly while you sleep.
If you’re a grinder, the incredible force generated while you sleep can cause severe damage:
Excessive wear, chipping, or cracking of the tooth enamel.
Damage to existing dental work (crowns, fillings).
Muscle pain and tension headaches.
The night guard doesn’t stop you from grinding or clenching; instead, it absorbs the force. When you grind, you are grinding against the soft or hard material of the guard instead of wearing down your precious tooth structure.
Night guards come in a few common forms:
Soft Night Guards: Made from a flexible rubber-like material, usually for mild grinders.
Hard Night Guards (Custom): Made from a firmer acrylic, suitable for heavy grinders. These are custom-made by your dentist and offer the best fit and protection.
Boil-and-Bite Night Guards (Over-the-counter): Purchased at a chemist or pharmacy. While cheaper, they don’t offer the precise, tailored fit of a guard made by your dental practice.
Key Differences Between Bite Splints and Night Guards
While both devices are worn in the mouth and address issues related to your bite, the core differences come down to their purpose and design. Understanding the distinction is the key to knowing which treatment you need.
FeatureBite Splint (Occlusal/TMJ Splint)Night Guard (Occlusal Guard)Primary PurposeTherapeutic and functional treatment. Stabilises and repositions the jaw joint (TMJ).Protective barrier. Prevents damage from teeth grinding.Common MaterialHard, rigid acrylic, highly customised.Soft, hybrid (soft inside/hard outside), or hard acrylic.Focus of TreatmentThe Joint (TMJ) and surrounding Muscles.The Teeth (to prevent wear and fracture).PrescriptionAlways custom-made and requires a full dental and joint diagnosis.Can be custom-made or over-the-counter (though custom is better).Fit and FeelDesigned to create a specific, new bite relationship. Often thicker or more complex.Designed to cover and separate the teeth. Generally simpler and thinner.CostGenerally more expensive due to the complexity, custom design, and diagnostic work involved.Varies greatly; custom ones are more expensive than boil-and-bite options.
In short, a night guard is like a shield for your teeth, protecting them from impact. A bite splint is a treatment tool used to help your jaw joints and muscles recover.
When to Use a Bite Splint
The need for a bite splint is usually based on a diagnosis of a more severe or chronic problem, typically a Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).
You are likely a candidate for a bite splint if you experience:
Chronic Facial Pain: Persistent pain around the jaw joint, ear, temple, or cheek areas that doesn’t go away.
Audible Jaw Sounds: Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth. This often indicates a disc problem within the TMJ.
Limited Jaw Movement: Difficulty opening your mouth fully, or your jaw locks open or closed (lockjaw).
Referred Pain: If your headaches or migraines are directly linked to jaw pain or clenching, a splint can help relax the overloaded muscles.
Bite Changes: If your bite feels “off” or uncomfortable and the problem lies in the joint alignment.
The treatment using a Bite Splints is usually monitored closely by your dentist, often involving adjustments over weeks or months to ensure your jaw is relaxing into its correct position.
When to Use a Night Guard
A night guard is the primary teeth grinding treatment for people who have been diagnosed with bruxism, regardless of whether they have TMJ problems or not.
You are likely to benefit from a night guard if:
Your partner regularly tells you that you grind your teeth in your sleep.
Your dentist notices significant signs of tooth wear, such as flat spots, chipping, or fracturing of the enamel.
You frequently suffer from morning tension headaches or general soreness around the teeth and gums.
You need jaw clenching relief that is primarily aimed at preventing the destructive forces of clenching from damaging your teeth.
You have new expensive dental work (crowns, bridges, veneers) and want to protect that investment from grinding forces.
For many people, bruxism is stress-related and the simplest, most effective way to manage the immediate damage is through the use of high-quality Night Guards.
Benefits of Bite Splints
Choosing a therapeutic bite splint offers specific, long-term benefits focused on musculoskeletal health:
Targeted TMJ Relief: The splint is designed to specifically treat the temporomandibular joint, allowing the inflamed tissues and displaced discs to settle down.
Muscle Relaxation: By guiding the jaw into an optimal resting position, the splint encourages the chronically tight muscles to relax, providing genuine, long-lasting relief from pain.
Improved Jaw Function: Many patients find they can open their mouth wider and more comfortably after using a splint consistently.
Non-Invasive Treatment: It offers a way to manage complex jaw problems without resorting to more invasive procedures like surgery or aggressive orthodontic work.
Benefits of Night Guards
The advantages of wearing a night guard are centered on prevention and protection:
Saves Your Teeth: This is the most crucial benefit. A night guard is the best way to prevent the irreversible damage, wear, and fracture caused by heavy grinding and clenching. It literally saves your teeth.
Reduces Sound: While not its primary job, the barrier can often reduce the loud, grating noise of grinding, leading to a better night’s sleep for your partner!
Reduces Headaches: By cushioning the destructive force of clenching, the guard reduces the strain on the jaw muscles, which often translates into a reduction in morning headaches and neck tension.
Protecting Restorations: It provides a crucial layer of defence for valuable crowns, veneers, and fillings.
How to Choose Between a Bite Splint and a Night Guard
The short answer is: you don’t choose—your dentist does.
The decision is based entirely on a professional assessment of the cause of your symptoms. Self-diagnosing your jaw pain can be a costly mistake, particularly if you have a serious TMJ issue that requires a specific splint, but you try to treat it with a simple over-the-counter night guard.
What to expect during a dental assessment:
Detailed History: Your dentist will ask about when your pain occurs, your stress levels, and if you’ve noticed any clicking or popping.
Oral Examination: They will examine your teeth for signs of wear and tear caused by bruxism.
Jaw Examination: The dentist will carefully check your jaw joints (TMJs) for tenderness, swelling, and listen for those tell-tale clicking or grating sounds.
If the primary problem is severe tooth wear due to grinding, a custom night guard is usually the first step. If the problem is diagnosed as chronic TMD with joint inflammation and pain, a precise bite splint will be necessary.
If you are experiencing any jaw or teeth discomfort, the first step is to see your local dentist Wahroonga, dentist Warrawee, or dentist Normanhurst for a thorough examination. They have the expertise to accurately diagnose the root cause of your pain.
How to Care for Your Bite Splint or Night Guard
Looking after your appliance is crucial for hygiene and longevity. After all, a custom device is an investment!
Clean Daily: The appliance needs to be cleaned every single time you remove it. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a mild, non-abrasive soap or a denture cleaner. Toothpaste is often too abrasive and can scratch the material, creating surfaces where bacteria can hide.
Use Cool Water Only: Never use hot or boiling water. The heat can warp the plastic or acrylic material, ruining the custom fit and making the device useless.
Soak Occasionally: Ask your dentist about recommended denture or retainer cleaning tablets. Soaking your guard or splint in a cleaning solution a few times a week can help keep it fresh.
Store Properly: When you’re not wearing it, always keep your device in its dedicated case. This protects it from pets (who love to chew them!) and keeps it from drying out and cracking.
Cost Considerations for Bite Splints vs. Night Guards
Cost is often a major factor for people considering these appliances, and the difference usually reflects the complexity and purpose of the device.
Bite Splints are typically more expensive than Night Guards.
The Diagnostic Fee: The higher price of a bite splint includes the detailed diagnostic work required to determine the jaw’s most relaxed position. This often involves taking specific measurements and a more detailed consultation.
The Fabrication: Bite splints require highly skilled dental technicians to create a rigid, perfect, and therapeutic fit. It’s a precision instrument.
Custom Night Guards: These are less complex than splints, but still require a dental impression and custom fabrication, making them more costly than over-the-counter options but offering far superior protection and comfort.
Over-the-Counter Night Guards: These are the cheapest option but are a ‘one-size-fits-most’ solution. While they offer protection for teeth from mild grinding, they are not suitable for people with severe bruxism, complex bites, or definite TMJ issues, as they may even exacerbate joint pain if they fit poorly.
When comparing costs, remember that a custom appliance—whether it’s a Bite Splint for pain or a Night Guard for protection—is an investment that prevents potentially thousands of dollars in future dental repairs caused by broken teeth or severe wear.
Conclusion
Both the bite splint and the night guard are valuable tools in dentistry, but they serve two different masters.
The Night Guard is your protective shield, designed for teeth grinding treatment (bruxism) and wear prevention. It’s a fantastic device for anyone whose primary concern is keeping their teeth whole and healthy.
The Bite Splint is your therapeutic tool, a medical appliance designed to stabilise and treat complex issues like TMD, offering real jaw clenching relief by correcting the jaw’s resting position.
The best appliance is the one that correctly matches your specific diagnosis. Don’t play guesswork with your dental health.
Call to Action
Stop putting up with headaches and jaw pain! If you’re unsure whether you need protective Night Guards or therapeutic Bite Splints, the first step is a professional evaluation.
Contact your friendly local practice today. Whether you’re near a dentist Wahroonga, a dentist Warrawee, or a dentist Normanhurst, schedule an appointment to get a proper diagnosis. A simple check-up can save your teeth, relieve your pain, and get you back to sleeping soundly!
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