By the Berala Dental clinical team. Educational information only — this article is general information and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Please book a consultation to discuss your individual needs.
The honest answer: teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) often happens during sleep without you knowing, and the most common protective treatment is a custom-fitted night guard (occlusal splint) that cushions your teeth and reduces the damage from grinding. A custom occlusal splint at Berala Dental is $650, a figure that assumes your health fund pays none of it. A night guard does not cure the grinding itself, but it protects your teeth and can ease the jaw strain that comes with it.
Waking up with a sore jaw? We can check your teeth for grinding wear.
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What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, often during sleep but sometimes while awake and concentrating or stressed. Many people do not realise they do it until a partner hears the grinding, or a dentist spots the wear on their teeth during a check-up.
What are the signs of teeth grinding?
- Worn, flattened, chipped or sensitive teeth.
- Jaw soreness or tightness, especially in the morning.
- Headaches around the temples on waking.
- Aching facial muscles or a clicking jaw.
- Disrupted sleep, for you or your partner from the noise.
- Scalloped edges on the tongue or a line on the inside of the cheek.
If you notice several of these, it is worth mentioning at your next dental visit so the cause can be assessed.
What causes teeth grinding?
The exact cause is not always clear, but bruxism is commonly linked with stress and anxiety, sleep disturbances (including snoring and sleep apnoea), certain medications, caffeine and alcohol, and an uneven bite. Because the triggers vary, the right approach is tailored to you after an examination.
How does a night guard help?
A custom night guard is a thin, custom-made appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It works by:
- placing a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth so they wear the guard instead of each other;
- cushioning the forces of clenching and grinding;
- helping to relieve some of the strain on your jaw muscles and joints.
A custom guard made from an impression of your teeth fits better and is more comfortable and durable than a generic over-the-counter version, which means you are more likely to actually wear it.
Not sure which appliance you actually need? Ask us and we'll explain the difference.
Call (02) 9649 6468 · Book online · WhatsApp
Is a night guard the same as a sports mouthguard?
No — and it is a common mix-up, because both are sometimes called mouthguards. A sports mouthguard is designed to absorb a single impact during contact sport and is $350 at Berala Dental. An occlusal splint is designed for sustained clenching force through the night, is built to a different thickness and design, and is $650. They are not interchangeable, and a sports guard is not a substitute for a splint if you grind at night. Both figures assume your health fund contributes nothing towards them.
Can teeth grinding be stopped?
Protecting the teeth with a guard is one part of the picture; addressing the triggers is another. Depending on what is driving your grinding, that might involve managing stress, improving sleep habits, reducing caffeine and alcohol before bed, or investigating snoring or disrupted sleep. Where a sleep-related cause is suspected, your dentist may suggest discussing it with your GP or a relevant specialist. The plan is shaped around what is contributing in your case.
Why not just ignore it?
Left unmanaged, ongoing grinding can wear teeth down, crack them, loosen fillings or crowns, and contribute to jaw pain and headaches. Worn or cracked teeth can need more involved treatment later, so protecting them early is usually simpler and kinder to your teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Are over-the-counter night guards as good as custom ones?
Off-the-shelf guards are cheaper and available immediately, but they fit less precisely, can feel bulky, and may not last as long. A custom guard is moulded to your teeth, so it tends to be more comfortable and protective, which makes it easier to wear every night.
How much does a custom night guard cost?
A custom-made occlusal splint — the night guard worn for grinding — is $650 at Berala Dental. It is not the same appliance as a $350 sports mouthguard, so the two are priced separately even though both get called mouthguards. The $650 assumes your health fund pays none of it. Some extras policies include occlusal splints and some do not, and we cannot tell you in advance which yours will do — what we can do is run a quote against your specific policy before the splint is made, so you know your own out-of-pocket figure. A written quote is always given before anything starts. For the full price list, email [email protected] with the subject "Price list request", or see our fees page for general information.
How long does a night guard last?
With good care a custom night guard can last several years, though heavy grinders may wear through one sooner. Bring it to your check-ups so its condition and fit can be reviewed.
Can children grind their teeth too?
Yes, grinding is common in children and many grow out of it. It is worth mentioning at their dental visits so it can be monitored. You can read more on our dentistry for kids page.
Talk to a Sydney dentist about grinding
If you wake with jaw pain or have noticed your teeth wearing down, an examination is the way to find out what is going on and whether a night guard would help.
If you'd like your teeth assessed for grinding wear, here's how to reach us.
Call (02) 9649 6468 · Book online · WhatsApp
We review this article periodically so the information stays current for 2026.
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