Occlusal & TMJ

Custom Night Guards
In Chandigarh — Stop Teeth Grinding, Protect Your Smile

A custom-fitted night guard made from a 3D digital scan of your teeth — designed to protect your enamel, reduce jaw muscle fatigue, and stop the damage from grinding before it becomes irreversible.

Appointment

15 min

Pain Level

None

Pricing for TMJ stabilisation splints is different and discussed separately. A clinical assessment determines which appliance is appropriate for your situation.

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— Understanding the Problem

What is bruxism — and why does it matter?

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth — most commonly during sleep, when the patient is entirely unaware of it. It is more common than most people realise, and it is progressive. Every night without a guard is another night of enamel being ground away that cannot be replaced.

The forces generated during sleep grinding are significantly higher than those produced during normal chewing. Over time, this causes the biting surfaces of the teeth to flatten and shorten. Cusps chip. Restorations crack or fracture. Sensitivity develops as enamel thins and dentine is exposed. Jaw muscles become chronically fatigued, leading to soreness, headaches on waking, and in some cases, temporomandibular joint problems.

A custom night guard does not stop bruxism — it intercepts it. By placing a precisely fitted barrier between the upper and lower teeth, the guard absorbs and distributes the grinding forces so the teeth themselves do not have to. It is the most straightforward, lowest-risk intervention for protecting teeth from a habit that cannot simply be switched off.

Clear night guard being placed over the upper teeth
Clinical Indications

Who should be wearing a night guard?

A night guard is indicated for any patient showing signs of grinding or clenching, whether or not they are aware of it. These are the most common presentations.

01

Visible Tooth Wear

Flattened or shortened biting surfaces, chipped edges on front teeth, or a loss of tooth height that was not there previously. This is the most definitive clinical sign of bruxism and always indicates a guard is needed.

02

Waking Headaches or Jaw Soreness

Headaches concentrated in the temples on waking, or a sore, tired jaw in the morning, are classic signs that the jaw muscles have been working through the night. These patients are almost always grinding or clenching without knowing it.

03

Cracked or Fractured Restorations

Fillings, crowns, or veneers that keep cracking or fracturing for no apparent reason are frequently a sign of excessive occlusal loading from bruxism. A night guard protects existing and future restorations from the same fate.

04

Sleep Partner Reports Grinding Noise

The grinding sound produced during sleep bruxism is distinctive and often audible to a partner in the same room. If someone has told you that you grind your teeth at night, take it seriously — the wear is happening whether you feel it or not.

05

Generalised Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity to cold or touch across multiple teeth — particularly the biting surfaces — can indicate that enamel has thinned from chronic grinding, exposing the underlying dentine to thermal stimuli.

06

Pre-Treatment Protection

Patients about to undergo extensive restorative work — crowns, veneers, or implant-supported prostheses — who show signs of bruxism should have a night guard made before or alongside treatment to protect the investment.

How It’s Made

3D scanned, precision fitted — in a single short appointment

No impressions. No putty. No second visit to pick it up. The entire process from scan to finished guard happens quickly because precision does not need to be complicated.

01

3D Intraoral Scan

A digital scan of your upper and lower teeth is taken in minutes using our intraoral scanner. No impression trays, no gagging, no putty setting in your mouth. The scan captures every contour of every tooth exactly as it is.

02

Precision Moulds 3D Printed

The digital scan is used to 3D print precise stone models of your teeth. These models are dimensionally accurate to a degree that traditional impression-and-pour models cannot reliably achieve.

03

Theraform Soft 2mm Tray Thermoformed

A Theraform soft 2mm sheet is vacuum-formed over the printed model, producing a tray that follows the exact shape of your teeth. The material is firm enough to absorb grinding forces, soft enough not to cause discomfort during wear.

04

Trimmed, Checked, and Fitted

The tray is trimmed to the correct margin, finished, and checked in the mouth for fit and comfort. Wear instructions are given at this appointment. The guard is ready to use the same day.

Two Different Appliances for Two Different Problems

Night guard vs. TMJ stabilisation splint

These are not interchangeable. Choosing the wrong appliance can fail to solve the problem — or in the case of an improperly designed splint, make it worse. Here is how to tell them apart.

 

Criteria
Night Guard This Page
TMJ Stabilisation Splint See Splints Page
Primary Purpose
Protects tooth surfaces from grinding and clenching forces. Does not change jaw position.
Manages temporomandibular joint dysfunction by decompressing the joint and allowing the jaw muscles to rest in a therapeutically determined position.
Material
Soft thermoplastic (Theraform, 2mm). Flexible and cushioning.
Hard acrylic. Rigid, with a precisely designed occlusal surface that dictates jaw position during wear.
Occlusal Design
No specific occlusal design required. Covers all teeth. Acts as a cushion.
Designed to a specific occlusal scheme — even contacts across all teeth, anterior guidance, and canine rise. The design itself is therapeutic.
Primary Symptom It Addresses
Tooth wear, enamel loss, cracked restorations, bite surface damage from grinding.
Jaw pain, clicking or popping of the TMJ, limited mouth opening, deviation of the jaw, muscle pain in the temples and jaw.
When It Is the Right Choice
Patient shows signs of tooth wear from grinding or clenching, with no significant TMJ joint symptoms.
Patient presents with active TMJ dysfunction — joint pain, clicking, limited opening — with or without concurrent tooth wear.
Can They Be Substituted?
No. A soft night guard worn by a patient with active TMJ dysfunction may provide some comfort but will not address the joint problem. A hard splint is not indicated as routine protection against grinding. A clinical assessment is needed to determine which is appropriate.
If your symptoms include jaw pain, clicking in the joint, or difficulty opening your mouth fully, a TMJ stabilisation splint may be more appropriate than a night guard. Learn more about TMJ splints at Tricity Smiles →

— Why a Custom Guard Is Not Optional

Generic guards protect nothing. A custom guard does.

Pharmacy night guards cost a fraction of a custom-fitted appliance. They also provide a fraction of the protection — because they were not made for your teeth. Here is what makes a 3D-scanned custom Theraform guard the only one worth wearing.

Made from a 3D scan of your exact teeth

Not an approximate size. Not a standard arch shape. Every contour of every tooth is captured digitally and the guard is formed over a printed replica of your actual dentition. It fits because it was made for you.

Theraform soft 2mm — the right material at the right thickness

Theraform is a clinical-grade thermoplastic with the cushioning and durability profile appropriate for night guard use. At 2mm, it is thick enough to absorb grinding forces and thin enough for comfortable, undisrupted sleep.

Stays in place through the night

A generic guard that does not fit will either fall out during sleep or be removed unconsciously. A guard that is not in the mouth is not protecting the teeth. A precise custom fit means it stays where it is supposed to be.

Even contact across all teeth

A well-made night guard distributes biting forces evenly across the arch. A generic guard with uneven contacts or a rocking fit can create concentrated loading on individual teeth, which is worse than wearing nothing.

Protects restorations, not just natural teeth

Crowns, veneers, and implant-supported crowns are not immune to bruxism damage — in some cases, they are more vulnerable than natural teeth. A night guard is especially important for patients with existing dental work who grind.

Ready the same day, no second appointment

Because the guard is fabricated from a digital scan and printed model at the clinic, there is no wait time and no return visit to collect it. Scan to fitted guard in a single short appointment.
Bruxism-related tooth wear is irreversible. Once enamel is gone, it does not grow back. The only way to restore severely worn dentition is with extensive restorative work — crowns, onlays, or full mouth rehabilitation — at significant cost and time. A night guard at ₹7,500 is the least expensive, least invasive, most effective way to prevent that outcome.

We see the consequences of untreated bruxism regularly. Worn-down teeth, fractured crowns, cracked cusps on otherwise healthy teeth. In almost every case, the patient either had no guard or had a generic guard they stopped wearing because it was uncomfortable. A guard that fits is a guard that gets worn. That is the only metric that matters.
Book Your Night Guard Appointment
Learn About TMJ Splints

A 15-minute appointment. Protection that lasts years.

3D scanned, precision fitted, ready the same day. The most
important thing you can do for teeth that grind.
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—   FAQ

Night guard FAQs

Common questions about night guards, bruxism, and the difference between a guard and a TMJ splint.
How much does a custom night guard cost in Chandigarh?
Custom night guards at Tricity Smiles start from ₹7,500. The appointment takes approximately 15 minutes and the guard is ready the same day. Pricing for TMJ stabilisation splints is different and discussed separately at consultation.
A night guard is a soft protective appliance that cushions teeth from grinding forces. It does not change the bite or jaw position. A TMJ stabilisation splint is a hard acrylic appliance designed to a specific occlusal position — it is used to manage joint dysfunction, not just protect teeth. They are not interchangeable. A clinical assessment determines which is appropriate.
Significantly. A generic pharmacy guard is not shaped to your teeth, rocks on the arch, provides uneven contact, and is usually discontinued because it is uncomfortable to wear. A guard that is not worn does not protect anything. A 3D-scanned custom guard made over a precision-printed model of your teeth fits exactly, stays in place, and distributes forces evenly — so patients actually wear it.
Yes — if there is clinical evidence of wear. Bruxism rarely causes pain until the damage is already significant. Enamel wear, flattened biting surfaces, or chipped edges are signs of damage in progress, not early warning. By the time sensitivity or pain appears, the enamel loss is often substantial. A night guard is a preventive appliance — its value is in stopping wear before it reaches the point where restorations are needed.
A TMJ splint is indicated when there are active joint symptoms — jaw pain, clicking or locking of the jaw, limited mouth opening, or pain in the temples and jaw muscles. If you have these symptoms alongside tooth wear, a splint is usually the more appropriate appliance. If your only concern is protecting teeth from grinding without joint symptoms, a night guard is the right starting point.
A well-maintained custom night guard typically lasts 2–5 years depending on the severity of grinding. Heavy grinders may wear through a 2mm soft guard faster. The guard should be checked at regular appointments for wear and replaced when the material has thinned significantly or the fit has changed due to new dental work.

Care & Use Guide

How to use and maintain your night guard

How you care for the guard determines how long it lasts and how effectively it protects your teeth.
How to Wear It
  • Wear every night — consistency matters. Bruxism happens every night.
  • Insert with your fingers — press firmly but gently until it seats fully on all teeth
  • It should feel snug, not tight. If it is difficult to seat or causes soreness, bring it back for adjustment
Daily Cleaning
  • Rinse with cold water immediately after removing each morning
  • Clean with a soft toothbrush and mild liquid soap — rinse thoroughly
  • Allow to air dry completely before placing in its vented case
  • Never use toothpaste — it is abrasive and will scratch and degrade the surface
  • Never use hot water — it will warp the thermoplastic material
Storage & Longevity
  • Store in its vented case — allows airflow and prevents bacterial growth
  • Do not leave in a hot car or on a sunny surface — heat warps the tray
  • Keep away from pets — the scent of saliva makes it attractive to dogs
  • Bring to your regular check-ups so we can monitor wear and advise on replacement

Related reading: Do you need a night guard?

Stop the damage. before it starts.

A 15-minute appointment. A precisely fitted guard. The most cost-effective way to protect your teeth for years to come.

Book Your Night Guard Appointment
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