Sports guard or night guard: what's the difference?
A sports mouthguard is made to take knocks during sport, and a night guard, also called an occlusal splint, is made to protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep.
| Sports mouthguard | Night guard | |
|---|---|---|
| What it's for | Absorbing and spreading the force of a knock to the face | Protecting your teeth from wear and damage from grinding and clenching |
| When you wear it | Training and games | While you sleep |
| How it's built | Layers for contact: dual layer (Light, Medium) or triple layer (Heavy), shaped over your top teeth | Thinner, hard plastic over the upper or lower teeth, covering part of the teeth but not the gums |
| Made for grinding | No | Yes |
Can I use a sports mouthguard for teeth grinding?
No. A sports mouthguard is built to absorb knocks, and the Australian Dental Association treats a night guard as a different appliance for grinding. If you box, lift or play contact sport and also grind at night, you need one of each.
If you grind or clench at night
The Australian Dental Association describes bruxism as grinding or clenching that is not part of normal chewing. Many people only find out when a partner hears it, or when they notice stiffness in the face and temples in the morning, or chipped teeth.
The association advises seeing your dentist if you think you grind your teeth. It also notes that a splint will not stop you grinding.
Can I wear my night guard for sport?
No. A night guard is thin, hard plastic that covers only part of your teeth and none of your gums, so it isn't made to absorb a knock. Wear a sports mouthguard for training and games, and keep the night guard for bed.
When should you wear a sports mouthguard?
Wear a sports mouthguard at every training session and every game, including sparring and contact drills. The Australian Dental Association says to wear it at training as well as on game day. Take it out when you finish, clean it and let it dry.
A night guard with your sports guard
A night guard costs $400 when we make it at the same time as your sports mouthguard, from the same scan. Call us about a night guard on its own.
Night guards are claimed under item 965 (occlusal appliance), so ask your fund whether your extras cover pays that item.
