The terms “night guard” and “occlusal guard” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion about their function. While both are removable dental appliances worn over the teeth, they are designed with distinct purposes. An occlusal guard is a specific therapeutic device, whereas “night guard” is a broader term that often refers to a simpler, protective appliance. Understanding the difference is important for anyone seeking relief from teeth grinding, clenching, or jaw joint discomfort.
Understanding the Night Guard
The night guard is a general term describing a dental appliance primarily intended to protect the teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism (unconscious grinding or clenching). This protective function acts as a physical barrier, preventing the upper and lower teeth from making direct contact. By absorbing the force generated during clenching, the guard helps to minimize tooth wear, fractures, and enamel deterioration.
This type of guard is often available over-the-counter (OTC) in a thermoplastic or silicone “boil-and-bite” format, which is molded to the wearer’s teeth after softening in hot water. OTC options are generalized and focus on providing a cushion rather than specific bite adjustment. They offer a quick, accessible solution for individuals experiencing mild to moderate grinding symptoms, such as morning jaw soreness or tension headaches. Night guards are symptom-focused, aiming only to prevent further mechanical damage.
Understanding the Occlusal Guard
The occlusal guard, often called an occlusal splint or stabilization splint, is a sophisticated therapeutic appliance with a complex design. The word “occlusal” refers to the precise alignment and contact of the biting surfaces of the teeth. Occlusal guards are designed not just to protect the teeth, but to manage and treat functional disorders of the jaw system.
These guards are almost always custom-made from a rigid material, typically hard acrylic resin, based on detailed impressions or scans of the patient’s mouth. Due to the precision required, they are professionally fabricated in a dental laboratory to meet specific clinical measurements. Occlusal guards are used to treat temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), chronic jaw muscle hyperactivity, and complex bite instability. Their function is to guide the jaw into a stable, relaxed position, which helps alleviate joint pain and muscle tension.
Differences in Purpose and Fabrication
The fundamental difference lies in their intended function: simple protection versus therapeutic modification. A night guard provides a passive shield against grinding forces, while an occlusal guard is an active intervention designed to influence the jaw’s resting position and movement. This difference dictates the materials and fabrication process for each appliance.
Night guards, especially OTC variants, are often made from soft or semi-soft, flexible materials like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which prioritize comfort and cushioning. Conversely, occlusal guards are fabricated from hard acrylic to ensure the stability and rigidity necessary for precise bite manipulation. This hard material allows the dentist to make fine adjustments to the guard’s surface, guiding the jaw to a specific, healthier resting point.
Due to their custom-molded, clinical nature, occlusal guards involve a higher cost and require multiple dental appointments for fitting and adjustment, ensuring exact alignment is achieved. They are prescribed for specific medical conditions and may sometimes be worn during the day. In contrast, a night guard is typically a straightforward, protective measure limited to sleep.