Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can place repeated force on natural teeth and existing dental work. A custom night guard or occlusal guard helps protect those surfaces, including crowns, veneers, and full-mouth restorations.
At our Sandy Springs office, guards are created from a digital intraoral scan and 3D printed in-house with the Dentsply Sirona Primeprint system. That keeps the workflow digital from the scan to the finished appliance.
Night guards are protective appliances, not a one-size-fits-all answer for every bite or jaw concern. The recommendation depends on what the appliance is being asked to protect.
When a Custom Night Guard May Be Useful
Custom night guards are used here for:
- General bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Protection after crowns or veneers
- Protection after full-mouth rehabilitation
From Digital Scan to an In-House 3D-Printed Guard
An intraoral scan creates the digital record used to design the custom appliance without a traditional impression tray.
The appliance is then 3D printed in-house using Dentsply Sirona Primeprint.
Protecting Veneers, Crowns, and Full-Mouth Restorations
After extensive restorative treatment, a custom guard may be recommended as a protective appliance for the new restorations.
The guard is intended as a protective appliance and should be worn as directed by the clinical team.
Wearing and Caring for Your Guard
Wear the custom 3D-printed night guard as directed by your clinical team, particularly when it is prescribed to protect new restorative work.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Night Guard
Why might a night guard be recommended?
The recommendation is based on what needs protection. For some patients that is natural tooth structure affected by bruxism; for others it is extensive crowns, veneers, or full-mouth restorative work.
Can a night guard protect porcelain veneers?
Yes. Custom night guards may be used to protect veneers and other restorations after rehabilitation.
Is the guard made in your office?
Custom night guards are digitally scanned and 3D printed in our Sandy Springs office using the Dentsply Sirona Primeprint system.
Protect the Work You Put Into Your Smile
For bruxism or extensive restorative work, a custom night guard may become part of the protection and maintenance plan. The evaluation shows whether it is likely to help in your case.