Dental appliances
Occlusal Guards
Custom-fitted occlusal guards protect your teeth, jaw joints, and restorations from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching — day or night.
Protection built around your bite
Bruxism — the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth — affects millions of people, often during sleep when they have no conscious control over it. Over time, the forces involved can wear down enamel, crack teeth, damage crowns and dentures, and strain the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
An occlusal guard is a precision-fitted appliance that creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Unlike over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards, a custom guard from Comfy Denture & Hearing Clinic is fabricated from dental-grade materials to fit your exact bite — providing superior comfort, durability, and protection.
Who benefits from an occlusal guard?
Sleep bruxism
Nighttime grinding is the most common indication. Many patients are unaware they grind until a partner notices the sound or a clinician spots wear patterns on their teeth.
Daytime clenching
Stress-related clenching during waking hours places sustained pressure on teeth and jaw muscles. A daytime guard can interrupt this habit and reduce muscle fatigue.
TMJ disorders
Occlusal guards help reduce joint loading and muscle tension associated with temporomandibular disorders, easing pain, clicking, and limited jaw movement.
Protecting restorations
Crowns, bridges, implant-supported dentures, and other restorations are vulnerable to bruxism forces. A guard extends the life of your dental work significantly.
Tooth wear & sensitivity
Significant enamel loss from grinding leads to sensitivity and changes in bite. A guard halts further wear and can be combined with restorative treatment.
Headaches & muscle pain
Chronic morning headaches, sore jaw muscles, and neck tension are often linked to nocturnal bruxism. Many patients report significant relief after wearing a guard consistently.
Types of occlusal guards
Hard acrylic guard
Most durableFabricated from rigid dental acrylic, hard guards are the gold standard for heavy grinders. They are long-lasting, easy to adjust, and provide the most reliable protection for severe bruxism.
Soft night guard
Most comfortableMade from a flexible, cushioning material, soft guards are comfortable for mild to moderate grinders and those new to wearing an appliance. They are thinner and less intrusive during sleep.
Dual-laminate guard
Best of bothA hard outer shell with a soft inner lining combines the durability of acrylic with the comfort of a soft guard — a popular choice for moderate to heavy grinders who find hard guards uncomfortable.
Your custom guard — step by step
Consultation & assessment
We examine your teeth, bite, and jaw joints, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether an occlusal guard is the right solution for you.
Impressions
Precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth are taken to capture the exact shape of your bite. Digital scanning may be used for added accuracy.
Custom fabrication
Your guard is fabricated in a dental laboratory from high-quality materials, calibrated to your bite records for a precise fit.
Fitting & adjustment
We seat the guard, check your bite carefully, and make any adjustments needed so it feels comfortable and sits securely.
Follow-up care
We schedule a follow-up to assess comfort and wear patterns, and provide guidance on cleaning and storing your guard to maximise its lifespan.
3–5 yrs
typical lifespan of a hard acrylic custom guard
1 in 3
adults experience significant bruxism at some point
40%
reduction in TMJ pain reported by consistent guard wearers
Frequently asked questions
Protect your teeth before damage occurs
A custom occlusal guard is one of the most cost-effective investments in your long-term dental health. Contact any of our three Washington locations to get started.