First Step
Consultation
The dentist checks your concern and confirms whether this treatment is suitable before care begins.
Children's Dentistry
Book Mouth Guards and Night Guards at Smile On Dental
Book Mouth Guards and Night Guards with Smile On Dental. Start with an assessment, understand your options, and get clear next steps before treatment begins.
Quick Summary
What to know about Mouth Guards / Night Guards.
Best For
Patients who clench or grind their teeth
Suitability depends on oral health, symptoms, goals, and clinical findings.
Planning
Personalised
Timing, visits, cost factors, and aftercare are explained after the assessment.
Branch Access
Pretoria & Polokwane
Use the location section to choose the branch that is easiest for you to attend consistently.
Overview
About Mouth Guards / Night Guards
Treatment Introduction
Keep the visit calm and practical.
Mouth guards and night guards may be recommended to help protect teeth from grinding, clenching, or certain activity-related risks. A dental assessment helps confirm the right type of guard for your needs.
Decision Support
A consultation comes before the treatment decision.
Smile On Dental uses the visit to understand your symptoms, goals, oral health, and expectations before recommending a suitable treatment plan.
Visual Guide
Educational visuals for Mouth Guards / Night Guards.
Treatment Guide
Mouth Guards / Night Guards: options, process, benefits, and care.
01
Why mouth guards and night guards are used
Mouth guards and custom night guards are used to protect teeth, jaws, restorations, and soft tissues from avoidable damage.
A sports mouth guard helps reduce the risk of dental injuries during contact or impact activities. A night guard for teeth grinding is usually considered when teeth show wear, jaw muscles feel tired, or a patient reports clenching or grinding. These appliances are different, so the dentist first confirms what problem needs protection.
At Smile On Dental, the conversation starts with the reason for the guard. A child playing sport, an adult with worn teeth, and a patient with new crowns may all need different design choices. The guard should fit the mouth, the bite, and the expected use.
A guard may help protect
- Teeth during sport or physical activity.
- Teeth affected by clenching or grinding forces.
- Crowns, fillings, veneers, or other dental work.
- Cheeks, lips, and soft tissues during impact.
02
Assessment before making a guard
A guard should be planned around the patient's teeth, bite, symptoms, and risk level.
The dentist checks for tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, muscle tenderness, gum health, loose teeth, restorations, and bite changes. For sports protection, the dentist considers the activity and whether the guard needs to fit around braces or erupting teeth. For night guards and bruxism appliances, the assessment may also include jaw comfort and sleep-related symptoms.
This step matters because a poorly fitting guard can feel bulky, rub the gums, or fail to protect the right areas. A custom guard is made from dental records so it can hold more securely than a generic over-the-counter option, while still being planned around the patient's actual mouth.
Planning checks
- Tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, and restorations.
- Bite contacts and jaw muscle comfort.
- Sport type, age, braces, or erupting teeth.
- Fit requirements for regular use.
03
How custom guards are made
Custom guards are made from dental records so the appliance can match the patient's mouth more closely.
The process usually begins with an examination and records of the teeth. The dentist confirms whether the guard is for sport, night-time protection, or another protective purpose. The appliance is then made to fit the arch and checked so pressure points, looseness, or bite issues can be adjusted.
A sports guard often prioritises impact protection and secure fit during activity. A night guard focuses on separating and protecting tooth surfaces during bruxism, clenching, or grinding. The design depends on the dentist's findings and the patient's needs, so it should not be treated as a one-size-fits-all item.
Typical steps
- Consultation and oral assessment.
- Dental records for a custom fit.
- Guard fabrication based on the intended use.
- Fit check and adjustment where needed.
04
Comfort and wearing the guard
A protective guard only works well if the patient can wear it consistently and comfortably.
A new guard may feel unfamiliar at first, especially for night-time use. The dentist can check whether it seats fully, whether any edges rub, and whether the bite feels balanced enough for the purpose of the appliance. Patients should not force a guard that causes pain or feels unstable.
For children and sports players, comfort affects compliance. A guard that is too loose may be left in a bag, while one that feels too bulky may interfere with focus during sport. Fit reviews are useful when teeth are changing, orthodontic treatment begins, or the guard no longer feels secure.
Comfort signs to check
- The guard seats securely without being forced.
- Edges do not rub the gums or cheeks.
- Breathing and speaking are manageable for sport use.
- The guard does not create new pain.
05
Cleaning and aftercare
A guard needs regular cleaning because it sits against teeth and can collect plaque, saliva, and odour.
Patients should rinse the guard after use, clean it as advised, and store it in a ventilated case. Hot water can distort some appliances, so cleaning instructions should be followed carefully. If a guard develops cracks, rough edges, odour, or looseness, it should be checked.
Good oral hygiene is still essential. A night guard does not treat gum disease or decay, and a sports guard does not replace routine dental care. The dentist may recommend reviews to check tooth wear, appliance fit, and whether the original reason for the guard has changed.
Care routine
- Rinse and clean the guard after use.
- Store it in its case when not worn.
- Avoid heat that may distort the appliance.
- Bring it to reviews if fit or comfort changes.
06
Benefits of custom protection
A well-planned guard can reduce avoidable strain and protect dental work from repeated forces.
For sport, protection is about reducing the chance of chipped, loosened, or knocked teeth during impact. For night-time clenching, teeth grinding, or bruxism, protection is about limiting tooth-on-tooth wear and helping shield restorations from heavy forces. The benefit depends on wearing the correct appliance for the correct reason.
Patients with crowns, veneers, fillings, or previous tooth wear may benefit from extra protection because repairs can be vulnerable to repeated pressure. The dentist can explain whether a guard is suitable and whether any underlying dental concerns should be treated first.
Potential benefits
- Better protection than a generic loose-fitting guard.
- Reduced risk of sport-related dental injury.
- Protection for teeth affected by grinding forces.
- Support for maintaining dental restorations.
07
Cost factors and choosing Smile On Dental
The cost of a mouth guard or night guard depends on the type of appliance, records, fit requirements, and follow-up needs.
A sports guard for a growing child may be planned differently from a custom night guard for an adult with tooth wear, bruxism symptoms, or restorations. Cost can also be affected by material choice, whether braces are present, how complex the bite is, and whether review appointments are needed for adjustments.
Smile On Dental can assess the reason for protection and recommend an appliance based on actual risk rather than guesswork. The key takeaway is simple: the best guard is the one that fits properly, is used consistently, and is checked when teeth, bite, or symptoms change.
Takeaway
- Match the guard to the reason for protection.
- Custom fit matters for comfort and regular use.
- Costs depend on appliance type and planning needs.
- Bring the guard back if fit or comfort changes.
Who It Helps
When this treatment may be suitable.
Patients who clench or grind their teeth.
Patients with tooth wear or jaw discomfort linked to grinding.
Patients who need custom protective dental guidance.
Treatment Journey
Your Mouth Guards / Night Guards Journey
You come in with the problem or goal
Usually assessment, impressions or scan, and a fitting visit.
You may come in because you grind, clench, wake with jaw tension, have tooth wear, play sport, or have broken restorations from pressure.
The dentist uses this first conversation to understand what you want fixed, what is urgent, what has changed recently, and what result would feel useful to you.
What the dentist may ask
- What brought you in
- How long it has been happening
- Pain, comfort, or appearance concerns
- Previous treatment in that area
The mouth is assessed and options are compared
The plan is based on diagnosis first, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
The dentist checks tooth wear, bite marks, jaw muscles, cracked teeth, restorations, and whether a custom guard is the right protective option.
The suitable options may include Night guard for grinding or clenching, Sports mouth guard for impact protection, Bruxism assessment if symptoms suggest a broader issue. The dentist explains why one route may be more predictable than another for your mouth.
What is decided here
- Night guard for grinding or clenching
- Sports mouth guard for impact protection
- Bruxism assessment if symptoms suggest a broader issue
The treatment is planned in stages
Some dental work needs more than one appointment because records, healing, lab work, or careful fitting are involved.
If a custom guard is suitable, records are taken so the guard can be made to fit your teeth more accurately than a generic shop-bought option.
A second visit is usually needed because a custom guard must be made and fitted after records are taken.
Planning details
- Number of visits
- What happens at each visit
- Temporary stages if needed
- Timing before the final result
You return for fitting, review, or maintenance
The final part of the journey is making sure the result works in daily life.
At fitting, the dentist checks comfort, retention, bite contact, and how to insert and remove the guard.
You are shown how to clean, store, and bring the guard to reviews so fit and wear can be checked.
Aftercare focus
- Comfort and bite checks
- Cleaning around the treated area
- What should feel normal
- When to book a review
Benefits
Why patients consider this treatment.
Helps protect teeth from grinding-related wear.
Supports a more personalised fit than over-the-counter options.
Can form part of a broader bruxism management plan.
Suitability
What the dentist checks before recommending care.
Children's Dentistry
Keep the visit calm and practical.
Children's dental care should support comfort, prevention, parent guidance, and age-appropriate treatment planning.
Suitability
Not every option suits every patient.
The dentist considers symptoms, oral health, bite, medical history, expectations, and maintenance before recommending mouth guards / night guards.
Costs
Fees depend on the final plan.
Cost discussions are most useful after diagnosis because materials, complexity, visit count, and follow-up needs vary from patient to patient.
Appointment
What to expect when you visit Smile On Dental.
Careful Assessment
Your dentist reviews your concern, oral health, and treatment goals before recommending next steps.
Clear Guidance
The team explains the likely process, timing, and care options in straightforward language.
Personal Plan
Your treatment plan is shaped around comfort, function, appearance, and long-term oral health.
Costs & Aftercare
Plan treatment with clear next steps.
Before You Book
Explain the concern
Mention whether you are booking for night guards, pain, appearance, function, prevention, or a second opinion.
At the Visit
Ask questions
Ask about diagnosis, options, number of visits, comfort, maintenance, and what could happen if treatment is delayed.
Aftercare
Follow guidance
Your dentist will explain home care, review visits, and any symptoms that should be reported after treatment.
FAQs
Questions about Mouth Guards / Night Guards.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
The best starting point is a consultation. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, bite, symptoms, concerns, and smile goals before recommending a personalised treatment plan.
Can I book online?
Yes. Use the Book an Appointment button to open the booking site and choose a convenient appointment time. You can also request a callback if you would prefer the practice team to contact you first.
Can I request a callback instead?
Yes. You can request a callback if you prefer the practice team to contact you before booking. This can be helpful when you are unsure whether you need a routine visit, cosmetic consultation, orthodontic assessment, or urgent support.
Can I ask about treatment costs before starting?
Yes. Costs depend on the diagnosis, treatment complexity, materials, and number of visits required. Your dentist can explain the recommended next step before treatment begins.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your identification, medical history, current medication details, previous dental information if available, and any questions you want to discuss with the dentist.
What if I have pain, swelling, or sensitivity?
Book an assessment so the dentist can diagnose the cause before you choose a treatment. Pain or swelling may need urgent attention, X-rays, restorative care, or another clinical next step.
Related Treatments
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Locations
Choose a Smile On Dental branch.
City Treatment Pages
Explore night guards care by city.
Clinical Leadership
Care led by a verified dental profile.
Chief Dentist & Practice Director
Dr. Kholofelo Machaba-Selatole
Dr. Kholofelo Machaba-Selatole leads Smile On Dental & Aesthetic Studio with a warm, patient-focused approach to family, restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic care.
Patient Feedback
What patients have shared.
60+ five-star patient reviews across Pretoria and Polokwane.
60+
Five-star reviews
5.0
Average rating
4
Practice locations
"Customer care is superb, very friendly front desk staff. I'm happy to have gained my confidence back."
Vusi Maluleke
Polokwane
"From reception right into the doctor's consultation room it was all smiley faces that welcomed us."
Amy Kwenaite
Polokwane
"The best dental service I have seen in Pretoria, cannot wait for my next appointment."
Makutuma Evans
Pretoria
"Customer care is superb, very friendly front desk staff. I'm happy to have gained my confidence back."
Vusi Maluleke
Polokwane
"From reception right into the doctor's consultation room it was all smiley faces that welcomed us."
Amy Kwenaite
Polokwane
"The best dental service I have seen in Pretoria, cannot wait for my next appointment."
Makutuma Evans
Pretoria
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