Teeth grinding—known in medical terms as bruxism—is a widespread condition in Switzerland. It is estimated that about one-third of all Swiss people grind their teeth regularly. Symptoms such as jaw, head, and neck pain, muscle tension, and increased tooth wear can be early signs of bruxism.
If the grinding is causing increasing discomfort and restful sleep is no longer possible, a customized splint therapy can be implemented. This involves the use of a so-called grinding splint or bite splint, which provides relief and prevents further tooth damage.
Our dentists in Zurich would be happy to advise you in person on what can be done to address teeth grinding and whether your symptoms can be alleviated with a nightguard.
What is a nightguard?
A nightguard, also known as a bite guard, is a custom-fitted plastic dental splint. It is worn over the teeth at night and provides mechanical protection against tooth damage. In cases of severe teeth grinding, the dentist may recommend wearing the guard temporarily during the day as well. However, it is generally worn at night to prevent direct contact between the teeth while sleeping.
During nighttime teeth grinding, significant forces act on the teeth. The bite guard absorbs these forces, thereby preventing damage to the tooth structure. At the same time, it helps relax the masticatory muscles. The lower jaw is brought into a relaxed position, and tension and pain are alleviated.
What symptoms can a bite guard help with?
In Zurich, we use the night guard for patients diagnosed with bruxism who are seeking rapid relief. Typical symptoms of bruxism include pain and tension in the shoulders, neck, head, and jaw. In addition, the high stress often leads to damage to the tooth structure. The teeth become severely worn down, and cracks may appear in the enamel. In the worst-case scenario, individual teeth may become loose.
The nightguard does not resolve the underlying issues, such as stress, severe tension, or misaligned teeth. Therefore, whenever possible, a solution to these underlying issues should be sought in parallel—whether through targeted treatment or by making changes to daily routines. However, the nightguard can help relieve pressure on the masticatory system quickly and effectively. Symptoms often improve within a very short time.
What is the process for treatment with a nightguard?
If you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism, your dentist will first discuss with you what the possible causes might be and how they can be treated. If nightguard therapy is chosen, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth. Based on this impression, your nightguard will be custom-made in a dental laboratory.
As soon as the night guard arrives in Zurich, it will be given to you and checked to ensure it fits properly. Your dentist will explain once again how to use and clean the guard. You should now wear your night guard as prescribed—usually overnight.
The dentist will regularly check the condition of the guard and ask whether your symptoms have improved. If necessary, minor adjustments can be made later on.
How long does treatment with a night guard take?
Splint therapy can be temporary or permanent. It’s important to note that while the mouthguard protects your teeth from damage, it does not address the underlying causes. Therefore, it makes sense to identify the causes of teeth grinding as precisely as possible and, if possible, eliminate them.
Stress-related bruxism often resolves on its own once everyday stress levels subside. The same applies to oral issues such as misalignment or problems with dental prostheses. If these issues are treated by a dentist or orthodontist, the grinding usually subsides as well.
In some cases, it is not possible to identify or eliminate the causes of bruxism. In such cases, there is no reason why you shouldn’t use a nightguard on a permanent basis.
How much does a nightguard cost?
Your dentist will discuss the costs of fabricating and fitting the nightguard with you in advance. Depending on the complexity of the bruxism treatment, the total cost may vary slightly.
Basic health insurance covers the cost of a nightguard only in a few exceptional cases. If you have supplemental dental insurance, coverage is often available, depending on your insurer.
FAQ
Teeth grinding often occurs as a result of stress or during periods of intense inner tension. If this is not the case for you, you should also check whether misaligned teeth or jaws are causing the problem. Other possible causes include, for example, high alcohol or caffeine consumption or ill-fitting dentures.
Treatment for bruxism depends on the underlying causes. If there are problems in the oral cavity, such as misalignment or ill-fitting dentures, appropriate treatment should be sought. If teeth grinding is stress-related, it may be helpful to review your daily routine and slow down. Specific relaxation techniques can help some people.
If teeth grinding stems from overactive chewing muscles, Botox treatment may also be an option. In this procedure, the large chewing muscle—the masseter—is relaxed through Botox injections.
A nightguard often provides lasting relief for bruxism by reducing the forces at work. Nightguard therapy can be combined with other measures as needed.
The mouthguard protects both the teeth and the temporomandibular joints from excessive strain. It helps relax the chewing muscles while also forming a protective barrier between the teeth. This prevents further damage to the tooth structure.
Sleeping with the night guard may feel unusual at first, but it shouldn’t cause you any pain. On the contrary, your existing symptoms often subside within a very short time. If you find the guard uncomfortable, please let your dentist know so he or she can make adjustments if necessary.
The lifespan of bite splints varies greatly from person to person. Symptoms and the forces at work differ for each patient. People who grind their teeth heavily often need a new splint more frequently than those with milder symptoms.
If significant wear is observed or the splint no longer fits properly, it can be easily replaced in Zurich.
You should clean your bite guard daily if possible, since it is in constant contact with your teeth at night. You can completely remove dirt and bacteria using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. To prevent buildup, you can occasionally soak the guard in a cleaning solution designed for braces or dentures.
Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the guard to warp. Toothpastes containing abrasive particles are also not suitable for cleaning the night guard due to their abrasive effect.