Night Guards & Occlusal Splints

Custom-fitted protection for teeth grinding and jaw clenching — designed for the demands of high-pressure professional life.

At a Glance

Duration

30 min per visit

Visits

2 visits (impression + fitting)

Estimated Cost

$400 – $700

Recovery

None

Insurance

Covered by some funds

Location

488 Bourke St, Melbourne CBD

Read detailed information

The Silent Damage of Grinding

You might not realise you grind your teeth. Most people don't — it happens during sleep, or involuntarily during periods of intense concentration. But the signs accumulate quietly: a dull ache along your jaw when you wake, tension headaches that start at the temples, teeth that seem shorter or flatter than they used to be, or hairline cracks that appear without any obvious cause.

Bruxism — the clinical term for habitual teeth grinding and clenching — is remarkably common among professionals working in high-stress environments. The legal and financial districts of Melbourne's CBD are no exception. Long hours, tight deadlines, and sustained mental focus can trigger subconscious clenching that places enormous force on your teeth, sometimes several times your normal bite pressure.

Left unaddressed, bruxism can lead to worn enamel, fractured teeth, damaged dental restorations, and chronic jaw discomfort. What begins as an occasional tight jaw can progress to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, requiring more complex and costly treatment down the line.

How a Custom Night Guard Helps

A night guard — also known as an occlusal splint — is a custom-made dental appliance worn during sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing and redistributing the forces generated by grinding and clenching. Rather than your enamel bearing the load, the splint takes the impact.

Dr Zamani provides individually fabricated occlusal splints, not the generic boil-and-bite versions sold in pharmacies. Each splint is made from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring an accurate fit that stays comfortably in place throughout the night. The materials used are durable, smooth, and designed to withstand the significant forces of bruxism without irritating your gums or soft tissue.

Depending on your clinical presentation, Dr Zamani may recommend a flat-plane stabilisation splint, which is designed to relax the jaw muscles and reduce clenching intensity, or a different configuration suited to your specific pattern of wear and symptoms. The goal is not only to protect your teeth from further damage, but also to alleviate the jaw tension and associated discomfort that many bruxism patients experience.

For patients who also experience daytime clenching — common during focused work at a desk — Dr Zamani can discuss behavioural strategies alongside the splint therapy, providing a more comprehensive approach to managing the condition.

Why Choose Dr Zamani

Bruxism is not a one-appointment problem. It requires someone who understands your bite, monitors changes over time, and adjusts your treatment as needed. As a solo practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr Zamani provides the kind of continuity that matters for conditions like this — you see the same dentist at every visit, and she maintains a thorough understanding of your dental history and how your grinding patterns evolve.

Located in the Bourke Street legal precinct, the practice is structured around the schedules of CBD professionals. Dr Zamani takes the time to explain your diagnosis clearly, discuss the clinical reasoning behind her recommendations, and ensure your splint fits precisely before you leave. An ADA member committed to ongoing professional development, she stays current with evidence-based approaches to occlusal therapy and TMJ management.

What to Expect

Assessment

Dr Zamani examines your teeth, jaw joints, and bite to identify signs of grinding and assess any existing damage. She discusses your symptoms, sleep habits, and stress factors to build a complete picture.

Fabrication & Fitting

Precise impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your splint is custom-fabricated. At your fitting appointment, Dr Zamani adjusts the splint for a comfortable, secure fit and checks your bite alignment.

Review & Adjustment

A follow-up visit allows Dr Zamani to evaluate how the splint is performing, make any fine-tuning adjustments, and monitor for improvement in your symptoms. Ongoing reviews ensure continued protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a night guard or occlusal splint?

Common signs include waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity, as well as noticing worn or chipped teeth. Dr Zamani can assess your bite and jaw joints during a consultation to determine whether a custom splint would help protect your teeth and reduce discomfort.

What is the difference between a night guard and an occlusal splint?

A night guard is primarily designed to protect teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. An occlusal splint is a more precisely adjusted appliance that also aims to reposition the jaw into a more comfortable alignment, often used for TMJ-related symptoms. Dr Zamani will recommend the appropriate option based on your specific situation.

How much does a custom night guard cost, and does insurance cover it?

Custom night guards and occlusal splints typically range from $500 to $800 depending on the type and complexity. Most private health funds with extras cover provide a partial rebate for occlusal splints. We recommend checking with your fund beforehand, and our team can provide item numbers to help you confirm your coverage.

How many appointments are needed to get a custom night guard?

Usually two appointments are required. At the first visit, we take precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth. The splint is then custom-fabricated by a dental laboratory, and at the second visit we fit and adjust it for comfort. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks.

Can I just buy a night guard from the pharmacy instead?

Over-the-counter guards offer a generic fit that can sometimes make grinding worse or cause jaw discomfort. A custom-made splint is fabricated from accurate moulds of your teeth, providing a precise fit that distributes bite forces evenly. For Melbourne CBD professionals dealing with stress-related clenching, a properly fitted appliance tends to be far more comfortable and effective long-term.

How long does a custom night guard last?

With proper care, a well-made occlusal splint typically lasts between two and five years. Heavy grinders may need replacement sooner as the material wears down. We check the condition of your splint at each routine examination and can advise when it needs replacing.

Will wearing a night guard feel uncomfortable or affect my sleep?

Most patients find that after a short adjustment period of a few nights, a custom-fitted splint feels comfortable and does not disrupt sleep. Many people actually report sleeping more restfully once jaw clenching is managed. If any discomfort persists, we can make adjustments to improve the fit.

How do I care for my night guard?

Rinse your splint with cool water after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, as heat can warp the material. Store it in the ventilated case provided and bring it to your regular dental appointments so we can check its condition and clean it professionally if needed.

Protect Your Teeth from Grinding

If you wake with a sore jaw or notice wear on your teeth, a custom night guard may be the right step. Book a consultation with Dr Zamani to discuss your options.

Book Online Call (03) 9670 9020