What Is an Occlusal Guard?

An occlusal guard — commonly called a night guard — is a custom-fabricated oral appliance worn over the teeth, typically during sleep. It acts as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing and redistributing the forces generated by grinding and clenching.

How Is a Custom Guard Different from a Store-Bought One?

Feature Custom (Remcon Prime Dental) Over-the-Counter

Fit Precisely fitted to your exact teeth Generic, one-size

Material Hard acrylic or dual-laminate Soft, thin plastic

Bite design Engineered for your specific occlusion No bite consideration

TMJ protection Designed to decompress the joint Minimal to none

Durability 3–5 years with proper care Weeks to months

Comfort Slim profile, stays in place Bulky, often dislodges

Types of Occlusal Guards

Hard Acrylic Guard (Most Common)

• Made from rigid dental acrylic

• Best for moderate to severe grinders

• Allows precise bite adjustment on the surface

• Most durable and protective option

Dual-Laminate Guard

• Hard outer shell with soft inner lining

• Good for patients who find hard guards uncomfortable

• Moderate protection level

Soft Guard

• Fully soft material

• Comfortable but less durable

• Not recommended for heavy grinders — can actually increase clenching in some patients

Dr. Kim will recommend the most appropriate type based on your grinding severity, bite, and jaw joint status.

What to Expect

Appointment 1 — Records

• Impressions or digital scans of your teeth

• Bite registration

• Takes approximately 30 minutes

Lab Fabrication

• Your guard is custom-made in a dental laboratory

• Ready in approximately 1–2 weeks

Appointment 2 — Delivery & Adjustment

• Guard is seated and checked for fit

• Bite is adjusted on the guard surface for even contact

• Care and cleaning instructions provided

• Takes approximately 20–30 minutes

How to Care for Your Guard

• Rinse with cool water before and after each use

• Clean daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — never toothpaste (abrasive)

• Store in the provided case when not in use

• Keep away from heat — do not leave in a hot car

• Bring it to every dental appointment for inspection

How Long Will It Last?

Most custom guards last 3 to 5 years depending on grinding severity. Dr. Kim checks its condition at each visit. If it becomes worn through or no longer fits properly, a replacement will be recommended.

Is It Covered by Insurance?

Many dental plans cover occlusal guards when there is documented evidence of bruxism or TMJ disorder. Our team will check your benefits and provide a clear breakdown before proceeding.