Occlusal Splints & Mouthguards: Protection for Teeth Day and Night

emmanuelr131
4 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 12 hours ago

What’s the difference?

While both splints and mouthguards protect your teeth, they’re designed for different purposes:

Occlusal splints (night guards): Worn while you sleep to protect against teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching.
Sports mouthguards: Worn during contact or high-impact sports to prevent injuries to teeth, gums, and jaws.

Both are custom-made at Greenbank Family Dental to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

Occlusal Splints (Night Guards)

Why they’re needed

Many people grind or clench their teeth while asleep, often without realising it. Over time, this can cause:

Worn, cracked, or sensitive teeth
Jaw pain or headaches
Increased risk of broken dental work

How they work

An occlusal splint is a thin, custom-fitted acrylic guard that sits over the teeth. It absorbs the forces of grinding, protecting your enamel and jaw joints.

ADA item codes

990: Occlusal splint – hard, laboratory constructed
984: Diagnostic splint – laboratory constructed
981: Splint – direct
965: Occlusal splint (alternate listing)

Sports Mouthguards

Why they’re needed

Sports injuries are one of the leading causes of tooth loss in children and teens. A properly fitted mouthguard can:

Prevent chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth
Protect lips, gums, and jaws
Reduce risk of concussion compared with over-the-counter guards

How they work

We take impressions and create a snug, durable mouthguard that fits comfortably. Multi-layer options are available for high-contact sports.

ADA item code

151: Mouthguard, single or multi-layer

Costs & rebates

Occlusal splints: $500–$700 depending on type
- ADA codes: 990, 984, 981, 965
Sports mouthguards: $150–$250
- ADA code: 151

Rebates:

Covered by most health funds
Accepted under DVA
For children, CDBS may apply if clinically necessary

FAQ

Can I just buy a mouthguard at the chemist?

Boil-and-bite guards don’t fit properly and often provide little protection. A custom mouthguard is much safer and more comfortable.

Do I need a splint if I grind my teeth?

If grinding is wearing down your teeth, a splint can protect them and prevent costly future damage.

Are splints the same as Invisalign or whitening trays?

No. Splints are thicker, durable appliances designed for protection, not movement or bleaching.

Can my child get a custom mouthguard?

Yes — in fact, we strongly recommend it for any child playing contact sports. We can make them in team colours too.

Our promise at GFD

We believe prevention saves smiles. Whether it’s protecting teeth at night with a splint or keeping kids safe on the field with a custom mouthguard, we’ll design a solution that’s durable, comfortable, and made just for you.