What type of night guard should I get for my porcelain veneers?

Question

What type of night guard should I get for my dental veneers? I've recently had veneers placed, and I have a slight bruxism habit. I've always used a night guard and would like to purchase a new one. Should it be rigid or soft? Do I need one for each arch, or is one for the lower arch sufficient?

Helen Carmenate, DDS · Answer

When it comes to protecting porcelain veneers, especially if you have a habit of bruxism (teeth grinding), choosing the right night guard is essential. It's great that you are proactive in considering this aspect of care for your veneers.
Type of Night Guard: Typically, for patients with porcelain veneers, a custom-made, rigid night guard is often recommended. This type of guard provides a stable and strong surface that can effectively distribute the force exerted during grinding or clenching. A rigid guard is usually made of a durable acrylic material that can withstand significant pressure, thus offering better protection for your porcelain veneers.
Soft vs. Rigid: Soft night guards are generally not recommended for bruxism as they may not provide adequate protection against the strong forces of grinding, and can sometimes even exacerbate the grinding habit. However, each case is unique, and preferences can vary.
Coverage - One Arch or Both?: In many cases, a night guard for just the lower arch can be sufficient. It creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, protecting the porcelain veneers effectively. However, the decision on whether to use a guard for one or both arches should be based on your specific dental situation. Factors such as the severity of bruxism, the condition of your natural teeth, and the placement of your porcelain veneers play a role in this decision.
Custom Fit: Importantly, for individuals with porcelain veneers, a custom-fitted night guard made by a dental professional is often the best choice. Over-the-counter guards may not provide the precise fit needed to protect your porcelain veneers properly. A custom fit ensures that the guard is comfortable, does not cause any unnecessary stress on your teeth, and offers maximum protection.
In conclusion, a rigid, custom-made night guard for the lower arch might be a good starting point. However, I strongly recommend discussing this with your dentist or a prosthodontist. They can assess your specific needs and provide a night guard that is tailored to your situation, ensuring the best protection for your porcelain veneers and overall dental health.

Tyler Hales, DDS · Answer

Hello. My name is Dr Tyler Hales and I am a cosmetic dentist located in orange county and beverly hills. I always give each one of my patients a night guard at the end of placing veneers. I usually do a hard soft flap plain night guard. That means the outside is nice and hard with a softer interior that provides more comfort. You have to special order these from your dentist. You only need it on one arch.

Kerem Turgut Atasoy, DDS, PhD · Answer

Double arch night guard is not mandatory. Single jaw will be sufficient. Soft nightguards may be weak to protect youre veneers

What type of night guard should I get for my porcelain veneers?

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What type of night guard should I get for my porcelain veneers?

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