Can I Wear a Night Guard if I Have Missing Teeth or Dentures?

If you grind your teeth at night, you’re unconsciously clenching your jaw, often during sleep. This activity can stress your jaw muscles and cause damage—whether to natural teeth, implants, or dentures.

But what if you’re missing teeth or wearing dentures? Can a night guard still help?

In this article, we’ll explore how bruxism affects your oral health, even without natural teeth, and guide you in choosing the best night guard for your situation.

Understanding Bruxism and Your Oral Health

While most people know to look out for dental issues like cavities or gum disease, bruxism is a less recognized but equally serious problem. Bruxism, a sleep movement disorder, involves grinding or clenching teeth during sleep.

You may also experience awake bruxism, which happens when you unconsciously clench your jaw during periods of stress or focus. Awake bruxism is often easier to detect since you’re awake to notice the discomfort. Sleep bruxism, however, is harder to catch and tends to cause more long-term damage.

What Happens When You Grind Your Teeth at Night?

Sleep bruxism typically occurs during the lighter stages of sleep when your brain briefly becomes more alert. This prompts your jaw muscles to clench and grind, bringing your upper and lower teeth together.

For those with natural teeth, this leads to enamel wear. If you have dental restorations or no teeth at all, the pressure can harm your implants, crowns, or even your gums.

The root causes of bruxism aren’t entirely understood, but studies suggest a strong link to stress. Other potential causes include:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Genetics
• Tobacco use
• Malocclusion (crooked teeth)

Whatever the cause, the effects of bruxism can range from mild discomfort to severe symptoms like headaches, facial pain, jaw fatigue, and even gum disease. Prolonged grinding can lead to conditions like TMJ dysfunction or periodontitis, which are linked to serious health issues, including heart disease and osteoporosis.

Choosing the Right Night Guard for Your Needs

If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, or your dentist has identified signs of bruxism, it’s time to take action. Night guards are an effective solution, but your options depend on whether you have natural teeth, implants, missing teeth, or dentures.

Types of Night Guards

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Guards
   OTC night guards are a budget-friendly option but are often bulky, uncomfortable, and prone to shifting. They can also irritate gums, leading to sores or gingivitis. (Keep reading: 5 Dental Night Guard Side Effects [+ Solutions])

2. Custom-Fit Night Guards
   Custom-fit guards are made from impressions of your teeth, offering superior comfort and protection. While more expensive upfront, they’re durable and tailored to your level of grinding.

   • Soft Guards: Best for full denture wearers, as they adhere securely to the gum and palatal surfaces using suction.
   • Hard Guards: Ideal for moderate to severe grinding but not recommended for full denture wearers due to their rigidity.
   • Hybrid Guards: A combination of soft and hard materials, providing comfort and durability. Great for those with missing teeth or partial dentures. The soft inner layer is also great for dental work protection, such as dental filling, crowns, implants and veneers.

Can You Wear a Night Guard with Dentures or Missing Teeth?

Yes! Whether you have full dentures, partial dentures, or missing teeth, a night guard can still help protect your gums, implants, and remaining teeth.

Night Guards for Full Denture Wearers

Most dentists recommend removing your dentures at night to reduce wear and tear. However, gum-on-gum grinding can still occur. A gum guard (similar to a night guard) protects your gums by using suction for retention.

For those who sleep with dentures in, consider wearing a night guard on the upper or lower arch to shield your dentures from damage.

Night Guards for Partial Dentures

Partial denture wearers can opt for soft or hybrid night guards to protect both natural teeth and restorations. Hybrid guards are especially useful for moderate to severe grinders, offering durability and comfort.

Night Guards for Missing Teeth

Worried that missing teeth might prevent you from using a night guard? Don’t be!

As long as most of your teeth are intact, we can design a night guard that securely fits using the surfaces of your remaining teeth for retention.

You’ll only need either an upper or lower guard. To choose the best option, consider where your missing teeth are located. If you’re missing more teeth on the top, opt for a lower guard, and if more teeth are missing on the bottom, go for an upper guard.

This approach ensures a comfortable fit and effective protection for your teeth and gums.

Why Choose JS Dental Lab for Your Night Guard?

At JS Dental Lab, we specialize in professional-quality custom night guards at a fraction of the cost of a dentist's office. With your order, you’ll receive an impression kit and simple instructions to create your custom-fit guard from the comfort of your home.

Our products are:

• BPA-free and made in the USA
• Backed by a 12-month satisfaction guarantee and warranty
• HSA or FSA cards Accepted
• Started as a traditional dental lab in 1999.

Not sure which guard is right for you? Take our quick quiz or contact our friendly team for guidance!

Conclusion

Bruxism doesn’t stop just because you’re missing teeth or wearing dentures. Protect your oral health with the right night guard solution tailored to your needs. Whether you require a soft guard for full dentures, a hybrid guard for partials, or a hard guard for severe grinding, JS Dental Lab has you covered.

Don’t let teeth grinding damage your oral health—order your custom night guard today!