We understand that sometimes buying your own dental guards online can seem a bit daunting. Going to a dentist might feel like an easier option, but the reality is that it is really quite simple to shop for your own custom teeth grinding guards. It can also save you a lot of money. We have found that, often, the confusion comes from the wide variety of terms and a lack of understanding about them, so we thought we would try and clear them up for you.
Common Terms for Teeth Grinding Guards
Occlusal Splint
Occlusal is the relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Splint is a generic term for something that connects the teeth as one.
Bite Guard
Your bite is another dental term for the occlusal surface.
Night Guard
Since most people wear their teeth guard at night, this term has become popular.
TMJ Guard
TMJ is the pain associated with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Typically, one of the first treatments for TMJ is to get a guard.
Bite Splint
See 1 and 2.
Bruxism Guard
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding/clenching.
With the use of SportingSmiles patented self-impression kit, you are able to make a mold of your teeth in the comfort of your own home. Once that mold is returned to us, our dental technicians work to create the same high-quality teeth grinding guards you would get from your dentist, but at a fraction of the cost.
Night Mouthguard
Since the guard is in your mouth, this term has started to be used by some people as a term for grinding guards. However, mouthguard is actually the term for an athletic sports guard.
Sleep Guard
Similar to the term night guard, since the guard is worn while sleeping.
Teeth Grinding Guard
Teeth grinding guard and night guard are the two most common terms.
Dental Guards
This is a generic term for any type of guard that is used in the mouth. While accurate, it is somewhat vague.
These are just a few of the terms used for night guards. Sometimes even a mixture of the terms may be used, like Occlusal Guard, Bruxism Splint, Bite Guard, Sleep Splint, and TMJ Splint! Don’t worry though, if you talk to your dentist about teeth grinding guards or night guards, they will know exactly what you mean. Our website only uses the more common, accurate terms so that there is no confusion about what you are purchasing. No matter what term you are using, the guards do the same thing. They protect your teeth at night from teeth grinding or clenching. If you are interested in purchasing, please visit.
