Aftercare
Night guards and bruxism - protecting veneers and implants
Why Australian patients who grind must wear a custom night guard after veneers or implants — bruxism signs, guard types, how to get one in Australia, and the clinical consequences of not wearing one.
Bruxism (tooth grinding or clenching) generates bite forces 3–10× higher than normal chewing. Without a custom night guard, these forces will chip porcelain veneers, fracture crown margins, stress implant components, and accelerate wear on natural teeth. If Picasso prescribed a guard, wear it every night. If you grind and have no guard, ask your Australian dentist to fabricate one immediately.
Why night guards matter after veneers and implants
Normal chewing generates bite forces of 100–200 Newtons. Bruxism generates 300–1,000+ Newtons — applied during sleep when you cannot consciously moderate force. Porcelain veneers and implant crowns are designed to withstand functional chewing loads, not the sustained abnormal forces of grinding.
| What bruxism does to restorations | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Chips veneer edge | Aesthetic damage; may expose underlying preparation |
| Fractures veneer body | Replacement required |
| Wears crown surface | Dulls aesthetics; eventually exposes ceramic layers |
| Loosens implant abutment screw | Requires tightening or replacement |
| Stresses implant-bone interface | Increases peri-implant bone loss risk over time |
| Cracks natural teeth | Fractured cusps; tooth loss |
Signs of bruxism — check before flying
| Sign | Significance |
|---|---|
| Morning jaw pain or facial soreness | Active grinding overnight |
| Tension headache, temple pain | Masseter muscle fatigue |
| Worn, flat, or chipped tooth edges | Physical evidence of grinding |
| Tooth sensitivity without decay | Enamel wear exposing dentine |
| Cheek biting or scalloped tongue | Clenching pattern |
| Partner reports grinding noise | Confirms nocturnal bruxism |
If you have any of these signs, tell Picasso during your consultation. Bruxism affects the treatment plan — some preparations are contraindicated, night guards are mandatory, and the warranty terms for bruxism patients may differ.
Types of night guards
| Guard type | Material | Best for | Where to get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard acrylic — full arch | Hard acrylic | Moderate to severe bruxism; veneers; implants | AHPRA dentist; Picasso |
| Hard acrylic — partial coverage | Hard acrylic | Localised grinding; less intrusive | AHPRA dentist |
| Soft (boil-and-bite) | Soft EVA | Mild clenching only | Pharmacy — NOT suitable for veneer/implant patients |
| Dual laminate | Soft inner, hard outer | Moderate bruxism | Dentist |
Patients with porcelain veneers or implant crowns should use a hard acrylic full-arch guard. Soft guards allow continued grinding movement and offer insufficient protection against porcelain fracture.
Getting a night guard in Australia
If Picasso did not fabricate a guard during your trip, or if your guard wears out:
- See your AHPRA-registered dentist and mention that you have had veneers or implants placed at Picasso Vietnam
- Request a hard acrylic full-arch night guard (item code 251 or 252 — check if covered by your extras fund)
- Impressions taken at appointment 1; guard delivered at appointment 2 (1–2 weeks)
- Adjustment — the guard should not alter your bite when removed in the morning; request adjustment if it does
Cost: typically AUD 400–900 for a custom hard acrylic guard at an Australian private practice.
What to do if you lose or damage your guard
Contact your Australian dentist to take new impressions and fabricate a replacement. Do not go without a guard — even one night of unprotected bruxism can chip a veneer.
Related pages
- Veneer care tips — daily routine
- Chipped or loose veneer — immediate steps
- How long do veneers last?
- Implant aftercare
- Warranty — SmileCare policy
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs: jaw soreness or headache in the morning, partner reports grinding noise at night, worn or flattened tooth surfaces, cheek biting or scalloped tongue edges, sensitivity to temperature. Your Australian dentist can identify wear patterns on your teeth — ask at your next check-up.
Does Picasso provide a night guard at the end of treatment?
Picasso provides a night guard to patients identified as grinding during clinical assessment. If you were not prescribed one but are concerned about bruxism, mention it during your consultation — it is straightforward to fabricate on the same trip.
Can I get a night guard in Australia after I return?
Yes. An AHPRA-registered dentist takes impressions and fabricates a custom hard acrylic night guard — typically AUD 400–900. This is the preferred option if you were not fitted at Picasso. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are not recommended for patients with porcelain veneers or implant crowns — they provide insufficient rigidity.
Does bruxism affect implants as well as veneers?
Yes. Bruxism generates forces that can stress the implant-bone interface, loosen the abutment screw, and fracture the implant crown. Night guards are as important for implant patients as for veneer patients.
How often should I replace my night guard?
Custom hard acrylic guards typically last 2–5 years depending on the severity of grinding. Your Australian dentist can assess wear at annual check-ups. A guard worn through significantly may need replacement to maintain adequate protection.
Does private health insurance cover night guards in Australia?
Some Australian private health extras funds cover custom night guards under major dental — check item code 251 or 252 with your fund. Coverage of AUD 200–500 is common on comprehensive extras policies. Overseas-fabricated guards are not covered.