A night guard, also known as an occlusal splint, is a custom-fitted dental appliance typically worn over the teeth during sleep. Night guards are among the most commonly used appliances in dental practice and are designed to protect teeth, reduce jaw muscle activity, and manage a range of conditions affecting the teeth and jaw.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
Bruxism involves repetitive, involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth, often occurring during sleep. It can also occur during the day and can lead to significant tooth deterioration, jaw pain, and damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Common side effects of excessive teeth grinding and clenching are cracked teeth, sensitive teeth and broken teeth, which can lead to difficulty chewing or even tooth loss.
A night guard acts as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing and distributing the forces of grinding to reduce wear on tooth surfaces and protect existing dental work such as crowns, fillings, and implants.
Tooth Wear and Protection of Dental Work For patients with moderate to severe tooth wear (teeth that are shortened), or those who have undergone extensive dental restorations, a night guard helps protect against further damage. Tooth wear can lead to sensitivity, pain and much more extensive, expensive dental treatment.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)
TMDs are conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often causing pain, clicking, and limited jaw movement. Night guards can treat a wide variety of TMDs, including jaw pain, headaches, and postural imbalances related to the jaw joint.
A night guard works by:
- Creating a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact during grinding or clenching
- Distributing bite forces more evenly across the dental arch
- Reducing strain on the jaw muscles and TMJ
- Providing a stable occlusal surface that can help relax the muscles of mastication
Acrylic - hard, rigid appliance
Nylon - flexible, durable appliance.
At MedCentral Dental, your night guard will be custom-made from a 3D digital scan of your teeth to ensure a precise and comfortable fit. Most patients are advised to wear the splint during sleep.
It is normal to need a short adjustment period. Your dentist will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the bite is balanced and comfortable.
Night guards are one part of a broader management approach. Your dentist may also recommend massage therapy, botox therapy or referral to an allied health professional. Other self-care strategies can help such as stress management, jaw relaxation exercises, dietary modifications (e.g. soft diet), and avoiding habits like nail biting or gum chewing.
WESTFIELD KNOX
Westfield Knox Shopping Centre (Walk through from Priceline Pharmacy or MedCentral Knox) 1060/425 Burwood Hwy Wantirna South VIC 3152
OPENING HOURS
Weekdays: 9am to 5pm
Open Saturday: 9am to 3pm
Principal Dentist
Speaks English and Vietnamese
Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.
With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.
Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.
Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.
She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.
Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.
She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.
In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.
Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.
Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.
In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.
Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.
Speaks English
Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.
Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.
Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.
