

Using a night guard to protect dental implants offers several key benefits, particularly for patients whogrind or clench their teeth. Here are the main advantages:
1. Optimized Night Guard workflow for Implants
This streamlined process ensures precise, efficient production of custom night guards for optimal implant protection and patient convenience. Night guards and final restorations are designed and delivered to your office simultaneously, saving patients from additional impressions and costly office visits.
2. Prevention of Excessive Force on Implants
Dental implants are designed to handle regular chewing forces, but excessive pressure from grinding or clenching can damage both the implant and the surrounding bone. A night guard acts as a cushion, distributing the forces more evenly and reducing the risk of implant failure.
3. Protection of Surrounding Natural Teeth
A night guard not only protects the implant but also prevents damage to surrounding natural teeth. Teeth grinding can cause wear and tear on the natural dentition, potentially leading to fractures, chips, or additional dental issues.
4. Prevention of Bone Loss Around the Implant
Excessive occlusal forces caused by bruxism can lead to bone resorption around the implant. A night guard helps mitigate these forces, which helps maintain bone stability around the implant and prevents peri-implant bone loss.
5. Enhanced Longevity of the Implant Restoration
Protecting the implant and the restoration (crown, bridge, etc.) from undue stress increases the lifespan of the prosthetic components. It helps maintain the integrity of the crown and reduces the risk of fractures, wear, or damage to the prosthetic.
6. Prevention of Soft Tissue Damage
Bruxism can sometimes cause irritation or trauma to the soft tissue around the implant site. A night guard can prevent the cheeks, gums, and tongue from becoming injured due to teeth grinding.
7. Stabilization of the Bite
After implant placement, maintaining a balanced bite is important. A night guard helps keep the bite stable by preventing movements that could shift teeth out of alignment or cause the implant to be overloaded, which could compromise the treatment outcome.
8. Prevention of Fractures to the Prosthetic
Bruxism can cause chipping, cracking, or fracture of the implant restoration or the abutment. A night guard creates a protective barrier that absorbs the impact of grinding, reducing the likelihood of such damage.