Can a Night Guard Protect Dental Crowns? | ClearClub

Using dental crowns can be an excellent method of repairing your damaged teeth and getting your smile healthy once again. However, in case you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, you will subject the dental crowns to additional stress.

So, can a night guard protect dental crowns from excessive pressure and wear? In this blog, we'll look at how teeth grinding can affect dental crowns, how a custom night guard may help protect them, and what you should know before adding one to your nighttime routine.

Can Teeth Grinding Damage Dental Crowns?

Cleveland Clinic describes a dental crown as being a cap-like structure that is shaped like a tooth and which is used for protecting or covering a damaged tooth. Though a crown can endure normal biting processes, teeth grinding adds more pressure to the crown.

And that added pressure may affect how long a crown lasts. A study of more than 1,000 single crowns found that bruxism was associated with a higher risk of crown failure, with loss of retention being the most common complication observed.

In addition, a study done in 2025 has shown the connection between bruxism and the failure of dental restorations. It may be assumed that bruxism can cause additional stress to dental restoration. Though this does not imply that grinding will definitely damage the dental crown protecting it from pressure is not a bad idea.

Can a Night Guard Protect Dental Crowns?

A dental night guard is an oral device you wear while you sleep. It lies between your top and bottom teeth and helps to protect them from the effects of grinding and clenching. If you have dental crowns, it may also help reduce stress on your restorations.

There's some research to back this up. Research done in the year 2025 on participants with bruxism wearing zirconia crowns found that patients who had customized occlusal splints had increased crown functionality and reduced fractures after five years. A separate research revealed the risk of increased porcelain fracture among patients with implant-supported restoration who did not have a protective occlusal device.

While a night guard can't guarantee your crown won't be damaged, these findings suggest that reducing nighttime grinding forces may give your restorations some added protection.

What to Consider Before Wearing a Night Guard With a Crown?

Before wearing a night guard with a dental crown, there are a few things to consider, including fit, comfort, and your crown's condition.

Choose a Properly Fitted Guard

The way each individual's teeth are structured is unique, which is why having a personalized mouth guard will be a better choice. It should be comfortable and secure when you're wearing it at night. If you have been using one for some time now, you may want to have it checked if you have recently fitted your new crown.

Check the Condition of Your Crown

If your crown is loose, cracked, painful, or recently placed, it's a good idea to have it checked before using a night guard. Your dentist can make sure the crown is in good shape and that the guard won't interfere with it.

Consider Your Bite and Grinding Habits

Bite, grinding, and comfort level could be some of the things that would determine the thickness required for your night guard. Your dentist will be able to guide you on this matter.

Protect Your Dental Work and Smile From Bruxism

A night guard doesn't stop bruxism itself; instead, it can help reduce the direct forces placed in your teeth and restorations while you sleep. ClearClub's custom night guards are designed around your own impression, with different thicknesses and colors available for a more personalized fit and experience.

Ready to give your crowns some extra protection? Explore your options with ClearClub and find a night guard that fits your needs.

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