Custom Night Guard from a dentist in The Hague

New patients welcome, no waiting list!

Tandheelkundig Centrum Frederikstraat Icon in Slider

Custom-made night guard at our dental practice in The Hague

Do you regularly wake up with a tired jaw, a headache or sensitive teeth? There is a good chance you are clenching or grinding your teeth at night. Most people never notice it themselves, while teeth grinding can quietly damage your teeth over the years. A custom-made night guard protects your teeth and molars against wear and helps reduce the strain on your jaw joint and chewing muscles.

At Tandheelkundig Centrum Frederikstraat in The Hague, we first examine carefully where your symptoms come from. Not every form of jaw pain or headache is caused by teeth grinding. During an examination we assess your teeth, the wear on them, your jaw joints and the function of your chewing muscles. Based on that, we advise whether a night guard is the right solution for you.

Our team speaks English, and we treat many international patients and expats. Every day we see patients from The Hague, Scheveningen, Voorburg, Rijswijk, Leidschendam, Wassenaar and the surrounding region with complaints caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

Would you like to make an appointment with our dentist for a night guard in The Hague? Contact us today on 070-3463488 or use the appointment form.

Tandarts in Den Haag Balie afbeelding bij Tandheelkundige Centrum Frederikstraat
Behandelruimte - Tandheelkundig Centrum Frederikstraat Den Haag

What is a night guard?

A night guard is a transparent plastic protective plate that is made entirely to measure for your teeth. It is usually worn during the night and prevents your upper and lower teeth from making direct contact while you grind or clench.

In dentistry, a night guard is also referred to as:

  • splint
  • bite splint
  • occlusal splint
  • stabilisation splint
  • mouth guard for teeth
  • grinding
  • bruxism guard

Although these names are often used interchangeably, they all serve the same purpose: protecting your teeth and reducing the load on your jaw. A night guard usually does not stop the grinding itself, but it does prevent the damage that grinding causes.

Why do people grind their teeth?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, often happens unconsciously during sleep. The exact cause differs from person to person and is sometimes a combination of several factors.

Common causes include:

  • stress
  • tension
  • anxiety
  • a disturbed sleep pattern
  • overloading of the chewing muscles
  • certain medications
  • sleep disorders
  • excessive caffeine intake
  • alcohol consumption
  • smoking

Not everyone who grinds their teeth has the same cause. That is why we always look at your personal situation before starting any treatment.

What symptoms can teeth grinding cause?

Many patients live with symptoms for months or even years without knowing that teeth grinding is the cause.

Common symptoms include:

  • headaches on waking
  • a painful jaw
  • stiff chewing muscles
  • sensitive teeth
  • worn-down teeth
  • small cracks in teeth
  • chipped or broken molars
  • fillings coming loose
  • sensitive molars
  • pain around the temples
  • clicking sounds from the jaw
  • limited mouth opening
  • neck complaints
  • shoulder complaints
  • a tired feeling in the face

If these symptoms are left untreated, the damage to your teeth can continue to increase.

Why is a night guard important?

Many people assume teeth grinding is harmless. Yet long-term grinding can lead to permanent damage to teeth, molars and restorations.

A well-fitting night guard helps to:

  • prevent wear of your teeth
  • protect crowns and bridges
  • reduce the load on implants
  • extend the lifespan of composite fillings
  • reduce pressure on the jaw joint
  • lower tension in the chewing muscles
  • limit further damage to your teeth

Acting in time often prevents the need for more extensive dental treatment later on.

Why choose a custom-made night guard?

Standard, ready-made guards are widely sold in pharmacies and drugstores. Although the lower price looks attractive, they usually offer less protection.

A professional night guard is fully matched to:

  • your bite
  • the position of your teeth
  • your jaw movement
  • your chewing force
  • the distribution of pressure

As a result, the fit is more comfortable and the load is spread more evenly.

Tandarts in Den Haag Balie afbeelding bij Tandheelkundige Centrum Frederikstraat
Behandelruimte - Tandheelkundig Centrum Frederikstraat Den Haag

How does the night guard treatment work at Tandheelkundig Centrum Frederikstraat?

We work with a careful, step-by-step process.

Step by step:

  • Examination
    We examine your teeth, the wear, your jaw joints and your chewing muscles.

  • Impression or digital scan
    We take a precise impression or digital scan of your teeth.

  • Manufacturing
    The dental laboratory produces your personal night guard.

  • Fitting the night guard
    We check the fit and your bite carefully.

  • Aftercare and check-ups
    At a check-up appointment we assess whether the guard is still working optimally.

How long does a night guard last?

The lifespan depends on:

  • the force with which you grind
  • the material used
  • maintenance
  • daily use

On average, a high-quality night guard lasts several years. With severe wear, replacement may be needed sooner.

Cleaning your night guard

A clean night guard stays in better condition and prevents bacterial growth.

We recommend:

  • rinsing it daily with lukewarm water
  • cleaning it with a soft toothbrush
  • storing it in the case provided
  • never cleaning it with boiling water
  • having it checked regularly
Tandarts in Den Haag Balie afbeelding bij Tandheelkundige Centrum Frederikstraat
Behandelruimte - Tandheelkundig Centrum Frederikstraat Den Haag

How much does a night guard cost?

The cost varies per treatment and depends on the type of night guard and the dental care required. Dental fees in the Netherlands are set annually by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa), so the tariffs are the same at every practice. During your first appointment you always receive:

  • a personal treatment plan
  • a clear cost estimate
  • an explanation of possible reimbursements

That way you know exactly where you stand before treatment begins.

Is a night guard covered by insurance?

In the Netherlands, dental care for adults is not included in the basic health insurance (basisverzekering). In many cases a night guard is fully or partly reimbursed through supplementary dental insurance (aanvullende tandartsverzekering). The level of reimbursement differs per health insurer and per policy, so we advise you to check your policy conditions in advance. If you wish, we will provide the information you need for your claim.

Frequently asked questions about night guards

Below you will find answers to the questions we are asked most often about night guards.

A night guard can reduce headaches when they are caused by teeth grinding or overloading of the chewing muscles. Many people who wake up with a headache, pain around the temples or a tired feeling in the jaw turn out to be clenching or grinding unconsciously. A night guard not only protects your teeth, it also helps reduce pressure on the jaw muscles and the jaw joint. Not every headache has the same cause, which is why we always examine where your symptoms come from before advising a treatment.

In some situations a dentist may advise wearing a guard during the day too. This can be the case if you clench your teeth a lot during the day because of stress or tension. Whether this is sensible depends on your symptoms and on the cause of the grinding. During an examination we discuss which wearing time suits your personal situation best.

Yes. The terms night guard, splint, bite splint, occlusal splint and mouth guard are often used interchangeably. They all refer to a protective plate used to limit damage caused by teeth grinding or clenching. There are, however, different types of splint depending on the treatment and the symptoms. Your dentist decides which type best suits your teeth and your jaw function.

A well-fitting night guard should not hurt. During the first few days it can take some getting used to, and you may feel slight pressure while your mouth adapts to the guard. This usually disappears within a few days. If the discomfort continues or the guard does not feel right, we can check the fit and adjust it where necessary. A custom-made night guard is generally far more comfortable than a standard guard from a shop.

After the first examination we take an impression or digital scan of your teeth. The night guard is then produced in a dental laboratory. In most cases it is ready within a few working days to around two weeks. At the follow-up appointment we check the fit carefully and make sure the guard feels comfortable and functions properly.

Good cleaning extends the lifespan of your night guard and helps reduce bacteria and plaque. Rinse the guard with lukewarm water every morning and clean it gently with a soft toothbrush. Do not use boiling water, as this can deform the material. Store the guard dry in its case when you are not wearing it. During your regular check-up we also assess the condition of the guard.

How long a night guard lasts differs per person. It depends on the force with which you grind, how often you wear it and how well it is maintained. On average, a high-quality night guard lasts several years. When the guard shows visible wear, cracks or no longer fits your teeth properly, it is wise to book a check-up appointment. We will then assess whether repair or replacement is needed.

Sometimes teeth grinding decreases by itself, for example when temporary stress reduces. For many people, however, it continues for years without them being aware of it. Long-term grinding can lead to worn teeth, damaged restorations and jaw complaints. If you notice that you regularly wake up with a painful jaw, headaches or sensitive teeth, it is sensible to have your teeth checked by a dentist.

Yes. Teeth grinding places extra load on implants, crowns, bridges and other dental restorations. Because of the high forces generated during grinding, implants and restorations can wear or become damaged more quickly. A night guard helps to distribute these forces more evenly and can therefore contribute to a longer lifespan of your implants and other dental work.

Stress and tension are among the most common causes of teeth grinding and clenching. Many people process tension unconsciously during sleep, which keeps the chewing muscles constantly tense. This can lead to headaches, jaw complaints and wear of the teeth. Alongside a night guard, it can sometimes help to pay attention to relaxation, sleep hygiene or other ways of reducing stress. We are happy to advise you on the options.

It is wise to contact a dentist if you regularly experience a painful jaw, headaches on waking, sensitive or worn teeth, broken fillings, or if your partner hears you grinding your teeth at night. The sooner teeth grinding is identified, the greater the chance that further damage to your teeth can be prevented. During an examination we look into the cause of your symptoms and discuss which treatment suits your situation best.

Yes. We welcome new patients, including internationals who have recently moved to The Hague, and there is no waiting list. 

Tandarts in Den Haag Balie afbeelding bij Tandheelkundige Centrum Frederikstraat
Behandelruimte - Tandheelkundig Centrum Frederikstraat Den Haag

Why choose Tandheelkundig Centrum Frederikstraat?

Having a night guard made to measure requires experience, precision and personal attention. Our team guides you through every step of the process.

With us, you can count on:

  • Experienced dentists and clinicians
  • Personal guidance throughout the entire process
  • Modern techniques for a precise fit and comfort
  • Clear communication and transparent explanations
  • Treatment in line with current dental guidelines

Our practice is located in the centre of The Hague and works with a focus on quality and long-lasting results. Our dentists and assistants speak English, so you always know exactly what is being done and why.

Book an appointment for a night guard in The Hague

Do you suffer from teeth grinding, jaw clenching or jaw complaints, or have you noticed that your teeth are wearing down? Do not wait until the symptoms get worse. During a first appointment we examine your teeth carefully, assess the cause of your symptoms and discuss whether a custom-made night guard is the right solution for your situation. You receive a personal treatment plan, a clear explanation of the treatment and, where relevant, a straightforward cost estimate. That way you know exactly where you stand before treatment begins.

Fill in the appointment form below or call us during opening hours on 070-3463488. We are happy to help.

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Meet our experienced dentists & dental hygienists

Our team of experienced dentists and dental hygienists is ready to provide you with professional care, up-to-date knowledge, and a true passion for dentistry. Whether you are visiting for a routine check-up or a comprehensive treatment plan, you are in good hands.

Noor

N. Al Hassani

Dentist MSc

Aziz

A. Alshangi​

Dentist MSc

Jan Mater

J. Mater

Dentist MSc

Mahmood

Mahmood Qaderi

Oral hygienist