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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.
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:
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.
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:
Not everyone who grinds their teeth has the same cause. That is why we always look at your personal situation before starting any treatment.
Many patients live with symptoms for months or even years without knowing that teeth grinding is the cause.
Common symptoms include:
If these symptoms are left untreated, the damage to your teeth can continue to increase.
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:
Acting in time often prevents the need for more extensive dental treatment later on.
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:
As a result, the fit is more comfortable and the load is spread more evenly.
We work with a careful, step-by-step process.
Step by step:
The lifespan depends on:
On average, a high-quality night guard lasts several years. With severe wear, replacement may be needed sooner.
A clean night guard stays in better condition and prevents bacterial growth.
We recommend:
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:
That way you know exactly where you stand before treatment begins.
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.
Below you will find answers to the questions we are asked most often about night guards.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Good reviews
Geplaatst op Google GERRY BALLYTrustindex verifieert dat de oorspronkelijke bron van de recensie Google is. As a Physician, I need dental services that are excellent from a technical and client service standpoint. As well, it is a challenge for expats in Den Haag to identify optimal dental services. I met Dr Azzi Alshangi in 2024 when he had been working part time at another dental clinic, and his technical and social skills were so outstanding that I decided to follow him when he established his practice. On my first visit in August 2026, the reception staff (Sandra, Sam) were polite and respectful, and the intake services of Milan, a Dental Assistant, were thorough and outstanding. Dr. Alshangi was as professional and informative as in 2024. From a medical and expat perspective, I cannot recommend this dental clinic enough.Geplaatst op Google Anna MchitaryanTrustindex verifieert dat de oorspronkelijke bron van de recensie Google is. Zeer tevreden over Tandheelkundig Centrum Frederikstraat! Je wordt snel en vriendelijk geholpen. De medewerkers aan de balie zijn professioneel en behulpzaam. Tandarts Alshangi werkt zorgvuldig, legt alles duidelijk uit en begeleidt je stap voor stap. Zeker een aanrader!Geplaatst op Google Sandra AraujoTrustindex verifieert dat de oorspronkelijke bron van de recensie Google is. De Bachna is heel rustig en legt alles goed uit. Je voelt je gelijk op je gemak en de beetje spanning die had verdwijnt als sneeuw voor de zon. Echt een aanrader zeker als je wat angstig bent.Geplaatst op Google Hedde van der LugtTrustindex verifieert dat de oorspronkelijke bron van de recensie Google is. Excellent dentists with a modern practice and knowledgeable, friendly staff. Comes at a price, but worth it.Geplaatst op Google Melissa CrijnsTrustindex verifieert dat de oorspronkelijke bron van de recensie Google is. I've been going to this dentist office for 4 years. Great customer service and gentle yet thorough dental care. Tandarts Alshangi and his entire team are very good. Highly recommendGeplaatst op Google Bart van den HeuvelTrustindex verifieert dat de oorspronkelijke bron van de recensie Google is. Ik ben geen patiënt bij deze praktijk maar liep wel met pijn in mijn reeds gewortelkanaalde kies met kroon erop. Ik kon hier binnen 1 dag terecht om de ergste pijn te laten verhelpen. Zeer kundig met behoud van mijn kroon zijn er kanalen schoongemaakt. Volgende week maandag deel 2. Erg prettig geholpen in een mooie praktijk. Fijn kunnen communiceren via Whatsapp.Google waardering: 4.7 van 5, gebaseerd op 110 recensies
Experienced team at TC Frederikstraat
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.
N. Al Hassani
Dentist MSc
A. Alshangi
Dentist MSc
J. Mater
Dentist MSc
Mahmood Qaderi
Oral hygienist
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