Can You Wear A Night Guard with A Crown?
25th Aug 2025
Can you wear a night guard with a crown? Yes, as long as it fits well and is the right type.
A well-fitted night guard protects both your crown and natural teeth from grinding damage. An ill-fitting or low-quality guard could damage your crown.
In this article, we'll cover the best night guard options for people with crowns, how to avoid issues, and tips to protect your dental work.
Best Night Guard Options for People with Crowns
Not all night guards are the same, and if you have a crown, choosing the right one is essential to protect your dental work. Here’s a breakdown of custom-fit vs. over-the-Counter night guard options:
1. Custom-Fit Night Guards (Best Option)
A custom-fit night guard, made from an impression of your teeth, ensures a perfect fit, evenly distributes pressure to reduce strain on your crown, and provides long-term comfort and durability.
- Soft Night Guards: Comfortable but may not be durable for heavy grinders.
- Hard Night Guards: Stronger and suited for heavy grinding; however, sometimes the fit can be tight. This may cause an issue if the night guard is worn over a crown. The hard night guard is best worn on the opposing side of a crown.
- Hybrid Night Guards (Dual-Layer): Excellent choice for most people with crowns—soft inside for comfort, hard outside for durability.
2. Boil-and-Bite Night Guards
A boil-and-bite night guard can be molded at home, but the fit may not be precise, potentially putting uneven pressure on crowned teeth. While it can serve as a short-term solution, it is not as reliable or effective as a custom-fit guard.
3. One-Size-Fits-All Night Guards (Not Recommended)
A one-size-fits-all night guard has a generic fit that doesn’t account for individual bites, making it more likely to be too tight, too loose, or uncomfortable. It can also put uneven pressure on your crown, increasing the risk of damage.
Tip: For the safest option, a professionally made, custom night guard is the best way to protect your crown and teeth.
Related Articles:
What Type of Night Guard to Get for a Temporary Crown
Since temporary crowns are meant to be replaced, a custom night guard should be made after the permanent crown is placed. However, if you still need protection in the meantime, consider:
A Soft Night Guard – Provides gentle cushioning and is less likely to put excessive pressure on your temporary crown.
A Looser-Fitting Boil-and-Bite Guard – If a night guard is necessary, molding it carefully to avoid a tight fit over the temporary crown can help reduce risks.
What to Avoid
Hard or Dual-Layer Night Guards – These can apply too much pressure on a temporary crown and may cause it to shift or come loose.
One-Size-Fits-All Guards – These don’t adapt to your unique bite and may put uneven force on your temporary crown.
Tip: If you have a temporary crown, talk to your dentist before using a night guard. They can guide you on whether you should wait until your permanent crown is placed or suggest a short-term solution to protect your teeth.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
Can a Night Guard Damage a Crown?
Wearing a night guard protects your teeth, but an ill-fitting or poorly made guard could put your dental crown at risk. Here are some potential issues to be aware of:
Improper Fit: A night guard that isn’t customized to your bite may put too much pressure on your crown, weakening or loosening it over time.
Loose or Ill-Fitting Guards: A guard that moves around or doesn’t fit securely can cause irritation and may even dislodge your crown.
Low-Quality Materials: Some store-bought night guards are made from hard or bulky materials that may not distribute pressure evenly, increasing the risk of damage to both crowns and natural teeth.
Note: A custom-fit guard made from high-quality materials ensures even pressure distribution, a secure fit, and protection for both your crown and natural teeth.
Signs Your Night Guard May Be Harming Your Crown
A night guard is meant to protect your teeth and crowns, but if it doesn’t fit properly, it could do more harm than good. Here are some signs that your night guard may be causing issues with your crown:
Tightness or Discomfort Around the Crown - If your night guard feels too tight around your crown, it may be putting too much pressure on it.
Difficulty Putting On or Removing the Night Guard - A well-fitted night guard should slip on and off easily. Forcing it could loosen your crown over time.
Changes in How Your Bite Feels - If your bite feels off after wearing your night guard, it could be affecting your teeth alignment.
Loosening of the Crown Over Time - If your crown starts feeling unstable, your night guard may not be distributing pressure evenly.
What to Do If Your Night Guard Feels Uncomfortable
Stop using the night guard and check for signs of improper fit.
Consult your dentist if you notice tightness, bite changes, or a loose crown.
Consider switching to a custom-fitted night guard that provides the right balance of protection and comfort without harming your dental work.
Related Articles:
- Is Your Night Guard Uncomfortable?
- How Should a Night Guard Fit?
- Wearing a Night Guard: Pros and Cons
How to Get a Night Guard for Crowns
To safely wear a night guard with a crown, follow these steps:
Choose a Custom Night Guard – A custom-fit guard offers the best protection, ensuring comfort and even pressure distribution.
Consult Your Dentist – If you're unsure about the fit or how it affects your crown, ask your dentist for advice.
Pick a Trusted Provider – Select a provider offering high-quality, custom night guards for comfort and durability.
Note: A well-fitting night guard helps protect your crown and teeth from grinding damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wearing a Night Guard with a Crown
1. Should I wear a night guard if I have multiple crowns?
Yes, but it’s even more important to choose a custom-fit night guard. Custom guards are designed to fit your unique bite, ensuring even pressure distribution and reducing the risk of damaging your crowns.
2. Can I wear a night guard if I have dental implants along with crowns?
Yes, but you’ll need a custom night guard to ensure a proper fit over both crowns and implants. A poorly fitted night guard could put uneven pressure on dental work, potentially causing discomfort or complications.
3. How long does a custom night guard last if I have a crown?
A well-maintained custom night guard can last several years, depending on how frequently you grind your teeth and how well you care for it. Be sure to check for wear and tear and replace it if it becomes damaged or loose.
4. Will insurance cover my night guard if I have a crown?
Some dental insurance plans partially cover custom night guards, especially if they are prescribed for bruxism. Check with your provider to see if you qualify for coverage.
5. Do I need to replace my night guard if I get a new crown?
Yes, if your new crown significantly alters your bite, you may need a new custom night guard. Your dentist can advise you on whether your current guard still fits properly.
Conclusion
Wearing a night guard with a crown is safe if you choose the right one. A custom-fit guard ensures even pressure and protects both your crown and teeth. Consult your dentist if you have concerns, and avoid ill-fitting guards. With the right night guard, you can protect your dental work and prevent further damage.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
