Bruxism
What Should You Do If a Night Guard Breaks or Is Lost?
Explains why review matters when a night guard is lost, cracked, tight, or no longer fits.
Prepared by
Dt. Seçil Sönmez
Clinical review
Dt. Seçil Sönmez, Dentist
Updated
May 13, 2026
Read time
5 min
If a night guard breaks or is lost, simply asking for a replacement from an old record may not always be enough. Tooth position, restorations, bite contacts, and jaw-muscle complaints can change over time.
A night guard that feels tight, causes pressure, or seems to increase morning discomfort should also be checked. The reason may be the appliance itself, small tooth movements, or changing load on the jaw muscles.
During review, the fit of the guard, tooth wear, restorations, bite, and muscle symptoms are considered together. The goal is not only to make a new guard, but to understand whether the current plan still fits the situation.
Continuing to use a cracked appliance after trying to repair it at home can increase irritation or wrong-contact risk. Keeping the broken guard and showing it at the appointment is usually a safer step.
General information
This article is for general information and does not replace a personal diagnosis or treatment plan. Dental concerns should be evaluated by a dentist.