Treatments:
A mouth guard can be an over-the-counter, boil-and-bite product, or a custom-made appliance fitted by a dentist. The guards covered on this page are the custom, dentist-made kind — designed to fit your teeth and bite precisely, most commonly for people who grind or clench their teeth (a condition called bruxism), or for protection during contact sports. Though they might look similar, a night guard for grinding and a sports mouthguard are built for different purposes and aren't interchangeable.
Alp Medical Travel is a medical tourism facilitator, not a dental clinic. Examinations, diagnoses, treatment recommendations and procedures are carried out by our partner dental clinics and dentists in Türkiye. Our role is to coordinate your treatment journey and communication with the treating clinic.
Depending on what you need the guard for, the dentist may discuss a few different options:
Which material or design suits you isn't a simple formula based on how severe your grinding feels — research hasn't established one type as universally best, and the right choice depends on your bite, your teeth, and what the guard needs to achieve. The treating dentist will recommend an option after an assessment.
A night guard doesn't necessarily stop you from grinding or clenching, but it creates a barrier that helps protect your teeth from the wear, chipping, and fracture this can cause over time. Some people also notice an improvement in related jaw muscle tension or morning headaches, though this varies from person to person.
A sports mouthguard is designed to reduce the risk of dental injury — chipped, loosened, or knocked-out teeth — during contact or high-impact activities. It isn't a substitute for a night guard, and a night guard isn't a substitute for it, since each is built for a different kind of force.
Not automatically. Jaw pain, clicking, or discomfort can have a number of different causes, and a standard night guard isn't always the right response — in some cases, the dentist may recommend a specific type of splint aimed at your jaw joint, or refer you for a broader assessment if something more involved seems to be going on.
If you already have crowns, veneers, bridges, or other dental work, this needs to be taken into account when your guard is designed, so it fits properly and doesn't put uneven pressure on any one area. The dentist will examine your teeth and bite before recommending an option.
The dentist takes an impression or digital scan of your teeth, which is used to produce a custom-fitted guard. Once it's ready, the dentist checks the fit and makes any adjustments needed so it sits comfortably and doesn't interfere with your bite.
It's common to need a short adjustment period, particularly with a new night guard — some people notice more saliva than usual, or find it takes a few nights to get used to sleeping with it in. This generally settles on its own.
Most people adjust to wearing a guard within the first week or two. If it consistently feels uncomfortable, doesn't fit well, or you notice new jaw pain after starting to wear it, this is worth mentioning to the treating clinic rather than continuing to push through it.
Guards wear down with use and generally need replacing after a period of time — how long depends on the material and how often it's worn. Bringing it to routine dental check-ups lets the dentist assess the wear pattern and whether it still fits well.
General care for a mouth guard includes:
Once you're home, your Alp Medical Travel coordinator remains your point of contact if you have any questions about your guard or need help arranging a replacement.
You will have one named coordinator from your first enquiry through your return home. With your consent, we arrange the preliminary review of your case by a partner dental clinic and coordinate:
This means you know who to contact at each stage without having to explain your case again to a new person.
Cost depends on the type of guard recommended and whether it's being provided alongside other dental treatment. Following a preliminary review, the partner dental clinic will prepare the proposed treatment and costs, and Alp Medical Travel will coordinate an itemised quotation showing what's included, along with any travel-support services. The final treatment plan and price are confirmed after your clinical examination in Türkiye.
This page provides general information and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or individual advice from a qualified dentist.
