Bite Plate

Bite Plates for Teeth Grinding

Custom-fitted bite plates for teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw pain relief — available at 13 Family Dental Care branches across South Africa

Understanding Bruxism

What is bruxism and why should you take it seriously?

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. It affects approximately one in three adults and, crucially, occurs most often during sleep, which is why the vast majority of sufferers have no idea it’s happening.

Unlike most dental problems, bruxism isn’t something you can feel in the moment. You’re asleep. The damage accumulates quietly over months and years, only becoming visible or painful when it’s already significant. By the time most patients are diagnosed, they’ve sustained measurable enamel loss, jaw joint strain, or both.

Bruxism is associated with stress and anxiety, certain sleep disorders including sleep apnoea, and bite misalignment  though it can occur without any obvious trigger. It’s also known to worsen during high-pressure periods in life, making management rather than elimination the primary goal of treatment.

The good news: bruxism is well understood, highly manageable, and the damage it causes is almost entirely preventable with the right intervention. A custom bite plate is that intervention.

Family Dental Care
01

DIGITAL SCAN, NO MOULDS

We use state-of-the-art digital scanning to create a precise 3D model of your mouth. No uncomfortable impressions — faster, more accurate, better-fitting results.
02

MEDICAL AID BENEFIT CHECK

You don't need to contact your medical aid yourself. Our team will do a benefit check on your behalf and advise you on your cover before your appointment.
03

PREMIUM - QUALITY MATERIALS

Every bite plate is fabricated from clinically approved, durable materials designed to withstand heavy grinding forces while remaining thin and comfortable.
04

AFFORDABLE & ACCESSIBLE

Bite plates from R2,500–R3,500. Major medical aids accepted. Flexible payment plans via PayJustNow — split into 3 interest-free instalments.

Bruxism — teeth grinding and jaw clenching

Most people have no idea they're doing it

Bruxism — teeth grinding and jaw clenching — affects up to 1 in 3 adults. It happens subconsciously during sleep, triggered by stress, anxiety, or disrupted sleep. The damage it causes is very real — and very expensive to fix if ignored.

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Common Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth

Bruxism can affect more than your teeth. Here's what the signs may mean and why its important to get help early.

01

Waking up with a dull headache or facial pain

Your jaw muscles may be overworking while you sleep

02

Jaw stiffness or soreness in the morning

Chronic clenching is straining your temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

03

Sensitive teeth, especially to hot or cold

Enamel is being worn down, exposing the sensitive dentine layer beneath

04

Chipped, flattened, or cracked teeth

Grinding forces are exceeding your enamel’s natural strength

05

Your partner hears grinding noises at night

A clear sign of sleep bruxism that needs professional attention

06

Jaw tension radiating into surrounding structures — often misdiagnosed

Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

The Solution

What is a Bite Plate
and how can it help you?

Your custom bite plate. Precision tailored to you.

A bite plate (also called an occlusal splint or night guard) is a custom-fitted dental appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It acts as a protective barrier, absorbing the intense pressure from grinding and clenching — protecting your enamel, relaxing your jaw, and letting you sleep properly again.

  • Protects enamel from wear, fractures, and chipping
  • Relaxes jaw muscles — reducing headaches and facial pain
  • Relieves pressure on the TMJ joint
  • Prevents bruxism-related gum recession
  • Safeguards existing crowns, veneers, and implants
  • Custom-crafted from your digital scans — no impressions or moulds
  • Comfortable, low-profile fit you'll actually wear
BOOK YOUR ASSESSMENT

Ready to Stop the Grind?

Don’t wait until your teeth are permanently damaged. Book your bruxism assessment today and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile. Our experienced team is ready to help across 13 branches nationwide.

  • Available at all 13 FDC branches nationwide
  • Custom lab-fabricated — digital scan, no moulds
  • We handle your medical aid benefit check
  • PayJustNow — 3 interest-free instalments
  • From R2,500 — R3,500
Family Dental Care

Book Your Bruxism Assessment

YOUR JOURNEY TO A PAIN-FREE SMILE

Simple. Guided. Effective.

Getting your custom bite plate at Family Dental Care is a fully guided, comfortable process from start to finish.

bite plate cost south africa
STEP 01

Comprehensive Bruxism Assessment

Your dentist examines your teeth, jaw, and bite for telltale signs of bruxism — wear patterns, muscle tenderness, and joint strain. We confirm whether a bite plate is right for you and discuss your symptoms in detail.

bite plate for kids
STEP 02

Precision Digital Scan

Using our advanced digital scanner, we take a quick and completely comfortable 3D scan of your teeth. No messy impressions or moulds — the entire scan takes just minutes.

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STEP 03

Custom Fabrication

Your digital scan is sent to our trusted dental laboratory where your bespoke bite plate is crafted to your exact specifications from premium materials. This typically takes 1–2 weeks.

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STEP 04

Your Perfect Fit

You return for your fitting appointment. We place the bite plate, check the fit and bite, and make any minor adjustments to ensure it is perfectly comfortable and correctly positioned.

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STEP 05

Sleep Soundly. Wake Up Refreshed.

Take your bite plate home and begin wearing it at night. Most patients notice a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches within the first week of consistent use.

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STEP 03

Custom Fabrication

Your digital scan is sent to our trusted dental laboratory where your bespoke bite plate is crafted to your exact specifications from premium materials. This typically takes 1–2 weeks.