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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Boston
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to shield teeth from grinding. Boston patients can be measured and fitted at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Boston, Ontario patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Boston patientsMade to your bite
A guard shaped to your teeth tends to stay in and feel right.
A custom night guard is a thin appliance worn over the teeth during sleep. It is made from a scan or impressions of your own mouth, so it fits closely. For people who grind or clench at night, a guard can help protect enamel, fillings and crowns from wear and reduce strain on the teeth.
Boston residents can be assessed and fitted for a night guard at our Port Dover office. When you book, mention symptoms such as jaw soreness, worn edges or a partner hearing grinding, and the dentist can confirm whether a guard is a sensible step for you.
Do you need one
A guard is a protective tool, not a cure-all.
Signs pointing toward a guard
Flattened or chipped teeth, repeated broken fillings, morning jaw tiredness, headaches near the temples and sensitivity without an obvious cause can all suggest night-time grinding. The dentist will examine your teeth and chewing muscles and ask about your sleep before recommending a guard, rather than assuming every one of these symptoms has the same underlying cause.
What a guard can and cannot do
A guard places a durable barrier between upper and lower teeth to absorb grinding forces. It helps protect against wear, but it does not necessarily stop the grinding itself. If stress, sleep problems or jaw joint issues are involved, those may need attention too, sometimes with your physician. Ask the dentist how a guard fits into your wider plan.
Getting measured
Accurate records are the key to a comfortable fit.
Recording the shape of your teeth
The team takes impressions or a digital scan of your teeth and may record how your jaws come together. These details are used to make a guard that follows the contours of your mouth closely. The appointment is usually short and straightforward. If you have a strong gag reflex, let the team know beforehand so they can work with you patiently.
Choosing the guard type
Guards vary in thickness, hardness and whether they cover the upper or lower teeth. The dentist will suggest a design based on your bite, how heavily you appear to grind and what will be comfortable to sleep in. Ask why a particular type is recommended and how it is expected to feel during the night and first thing in the morning.
Fitting day
A few minor tweaks are normal at the start.
Checking fit and comfort
When the guard is ready, it is tried in so the fit and bite can be checked. It should feel snug without pinching or pressing sharply on the gums. The dentist can make small adjustments on the spot. You will be shown how to put it in, remove it without bending it and check that it is seated correctly before bed.
Adjusting to sleeping with it
Some people notice extra saliva or find the guard strange for the first few nights. This usually settles as you get used to wearing it. If you wake with sore teeth, gums or jaw, or the guard seems to change how your teeth meet in the morning for more than a short while, contact the office for a check and adjustment.
Care and checkups
Simple daily habits keep a guard clean and working.
Cleaning and storing the guard
Rinse the guard each morning, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water, and let it air dry before storing it in its case. Avoid hot water and harsh household cleaners, which can warp or damage it. Keep it well away from dogs and other pets, who are often attracted to the smell and may chew it to pieces.
Bringing it to appointments
Bring the guard to regular dental visits. The dentist can look for cracks, thinning or changes in fit and check your teeth for any ongoing wear. Guards do wear out with use, and a replacement may eventually be needed, especially if grinding is heavy or your dental work changes, for example after a new crown.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a night guard from Boston
Call our Port Dover office to book an assessment for a custom night guard. Mention grinding signs and any jaw discomfort, so the dentist can examine your teeth and bite and plan the right design.
If you have an older guard or a store-bought one, bring it along so the dentist can see exactly how it has worn.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Night guard questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Is a custom guard better than a store-bought one?
A custom guard is made to your own teeth, so it usually fits more closely and comfortably. Store-bought guards may be bulkier or shift during sleep. The dentist can explain the differences and help you decide what makes sense for your situation.
Will a night guard stop my grinding?
A guard mainly protects the teeth from wear and damage. Some people find their symptoms improve, but grinding may continue. Addressing contributing factors such as stress, caffeine or sleep problems may also help reduce the habit over time.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how heavily you grind and how carefully the guard is looked after. Regular checkups help determine when it is wearing thin or no longer fitting well, and when a replacement guard would be sensible.
Can a night guard change my bite?
A properly fitted guard should not cause lasting bite changes. If your bite feels different in the morning for more than a short while after removing it, contact the office so the guard can be checked and adjusted promptly.
How should I clean my guard?
Rinse it and brush it gently with cool water, then let it dry fully before storing it in its case. Avoid hot water and harsh cleaners that could damage it, and keep the case clean as well to prevent build-up.
Related grinding care for Boston patients
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Night grinding can wear enamel and crack fillings. Boston patients can learn how a night guard protects teeth and how to tell whether they need one.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a tight jaw or worn teeth? Boston patients can have grinding assessed in Port Dover and talk through guards, habits and follow-up.