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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Cultus
A custom night guard is made from your own teeth’s impressions. Cultus patients can learn about fit, comfort, cleaning and when a guard should be replaced.
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Caring for Cultus patients at our office in Port Dover
Browse every dental service for CultusMade for your bite
A guard shaped to your teeth tends to fit better and stay put.
Night guards are thin appliances worn over the teeth while you sleep. They act as a cushion between upper and lower teeth, absorbing some of the force from grinding or clenching. A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your mouth, so it follows the shape of your teeth closely.
Cultus residents can be fitted for a custom guard at our Port Dover office. We check your teeth for signs of wear, talk about your symptoms and explain the type of guard that suits your bite, so you know what to expect from the first night you wear it.
Do you need one?
The dentist looks for evidence of nighttime forces.
Wear, chips and morning soreness
Flattened tooth edges, small chips, sensitive teeth and a tired jaw when you wake are common signs that grinding or clenching is occurring during sleep. A partner may also hear grinding sounds. The dentist examines your teeth and asks about symptoms to decide whether a guard is likely to help. Not everyone with some wear needs one.
Protecting dental work
If you have crowns, veneers, bridges or large fillings, a guard can help protect them from excessive force. Dental work represents a significant investment of time, and a guard is one way to reduce the chance of chips or fractures. Ask whether your existing restorations show any signs of grinding damage. Porcelain in particular can chip under heavy force.
Design choices
Guards differ in material and coverage.
Hard, soft and dual-layer materials
Custom guards can be made from hard acrylic, softer flexible materials or a combination with a soft inner layer and harder outer surface. Each has different feel and durability. The dentist will recommend a material based on how forcefully you grind, any jaw discomfort and what is likely to be comfortable for you. Thickness is also chosen with your bite in mind.
Upper or lower arch
Guards are often made for the upper teeth, though lower guards are sometimes preferred. The choice can depend on your bite, existing dental work and comfort. Ask why a particular arch is suggested and whether the design is intended to protect teeth, ease muscle strain or both. The goal shapes how the biting surface is finished.
Getting fitted
Two appointments are typically involved.
Impressions or digital scan
At the first visit, the dentist records the shape of your teeth with impressions or a digital scan and may take a bite record. These are used to make a guard that matches your mouth. Mention any loose teeth, sore spots or planned dental work, since changes to your teeth can affect the eventual fit.
The fitting visit
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it seats fully, feels secure and does not press on your gums. Your bite on the guard may be adjusted so that teeth contact it evenly. You will be shown how to insert, remove and clean the appliance before you take it home. A follow-up check may be booked once you have worn it for a while.
Care and replacement
Good care helps a guard last.
Daily cleaning and storage
Each morning, rinse the guard, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water and let it air dry. Store it in its ventilated case, away from heat and pets. Avoid hot water, which can distort some materials. Clean the case regularly too, since bacteria can collect there over time. Ask before using any soaking product.
When to bring it in
Bring your guard to checkups so the dentist can look for cracks, thin spots or changes in fit. If it starts to feel loose, tight or causes jaw discomfort, contact the office. New crowns or fillings may require adjustment or a new guard, so mention any dental work done elsewhere. Holes worn through the guard mean it is time to replace it.
Planning your appointment
Fittings for Cultus patients
Call our Port Dover office to arrange a night guard assessment. Mention any morning jaw pain, worn teeth or dental work you would like to protect, and ask how many visits the fitting takes.
If you have used a guard before, bring it along. The dentist can see how it has worn and use that information to guide the new design.
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.
How long does a custom night guard last?
It depends on the material and how forcefully you grind. Some last several years, while heavy grinders may wear through sooner. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can judge when replacement is needed based on wear and fit.
Will a night guard feel uncomfortable at first?
Many people need a few nights to get used to wearing one. Slight pressure or extra saliva is common at first. If it causes pain or sore spots, contact the office for an adjustment rather than trimming it yourself.
Can I use a store-bought guard instead?
Over-the-counter guards are an option for some people but may fit loosely or feel bulky. A custom guard is made for your teeth. Ask the dentist to compare the two for your situation, including comfort and durability.
Does a night guard help with jaw pain?
Some people find it eases morning jaw tension, but results vary. Jaw pain can have several causes. The dentist can assess your symptoms and discuss whether a guard or other approach is appropriate for what is causing it.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse and gently brush it with a soft brush and cool water each morning, then let it dry before storing. Avoid hot water and harsh cleaners that could damage the material. Keep the case clean as well.
More on grinding and jaw care
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding during sleep can wear teeth and strain the jaw. Cultus patients can learn how a night guard protects teeth, how it is fitted and what to expect.
Bruxism Treatment →
Clenching or grinding can wear teeth and tire your jaw. See how our Port Dover dentists assess bruxism for Cultus patients and which protective steps may help.