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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Hillcrest
A custom night guard can cushion teeth from clenching during sleep. Hillcrest patients can learn about fitting, comfort and care at our Port Dover office.
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A guard made for your bite stays put through the night.
Grinding and clenching during sleep can wear down enamel, crack teeth and leave the jaw sore by morning. A custom night guard is a removable appliance made from a precise model of your teeth. It places a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth, helping to absorb force, spread pressure more evenly and reduce the direct tooth-on-tooth contact that causes wear.
Hillcrest patients can be assessed for a night guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check for signs of grinding, discuss the style of guard that suits your bite and walk you through each step, from impressions or scans to the final fitting and the adjustments that sometimes follow.
Do you need one?
A guard addresses the effects of grinding, not always the cause.
Signs a guard may help
Worn or flattened teeth, chips that keep appearing, morning jaw tightness, dull headaches and a partner who hears grinding at night can all suggest a guard might be useful. The dentist will look for characteristic wear patterns and ask about your symptoms. Protecting teeth early can help avoid more extensive repairs later, particularly for people who already have crowns or large fillings.
Questions to explore first
Before making a guard, the dentist may ask about stress, sleep quality, snoring and medications, since these can all be linked to grinding. If your symptoms suggest a sleep-related breathing problem or a jaw joint disorder, further evaluation may be advised first. Understanding the bigger picture helps ensure the guard is part of a sensible plan rather than a stand-alone fix.
Design choices
The design is matched to your bite and habits.
Hard, soft and layered materials
Night guards are made from different materials. Hard acrylic guards are durable and often recommended for heavy grinding, while softer or dual-layer guards can feel more comfortable for lighter clenching. The dentist will suggest a material based on how much wear they see, how your jaw moves during sleep and what you are likely to find comfortable enough to wear every night.
Upper or lower arch
Guards are usually made for either the upper or the lower teeth. The choice depends on your bite, the restorations you already have and personal comfort. Ask the dentist why they suggest one arch over the other and how the guard should feel when it is properly seated, so you can recognize when something is not quite right later on.
Fitting
Getting the fit right is a two-step process.
Impressions or scans
The dentist takes impressions or a digital scan of your teeth and records how your jaws meet. These records are used to fabricate the guard. If you have dental work coming up, such as a new crown or filling, mention it, because changes to your teeth can affect the fit, and it is often better to finish restorations before the guard is made.
Adjusting the fit
At the fitting appointment, the dentist checks that the guard seats evenly, does not rock and feels balanced when you bite together. Small adjustments are common at this stage. You will be shown how to put it in, take it out and clean it. Report any tightness, soreness or changes to your bite after the first few nights so the fit can be refined.
Care
A well-maintained guard lasts longer.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse and gently brush the guard each morning with cool water, then let it dry and store it in its ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material, and keep the case well away from pets, who often chew appliances. Clean the case itself regularly. If the guard develops a persistent odour or stain, ask the team for cleaning suggestions.
Checking for wear
Bring the guard to your regular checkups. The dentist can look for cracks, thinning and changes in fit, and the wear marks on its surface can show how much grinding is happening. If the guard no longer clicks snugly into place or becomes damaged, a replacement may be needed so it continues to protect your teeth as intended.
Planning your appointment
Planning a night guard with a Hillcrest address.
Contact our Port Dover office to book an assessment and mention symptoms such as jaw soreness, headaches or teeth that look worn. If you already own a guard, the dentist can check whether it still fits and is still doing its job properly.
Let the team know if you have dental work planned, since it may be best to complete it before impressions are taken for a new guard.
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.
Will a night guard stop me grinding?
A night guard mainly protects teeth from the effects of grinding. Some people notice they clench less while wearing one, but the habit may continue. The dentist may also suggest addressing possible triggers such as stress, caffeine or poor sleep alongside the guard.
How long does it take to get used to a guard?
Many people adjust within a few nights to a couple of weeks. It may feel bulky at first and you might notice extra saliva. If it causes pain, gagging or a change in how your teeth meet in the morning, contact the office so the fit can be checked.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain?
For some people, a guard eases jaw muscle strain that comes from clenching. Jaw pain can have several causes, however, so the dentist will assess your symptoms carefully and may suggest other treatments or referral if the pattern points elsewhere.
How long does a custom guard last?
Lifespan depends on the material and how heavily you grind. Some guards last several years with good care, while heavy grinders may wear through them sooner. Bring yours to checkups so the dentist can monitor wear and recommend replacement when needed.
Is a night guard the same as a sports guard?
No. Sports guards are designed to absorb impact during activity, while night guards protect against the grinding forces that occur during sleep. They differ in thickness, material and shape, so one should not be used in place of the other.
Related grinding and jaw care
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Waking with a sore jaw or worn teeth? Hillcrest patients can find out at our Port Dover office whether a night guard could protect their teeth while they sleep.
Bruxism Treatment →
Clenching or grinding can wear teeth and tire the jaw. Learn how Hillcrest patients can have bruxism assessed and discuss protective options in Port Dover.