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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in La Salette
A custom night guard can protect teeth from overnight clenching. La Salette patients can see how fit is checked in Port Dover and how to clean and store it.
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Caring for La Salette patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for La SaletteOvernight protection
A guard made for your teeth can take the brunt of nighttime forces.
If you grind or clench in your sleep, a custom night guard places a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth. Made from records of your own bite, it is designed to fit snugly and comfortably, which helps you wear it through the night instead of pulling it out half asleep.
La Salette patients can be assessed and fitted at our Port Dover office. The dentist will look at wear on your teeth, your jaw comfort and your bite, then explain the type of guard recommended and what follow-up visits may be needed to fine-tune it.
Do you need one
The decision begins with evidence of grinding or clenching.
Wear, chips and morning soreness
Flattened or chipped edges, cracked fillings, sensitive teeth and tired jaw muscles in the morning are common reasons a night guard is suggested. A partner may have heard grinding. The dentist will look for these signs and ask about headaches, jaw clicking and your sleep.
Ruling out other causes
Jaw pain can have several causes, and some sleep-related breathing problems are associated with grinding. If symptoms such as loud snoring or daytime fatigue are present, you may be advised to speak with your physician as well. A guard protects teeth but does not treat every underlying cause.
Custom versus store-bought
The design affects comfort, durability and protection.
Why fit makes a difference
Over-the-counter guards can be bulky, shift during the night or wear through quickly. A custom guard follows the contours of your teeth so it stays in place with less effort. A better fit also allows the dentist to adjust how your teeth meet on the guard, which can matter for jaw comfort.
Choosing hard, soft or layered materials
Guards can be made from hard acrylic, softer materials or a combination. The choice depends on how heavily you grind, your jaw symptoms and comfort. The dentist will explain why a particular material is recommended and how long that type of guard tends to last.
Fitting and adjusting
A couple of visits are usually needed for a good fit.
Taking impressions or scans
The first step is capturing an accurate record of your teeth with impressions or a digital scan. A bite record may also be taken. These are used to make a guard shaped specifically for your mouth. Mention any upcoming dental work, since new crowns or fillings can change the fit.
Try-in and bite adjustments
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it seats fully, does not rock and feels balanced when you close. Adjustments are made as needed. Wear it for a few nights and report any pressure points, tightness or jaw discomfort, since small refinements can make a big difference.
Looking after it
Good care helps the guard stay clean and last longer.
Cleaning and storage routines
Rinse the guard each morning and brush it gently with cool water and mild soap or a cleaner recommended by the dentist. Avoid hot water, which can distort the material. Let it dry and keep it in a ventilated case away from pets, who often find guards tempting to chew.
Knowing when to replace it
Bring the guard to regular checkups so the team can inspect wear and fit. Replace it if it cracks, becomes loose, develops rough areas or no longer fits after dental work. Heavy grinders may wear through guards more quickly, which is a sign the guard is doing its job.
Planning your appointment
Night guard fittings for La Salette.
Book an appointment at our Port Dover office and mention grinding, clenching or a damaged tooth. The team can explain how many visits are typically needed for fitting.
If you already own a guard that no longer fits, bring it along so the dentist can see 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.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
Generally it protects teeth rather than stopping the habit. The guard absorbs and spreads force so enamel and dental work are less likely to be damaged. Other factors behind grinding may also be discussed.
Is a custom guard worth it over a drugstore guard?
Custom guards usually fit better and are adjusted to your bite, which can improve comfort and consistent use. Store-bought options can work for some people. The dentist can help you weigh the choice.
Can a night guard help jaw pain?
For some people with clenching-related muscle soreness, a guard may help. Jaw pain can have other causes, so the dentist will assess the joints and muscles before recommending a guard for that purpose.
How long does a night guard last?
It varies with the material and how heavily you grind. Some last several years, while heavy grinders may need replacements sooner. Regular checkups help identify when a guard is wearing thin or losing fit.
What if the guard feels tight in the morning?
Some tightness when first wearing a guard can be normal. Persistent pressure, sore teeth or jaw pain should be reported so the dentist can adjust the fit or bite surface.
Related help for grinding and jaw tension
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Waking with sore jaws or worn teeth? La Salette patients can learn how a night guard limits grinding damage and how the team checks its fit and wear.
Bruxism Treatment →
Clenching or grinding wears teeth and tires the jaw. La Salette patients can have signs of bruxism checked in Port Dover and discuss protection options.