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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Langton
A custom night guard can cushion grinding and protect dental work while you sleep. Langton patients can learn how guards are made and maintained in Port Dover.
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Caring for Langton and the surrounding farm country from our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Langton patientsProtection while you sleep
A guard made for your bite is easier to wear every night.
Night guards are thin appliances worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep. They place a protective layer between the teeth so grinding and clenching wear the guard rather than enamel, crowns or fillings. A custom guard is shaped from your own teeth, which usually means a steadier fit and less bulk than an off-the-shelf version.
For Langton patients, the process starts with an exam at our Port Dover office to confirm why a guard is being considered and whether anything else, such as a cracked tooth or jaw problem, needs attention first. The dentist then explains which type of guard suits your bite and habits.
Why a guard
Guards are about preventing damage you might not feel.
Signs of night-time grinding
Flattened tooth edges, small chips, sore jaw muscles in the morning and headaches around the temples can all suggest grinding during sleep. Some people hear about it from a partner first. The dentist can point out wear patterns at an exam and photograph them, so the changes can be tracked over time and compared after a guard is in use.
Protecting existing dental work
Crowns, veneers, bonding and large fillings are expensive and time-consuming to replace. Heavy grinding can crack porcelain or wear composite. A guard helps protect that investment by absorbing forces at night. If you have recently had cosmetic or restorative work, ask the dentist whether a guard should be part of the plan to maintain it.
Making the guard
Two short visits are typical.
Impressions and bite records
The dentist takes impressions or a digital scan of your teeth and may record how your jaws meet. These are used to fabricate a guard that matches your teeth closely. Let the team know if you have a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth or limited opening, so they can make the impression process as comfortable as possible for you.
The delivery appointment
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it seats fully, does not rock and lets your teeth meet evenly. Small adjustments may be made to smooth edges or balance the bite. You will practise putting it in and taking it out, and you will receive instructions on cleaning, storage and how long it may take to get used to.
Getting used to it
A short adjustment period is expected.
Normal early sensations
The guard may feel tight or bulky for the first few nights, and you might notice extra saliva or a slightly different bite on waking. These sensations usually fade within a week or two. Wear it consistently every night so your mouth adapts. Leaving it out on and off tends to make the adjustment period last longer.
Problems to report
Call the office if the guard causes sore gums, pressure on a single tooth, jaw pain that is worse than before or a bite that feels off for more than a short time after removal in the morning. These issues can usually be fixed with an adjustment. Do not try to trim or reshape the guard yourself at home.
Care and lifespan
Clean guards last longer and stay fresher.
Daily cleaning
Rinse the guard each morning and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water or mild soap. Let it dry before storing it in its ventilated case. Avoid hot water, dishwashers and leaving it in a hot vehicle, which can warp the material. Keep it out of reach of dogs, which are known to chew them.
Checking and replacing
Bring the guard to every checkup. The dentist examines it for thinning, cracks, discolouration and changes in fit. A guard worn through in places shows where grinding is heaviest. If you have new fillings or crowns, the guard may need adjusting or replacing so it continues to fit and protect the teeth properly through every night of wear.
Planning your appointment
Arrange a night guard from Langton.
Book an assessment at our Port Dover office and mention signs of grinding, jaw soreness or recent dental work you want to protect. The team can explain the fitting steps and how many visits to expect.
If you have an older guard or a store-bought one, bring it along so the dentist can see how you have been wearing it.
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.
Upper or lower guard: which is better?
Either can work. The choice depends on your bite, any missing teeth, existing restorations and comfort. Some people tolerate one arch better than the other. The dentist will recommend the option most likely to suit your teeth and jaw.
Can a night guard make my jaw pain worse?
Rarely, a guard that does not fit well or changes the bite unevenly can aggravate jaw discomfort. If pain increases after you start wearing a guard, stop and contact the office so the fit can be checked and adjusted.
How long does a custom night guard last?
Lifespan depends on how heavily you grind, the material and how well the guard is cared for. Some last years, others wear through sooner. Regular checks at your dental visits help determine when a replacement is needed.
Is a guard the same as a sports mouthguard?
No. Night guards are designed for grinding forces during sleep and are usually thinner and harder. Sports guards are thicker and softer to absorb impact. They are not interchangeable, so use each one only for its intended purpose.
Do I need a guard if I only clench?
Clenching without grinding can still strain muscles and stress teeth and restorations. The dentist will evaluate wear, muscle tenderness and symptoms to decide whether a guard is likely to help or whether other measures should come first.
Related care for grinding
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding at night can wear teeth and strain the jaw. Langton patients can learn how a night guard helps, what signs to watch for and how guards are fitted.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a sore jaw or worn teeth? Langton patients can have grinding and clenching assessed in Port Dover and discuss guards, habits and tooth protection.