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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Long Point
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to cushion grinding during sleep. Long Point patients can arrange fitting and follow-up at our Port Dover office.
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Browse every dental service for Long PointMade for your bite
A guard made from your own teeth tends to sit better through the night.
A custom night guard is an appliance made from impressions or scans of your teeth. It covers the biting surfaces so grinding and clenching forces press against the guard instead of enamel and restorations. Because it is shaped to your mouth, it is often more stable and comfortable than ready-made options, which can make it easier to wear every night.
Long Point patients can be assessed and fitted at our Port Dover office. If you divide your time between properties, the team can talk about how many visits are involved so fitting does not fall between seasons.
Do you need one?
A guard is recommended for a reason, not by default.
Signs a guard may help
Worn or chipped edges, cracked fillings, morning jaw stiffness, tension headaches or a partner hearing grinding can all point toward a guard. The dentist will look at wear patterns and ask about symptoms. If damage is visible, protection can help limit further wear while any contributing factors are explored.
Ruling out other causes
Jaw pain and headaches can have other sources, and snoring with breathing pauses may suggest a sleep issue that needs medical evaluation. A standard night guard is not a treatment for sleep apnea. The dentist may recommend speaking with your physician if sleep symptoms are reported alongside grinding.
Design choices
The design is matched to your bite and habits.
Hard, soft and dual-layer materials
Hard acrylic guards are durable and often used for heavier grinding. Softer materials may feel gentler but can wear faster, and some people chew on them. Dual-layer designs combine a soft inner surface with a harder outer layer. The dentist will suggest a material based on your grinding pattern and comfort.
Upper or lower arch
Guards can be made for the upper or lower teeth. The choice depends on your bite, existing restorations, any missing teeth and comfort. Thickness is planned to protect teeth without forcing the jaw open too far. Ask why a particular design is recommended for you.
Fitting
A good fit usually needs a couple of appointments.
Records and fabrication
After the assessment, impressions or digital scans capture the shape of your teeth and a bite record shows how they meet. The guard is then fabricated, which takes some time. Plan the appointments so you are available for the delivery visit, especially if you expect to leave the area for part of the year.
Delivery and adjustment
At delivery, the dentist checks that the guard seats fully, stays in place and meets the opposing teeth evenly. Small adjustments are common. You will learn how to put it in and remove it. A brief follow-up may be suggested after some nights of wear to refine comfort.
Care and wear
Good habits keep the guard hygienic and effective.
Cleaning and storage
Brush your teeth before putting the guard in. In the morning, rinse it, brush it gently with cool water and mild soap, and let it dry. Store it in its ventilated case away from heat and pets. Hot water, dishwashers and car dashboards on summer days can warp the shape.
Checking fit over time
Bring the guard to checkups so it can be inspected for cracks, thinning or poor fit. New fillings, crowns or tooth movement may require adjustment or replacement. If you wake with sore teeth or the bite feels off after wearing it, contact the office rather than stopping without advice.
Planning your appointment
Ordering a guard from Long Point
Call our Port Dover office to book an assessment for grinding or clenching. Ask how long fabrication usually takes so you can plan fitting around your time at Long Point.
If you have an old guard, bring it to the visit. It shows wear patterns that help the dentist plan the new one.
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 is a custom guard different from a store-bought one?
A custom guard is made from records of your teeth and adjusted by the dentist, which often improves fit and comfort. Store-bought guards vary in fit and may feel bulky or shift during sleep.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A guard usually protects teeth rather than stopping the habit. It absorbs forces that would otherwise wear enamel. Managing stress and other factors may reduce grinding over time.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on material and grinding intensity. Some last years, others wear faster. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can monitor wear and advise when replacement is needed.
Can I wear my guard if I have crowns or fillings?
Yes, and a guard can help protect them. If you receive new dental work, the guard may need adjusting to fit properly. Bring it to the appointment after the work is done.
Is it normal for my teeth to feel odd in the morning?
Some people notice a brief change in how teeth meet after removing a guard, which often settles quickly. If it lingers or the jaw aches, contact the office so the guard can be checked.
Grinding and jaw resources
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding at night can flatten, chip and crack teeth. Long Point patients can learn how a night guard is chosen, fitted and maintained at our Port Dover office.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a tight jaw or worn, sensitive teeth? Long Point patients can have grinding and clenching assessed in Port Dover and discuss protective options.