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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Nixon
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to shield teeth from clenching. See how Nixon patients are fitted, how to wear it and when it should be reviewed.
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Serving patients from Nixon and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NixonMade to fit your bite
A guard you can sleep in comfortably is one you will keep wearing.
A custom night guard is a thin, durable appliance that covers the biting surfaces of your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It acts as a buffer between the teeth, helping to reduce wear, chipping and strain from clenching or grinding. Because it is made from records of your own mouth, it is designed to fit closely and stay in place overnight.
Nixon patients can be assessed and fitted for a guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist first confirms that a guard makes sense for your symptoms, then takes impressions or scans. A follow-up visit lets the team check the fit and show you how to wear and care for it.
Do you need one
A guard should answer a clear clinical need.
Clues that you may be grinding
Waking with a sore jaw, a morning headache, teeth that feel tender or a partner who hears grinding at night are common reasons people ask about guards. Others are referred after the dentist notices flattened edges, small fractures or worn fillings. Keep a note of when symptoms happen and how often, since that history helps the dentist understand how significant the habit is.
What the dentist looks for
During the examination, the dentist checks for wear patterns, cracked teeth, muscle tenderness and joint clicking. If snoring or interrupted sleep are part of the picture, they may suggest discussing your sleep with your physician, since some sleep problems need other care. The aim is to confirm a guard is the right tool before it is made, rather than treating every symptom the same way.
Making the guard
Two short appointments usually complete the process.
Impressions or scans
At the first visit, impressions or digital scans capture the shape of your teeth, and a record of how your jaws meet may be taken. The dentist will discuss whether an upper or lower guard is better for you and the type of material that suits your habit. The records are then used to fabricate a guard that matches your bite closely.
The delivery appointment
When the guard is ready, you return to try it in. The dentist checks that it seats fully, feels secure and allows your teeth to meet evenly. Small adjustments may be made on the spot. You will be shown how to insert and remove it safely, and how to tell if something about the fit is not quite right.
Wearing it nightly
Most people adjust within a short time.
The first few nights
It is normal for a new guard to feel unfamiliar at first. You might notice extra saliva or a sense of fullness. Wearing it consistently helps you adapt more quickly. If you wake and find it has come out, simply put it back in. Over time, many people find they sleep comfortably and notice less morning tension in the jaw and face.
Signs the fit needs attention
A guard should not cause pain, change your bite during the day or press hard on any single tooth. If your teeth feel shifted in the morning, or you notice sore spots on the gums, call the office. Small adjustments are often enough to fix these issues. Do not try to trim or reshape the guard yourself, since that can affect the fit.
Caring for it
Clean it daily and bring it to checkups.
Daily cleaning habits
Rinse the guard each morning and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a cleaner recommended by the team. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material, and keep it away from pets, who are often drawn to chew them. Store it dry in its ventilated case, out of direct sunlight, and wash the case itself regularly.
Reviews and replacement
Bring your guard to routine dental visits so the dentist can check for cracks, thinning or changes in fit. Guards do wear over time, especially for heavy grinders, and dental work such as new crowns can change the fit. Replacing a worn guard is part of normal management and helps it keep protecting your teeth as intended.
Planning your appointment
Arrange your fitting from Nixon.
Book an assessment at our Port Dover office and mention symptoms like jaw pain, headaches or worn teeth. The team will explain the fitting process and how many visits to plan for before you commit.
If you have an older guard, bring it. Seeing how it has worn gives the dentist useful information for designing 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.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A guard does not usually stop the habit itself, but it helps protect your teeth from the forces involved. Many people also notice less jaw discomfort. The dentist may suggest additional strategies if daytime clenching or stress are contributing factors.
Is an upper or lower guard better?
It depends on your bite, your comfort and any existing dental work. The dentist will recommend a design based on your examination. Both types can be effective when they fit well and are worn consistently every night.
How long does a custom night guard last?
Lifespan varies with how heavily you grind and how well the guard is cared for. Some last several years, while others wear sooner. Regular checks at your dental visits help determine when a replacement is needed.
Can I wear my guard if I have a cold?
If you can breathe comfortably, you may be able to continue. If a blocked nose makes it hard to sleep with the guard in, it is reasonable to skip a night or two. Clean the guard carefully afterward.
Is a custom guard different from a sports guard?
Yes. Night guards are designed for sleep and are usually thinner and harder, while sports guards absorb impact during activity. Each has a different purpose, so one should not replace the other. Ask the team if you need both.
More on grinding and jaw comfort
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Waking with sore teeth or a tight jaw? A night guard may help protect enamel from grinding. Nixon patients can see how guards are chosen and fitted.
Bruxism Treatment →
Worn edges, jaw ache or a partner hearing you grind at night? Nixon patients can explore how bruxism is assessed and managed at our Port Dover dental office.