Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Normandale
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to cushion grinding forces. Normandale patients can learn how guards are made, fitted and maintained in Port Dover.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Normandale residents and seasonal visitors at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NormandaleMade for your bite
A guard built from your own impressions fits closer and feels more natural.
A night guard is a thin appliance worn over the teeth during sleep. It places a protective layer between upper and lower teeth so that grinding and clenching wear the appliance instead of enamel and restorations. A custom guard is made from records of your mouth, which allows a more precise fit than many ready-made versions.
If you are in Normandale and wake with tight jaw muscles or have been told you grind, our Port Dover team can assess whether a custom guard would help. We look at your teeth, bite and symptoms before recommending a design.
Do you need one?
The dentist looks for evidence of nighttime forces.
Clues that you grind or clench
Flattened tooth edges, small chips, sore jaw muscles on waking and tension headaches can all suggest nighttime grinding. A bed partner may hear the sound. During an exam, the dentist may notice wear patterns that indicate grinding even before you feel symptoms, and will explain what those signs mean.
Protecting dental work
Crowns, veneers, bonding and large fillings can crack or wear under grinding forces. A guard helps protect that investment. If you have had repeated fractures or loosened restorations, the dentist may recommend a guard as part of the plan to reduce the chance of further damage.
Getting fitted
Two short visits usually cover the process.
Taking accurate records
The dentist takes impressions or a digital scan of your teeth and may record how your jaws come together. You can discuss whether the guard will be on the upper or lower teeth and the type of material. These choices depend on your bite, comfort and the pattern of grinding observed.
Delivery and adjustment
When the guard is ready, the dentist places it and checks that it seats fully without pressure points. Your bite on the guard is adjusted so contacts feel even. You will be shown how to put it in and take it out, and told what sensations are normal in the first few nights.
Getting used to it
Most people adapt within a short period.
Adjusting to wearing a guard
It is common to notice extra saliva or a slight awareness of the guard at first. These feelings usually fade as you get used to sleeping with it. Wearing the guard consistently helps the adjustment happen faster. Some people find putting it in shortly before sleep, rather than earlier, makes the transition easier.
When to call the office
Contact the office if the guard causes sore spots, your teeth feel sore in the morning beyond a few days, your bite feels different after removing it or jaw pain worsens. These signs may mean the guard needs adjusting. Avoid trimming or reshaping it yourself, since that can affect fit and balance.
Care and replacement
Simple care keeps the guard hygienic and effective.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse and gently brush the guard each morning with cool water, then let it dry before storing it in its case. Avoid hot water and direct sunlight, which can warp the material. Keep it away from pets, who are often attracted to the scent and may chew it.
Checking wear at visits
Bring the guard to your regular checkups so the dentist can examine it for cracks, thinning or changes in fit. Guards do wear over time, especially with heavy grinding. Dental work such as a new crown may also change the fit, so let the team know about any recent treatment.
Planning your appointment
Ordering a night guard from Normandale
Book an assessment at our Port Dover office and mention any grinding, jaw pain or broken dental work. The dentist will check whether a custom guard is appropriate and explain the steps.
If you have used a store-bought guard, bring it so the dentist can see how it has worn and how it fit.
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 to your bite, so it typically fits closer and feels less bulky. Store-bought guards may suit some people but can shift or feel uncomfortable.
Should my guard go on the top or bottom teeth?
Either can work. The choice depends on your bite, comfort and any existing dental work. The dentist will recommend the option that suits your situation.
Will the guard stop my jaw pain?
Many people notice less morning tension, but results vary. Jaw pain can have several causes. If symptoms persist, the dentist may discuss further assessment or other approaches.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on the material and how heavily you grind. Some guards last for years while others wear faster. Regular checks help determine when a replacement is needed.
Can I wear my guard if I have a cold?
If you have trouble breathing through your nose, wearing the guard may feel uncomfortable. Use your judgment and clean the guard thoroughly once you are well. Ask the team if you have concerns.
More on grinding and protection
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding at night can wear teeth and strain the jaw. Normandale residents can learn how a night guard is chosen and cared for, with fittings at our Port Dover office.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a sore jaw or worn teeth? Normandale patients can visit our Port Dover office to assess grinding and clenching and talk through protective options.