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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Peacock Point
A guard made from your own impressions can help protect teeth from nighttime grinding. Peacock Point patients can ask about fittings at our Port Dover dental office.
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Caring for Peacock Point residents and cottagers at our Port Dover office
Browse every dental service for Peacock PointMade for your bite
A custom guard is built around the shape of your teeth.
A custom night guard is a removable appliance worn during sleep to help protect teeth and restorations from grinding and clenching. Unlike a generic guard, it is made from impressions or scans of your mouth, so it can fit closely, stay in place and be adjusted to your bite. The design depends on why you need it.
Peacock Point residents and seasonal cottagers can be assessed for a custom night guard at our Port Dover office. If you already own a guard, bring it along so the dentist can see how it has worn and whether a new design would serve you better.
Do you need one?
Consider why a guard is being recommended.
Signs of grinding and clenching
Worn or flattened teeth, morning jaw tiredness, headaches near the temples and reports of grinding sounds are common reasons people ask about a guard. Some discover the habit when a dentist points out wear during a checkup. Describe your symptoms clearly, as they help the dentist decide whether a guard is the right starting point.
Protecting dental work
Crowns, veneers, bonding and large fillings can chip or crack under repeated grinding force. If you have invested in dental work, a guard may help protect it. The dentist may recommend one after completing restorations, particularly if the original damage appeared to be caused by clenching or grinding over time.
Design choices
Guards differ in material and coverage.
Hard, soft and layered materials
Hard acrylic guards are durable and can be adjusted precisely. Soft guards may feel gentler at first but can wear faster and sometimes encourage chewing. Layered guards combine a soft inner surface with a harder outer layer. The dentist will recommend a material based on how heavily you grind and what feels comfortable for you.
Upper or lower arch
Guards may be made for the upper or lower teeth. The choice depends on your bite, missing teeth, any jaw joint symptoms and comfort. Ask why a particular arch is suggested. A guard that interferes with breathing, speech or sleep is less likely to be worn, so comfort is an important part of the decision.
Fitting
Expect two short visits in most cases.
Impressions or scans
At the first visit, the dentist checks your teeth for any problems that should be treated first and takes impressions or a digital scan. A record of your bite may also be taken. These details guide the lab or in-office fabrication so the guard fits closely and meets your teeth evenly when your jaw closes.
Try-in and adjustment
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks the fit, looks for pressure points and adjusts the surface so your bite feels balanced. You will be shown how to insert, remove and clean it. It may feel strange for the first few nights. Contact the office if discomfort, tooth soreness or jaw changes persist.
Caring for it
Look after the guard so it lasts.
Clean and store it correctly
Rinse the guard each morning and brush it gently with a soft brush and cool water. Avoid hot water, which can distort the material. Let it dry and store it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from pets, who often find guards tempting to chew, and away from heat such as a sunny dashboard.
Bring it to checkups
Bring the guard to regular dental visits so the dentist can check for wear, cracks and changes in fit. Over time, dental work or natural shifts in your teeth may require adjustments or a new guard. If it becomes loose, rough or uncomfortable before your next appointment, call the office rather than continuing to wear it as is.
Planning your appointment
Ordering a custom guard from Peacock Point.
Contact our Port Dover office to book an assessment for a night guard. Mention grinding symptoms, recent dental work and whether you have used a guard before.
Bring any current guard you own and let the team know about jaw pain, headaches or sleep concerns you have noticed.
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 drugstore guard?
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your teeth and adjusted to your bite. It usually fits more closely and comfortably. Drugstore guards may be bulky or shift during sleep, and they are not adjusted by a dentist.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A guard mainly protects teeth and restorations rather than stopping the habit. Some people notice fewer symptoms while wearing one. Discuss contributing factors such as stress, sleep and medications with the dentist as well.
How long does a custom night guard last?
It depends on how heavily you grind, the material and how well it is cared for. Bring it to checkups so wear can be monitored. A guard showing holes or cracks may need replacement.
Can a guard help jaw pain?
In some cases, a guard may ease muscle strain associated with clenching. Jaw pain has many causes, so the dentist will assess the joints and muscles before recommending a guard as part of the plan.
What if my guard feels tight or uncomfortable?
Call the office for an adjustment. A guard should fit securely without causing soreness. Do not try to modify it yourself, which can affect the fit and how evenly your teeth meet.
More grinding care for Peacock Point
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding at night can wear and crack teeth over time. Peacock Point patients can learn how a dentist-fitted night guard helps protect enamel at our Port Dover office.
Bruxism Treatment →
Worn edges, sore jaw muscles or morning headaches may point to bruxism. Peacock Point patients can discuss grinding and clenching at our Port Dover dental office.