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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Pine Grove
A custom night guard is shaped to your teeth to cushion clenching and grinding. Pine Grove patients can see how fitting, wear and guard care usually work.
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Caring for Pine Grove patients at our Port Dover office
Browse every dental service for Pine GroveShaped to your bite
A guard made from your own impressions fits closely and stays put.
A custom night guard is a thin appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep. It places a barrier between the teeth so the forces of clenching and grinding land on the guard rather than on enamel and restorations. Because it is made from a precise model of your teeth, it tends to feel less bulky than a ready-made guard.
Pine Grove patients can be assessed and fitted at our Port Dover office. The dentist will first confirm why a guard is being recommended, then explain which design suits your bite and habits.
Why a guard
A guard protects teeth from forces you cannot control while asleep.
Protection from wear
Night-time grinding can wear down enamel, chip edges, crack teeth and loosen fillings or crowns. Clenching may leave jaw muscles sore by morning. A guard spreads the pressure across the arch and keeps the teeth from grinding directly together. For many people it also eases morning jaw tension, though results vary from person to person.
What a guard does not do
A night guard usually does not stop the habit of grinding itself, and it is not a treatment for sleep apnea. If you snore heavily or feel very tired during the day, mention it, as the dentist may suggest discussing a sleep assessment with your physician. The guard is one part of managing a wider pattern.
Choosing a design
The material and design are chosen around your bite.
Hard, soft and dual-layer options
Hard acrylic guards are durable and often recommended for heavy grinding. Softer guards may feel more comfortable but can wear faster, and some people chew on them. Dual-layer guards combine a soft inner surface with a harder outer one. The dentist will explain which type suits the forces and patterns found during the examination.
Upper or lower arch
Guards can be made for the upper or lower teeth. The choice may depend on your bite, existing dental work, comfort and whether you have missing teeth. Let the dentist know if you have a strong gag reflex, breathe through your mouth at night or have tried a guard before that felt uncomfortable.
Fitting process
Two short visits are usually involved.
Impressions or scans
At the first visit, the dentist examines your teeth and jaw, then takes impressions or a digital scan. Bite records may also be taken. These are used to make the guard in a dental laboratory. Mention any upcoming dental work, since new crowns or fillings can change how a guard fits.
The delivery appointment
At the second visit, the guard is tried in and adjusted. It should seat firmly, feel even when you close and not press painfully on gums. The dentist will show you how to place and remove it. It may take a few nights to get used to wearing it, which is normal for most people.
Care and checkups
Good care helps the guard last and stay hygienic.
Daily cleaning and storage
Brush your teeth before putting the guard in. In the morning, rinse it, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water, and let it air dry in its ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Keep it away from pets and do not leave it in direct sunlight or a hot car.
Signs it needs attention
Bring the guard to each checkup so its fit and wear can be reviewed. Cracks, holes, a loose fit or new discomfort are reasons to call. Changes to your teeth, such as new crowns or orthodontic treatment, may mean the guard needs adjustment or replacement. Worn-through spots show where grinding is heaviest.
Planning your appointment
Getting a night guard made from Pine Grove
Book an examination at our Port Dover office and mention grinding, clenching or morning jaw soreness. The dentist will assess your teeth and talk about whether a custom guard is appropriate.
Bring any guard you have used before. Mention upcoming dental work and any snoring or sleep concerns so they can be considered.
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
Custom night guard questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How long does a custom night guard last?
It depends on the material and how strongly you grind. Some last several years, while heavy grinders may wear through sooner. Regular checkups help the dentist judge when replacement is needed.
Will a night guard change my bite?
A properly fitted guard should not change your bite. If you notice your teeth meeting differently after wearing it, or jaw pain increases, contact the office so the fit can be checked.
Can I wear my guard if I have a crown or bridge?
Yes, guards are often recommended to protect restorations. Let the dentist know about existing work so the guard can be designed to fit around it properly.
What if I cannot get used to wearing it?
It can take a little time. If the guard feels too tight, bulky or triggers gagging after a week or two, mention it. Adjustments or a different design may improve comfort.
Is a night guard the same as a sports guard?
No. Night guards are designed for grinding forces during sleep and are usually thinner. Sports guards cushion impact from blows. Each is made for its own purpose, so one should not replace the other.
More on grinding and jaw care
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding at night can wear teeth and leave jaws sore. Pine Grove patients can learn how a night guard protects teeth, how it is fitted and how to keep it clean.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with sore jaws or worn teeth? Pine Grove residents can learn how bruxism is assessed and managed, from night guards to habit changes, in Port Dover.