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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Port Ryerse
A custom night guard is made to your bite to protect teeth from grinding. Learn how Port Ryerse patients are fitted and how guards are maintained in Port Dover.
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Caring for Port Ryerse patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Port RyerseMade for your bite
A well-fitted guard takes the force so your teeth do not.
Grinding and clenching during sleep can exert surprising force on teeth, wearing enamel, chipping edges and stressing fillings or crowns. A custom night guard is a thin appliance made from a model of your teeth. It sits between the upper and lower teeth to absorb and spread that force while you sleep.
When grinding is suspected, a guard can be made through our Port Dover office for patients who live in Port Ryerse. The dentist will first confirm that a guard suits your situation, then take impressions or scans so the appliance fits closely and comfortably.
Why custom
Fit affects comfort, wear and protection.
The trouble with one-size guards
Pharmacy guards are made to fit many mouths, so they are often bulky or loose. Some people find they bite through them, chew on them or stop wearing them because they feel awkward. A poorly fitting guard can occasionally shift the jaw into an uncomfortable position, adding to muscle soreness.
Benefits of a tailored fit
A custom guard is shaped to your teeth and adjusted so your bite meets evenly on it. It tends to be thinner and more secure, which makes nightly wear easier. The dentist can choose a material and thickness suited to how hard you grind and whether you have restorations that need extra protection.
Getting fitted
Two short visits are typical.
Examination and records
At the first visit the dentist looks for wear, cracks, jaw tenderness and anything that needs treating first. Impressions or a digital scan of your teeth are then taken. Let the team know if you gag easily or have jaw stiffness so they can adapt the process to your comfort.
Delivery and adjustment
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it seats fully, does not rock and lets your teeth meet evenly. Small adjustments may be made. You will be shown how to insert, remove and clean it. Expect a short adjustment period as you get used to sleeping with it.
First few weeks
Most people adapt within a couple of weeks.
Normal sensations
At first you may notice extra saliva, a sense of tightness or a slightly different feel to your bite in the morning. These sensations usually settle as you become accustomed to the guard. Wearing it consistently every night helps the adjustment happen more quickly.
Signs of a problem
Contact the office if the guard causes sore spots, increases jaw pain, leaves your bite feeling noticeably off for more than a short time in the morning or keeps falling out. These issues can usually be addressed with an adjustment. Do not try to reshape the guard yourself.
Care and checks
Clean daily and have it reviewed regularly.
Daily cleaning
Rinse the guard each morning, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water and let it air dry before storing it in its case. Avoid hot water, which can warp it. Keep it away from pets, who are often drawn to chew dental appliances, and out of direct sunlight.
Bring it to checkups
Bring the guard to regular dental visits so it can be checked for cracks, thinning and fit. New fillings, crowns or tooth movement can affect how it sits. Over time it may need replacing. Wear patterns on the guard can also give the dentist useful information about your grinding.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a night guard from Port Ryerse.
Call our Port Dover office and mention signs of grinding you have noticed, such as morning jaw soreness or worn teeth. The team will book an assessment and fitting.
If you already have a guard that is uncomfortable or worn, bring it so the dentist can compare it with a new design.
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 mainly protects teeth from the effects of grinding rather than stopping the habit. Some people notice less muscle tension. Managing contributing factors such as stress or sleep problems may also help reduce grinding.
Should the guard go on top or bottom teeth?
Either can be used depending on your bite, comfort and dental work. Many guards are made for the upper teeth. The dentist will recommend the arch that suits your situation best.
How long does a custom guard last?
Lifespan depends on how heavily you grind and how the guard is cared for. Some last several years. Regular checks help determine when wear or fit changes mean it should be replaced.
Can I wear my guard if I have dental work planned?
Tell the dentist about upcoming fillings or crowns. Changes to tooth shape may affect fit, and the guard may need adjustment or replacement after treatment.
Is a night guard the same as a sports guard?
No. A sports guard is thicker and designed to cushion impacts, while a night guard is made to handle grinding forces during sleep. They are not interchangeable.
More grinding and jaw resources
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Worn edges, morning headaches or a sore jaw can point to night grinding. Port Ryerse residents can find out if a guard is needed with our Port Dover team.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a tired jaw or flattened teeth may point to bruxism. Port Ryerse residents can explore causes, protection and follow-up at our Port Dover office.