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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Selkirk
A custom night guard is made from your own impressions to help protect teeth from grinding. Selkirk patients can be fitted at our Port Dover office.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsProtection while you sleep
A guard made for your bite tends to be easier to wear.
A custom night guard is a removable appliance worn over the teeth during sleep. It is designed from impressions or scans of your mouth, so it fits more precisely than a generic version. The main goal is to help protect enamel and restorations from grinding and clenching forces, and some people find it eases jaw muscle strain.
Selkirk residents who grind their teeth or have been told they show signs of wear can ask about a custom guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check your teeth and jaw, discuss the type of guard that may suit you and explain the fitting process and ongoing care involved.
Do you need one?
A guard is usually recommended after an exam.
Signs of nighttime grinding
Common clues include waking with jaw tightness, headaches around the temples, sensitive teeth, or a partner hearing grinding noises at night. Some people notice chipped edges or flattened teeth. The dentist will look for wear facets, cracks and muscle tenderness. These findings help decide whether a night guard is a sensible part of your care.
Teeth and restorations at risk
Crowns, veneers, bonding and large fillings can be damaged by grinding. If you have invested in restorative or cosmetic work, a guard may help protect it. Teeth with existing cracks can also be vulnerable. The dentist can explain which teeth appear most at risk and how a guard may help reduce further damage.
Making the guard
Two short appointments are typical.
Records of your teeth and bite
The dentist takes impressions or scans of your upper and lower teeth and may record your bite. The type of guard, whether hard, soft or a combination, depends on your grinding pattern, comfort and any jaw symptoms. Ask why a particular design is being suggested and how it is expected to help in your specific situation.
Fitting and adjustment
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks how it fits and how your teeth contact it. Small adjustments may be made so it sits evenly and feels comfortable. You will be shown how to insert and remove it. Some people need a few nights to get used to sleeping with a guard, and that adjustment period is normal.
Living with it
Consistent use is what makes a guard worthwhile.
Comfort in the first weeks
You may notice extra saliva or a slight feeling of fullness at first. Most people adapt within a week or two. If the guard causes pain, pressure on particular teeth, or jaw discomfort that seems worse, contact the office rather than stopping without guidance. A small adjustment may solve the issue and make the guard easier to wear nightly.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard each morning and clean it with a soft brush as directed. Avoid hot water and harsh cleaners, which can distort the material. Store it dry in its case, away from heat and pets. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can inspect its condition and confirm it still fits well.
Long-term review
Guards wear out and teeth change.
When a guard needs replacing
Heavy grinders may wear through a guard faster than others. Cracks, holes, thinning or a loose fit suggest it may need replacing. Discolouration or odour that does not clear with cleaning is another sign. The dentist can examine the guard at regular visits and recommend a replacement when it no longer provides suitable protection.
Changes to your teeth
New crowns, fillings, extractions or orthodontic treatment can affect how a guard fits. Let the dentist know about any dental work done elsewhere. If your symptoms change, such as new jaw pain or clicking, mention it. The dentist may suggest adjustments or a different approach to managing grinding and jaw discomfort.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a night guard from Selkirk.
Contact our Port Dover office to book an exam and mention you are interested in a night guard. Describe your symptoms so the dentist can assess grinding, wear and jaw comfort.
Bring any current or old guard, even if worn out, so the dentist can see how you have used it and plan any changes.
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.
Is a custom guard better than a store-bought one?
A custom guard is made to fit your teeth closely, which can make it more comfortable and stable. Store-bought guards may fit less precisely. The dentist can explain the differences and whether a custom guard suits your needs.
Will a night guard stop jaw pain?
Some people find jaw discomfort eases with a guard, but results vary. Jaw pain can have several causes. The dentist can assess your symptoms and discuss whether a guard and other strategies are likely to help.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how heavily you grind and how the guard is cared for. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can inspect it. Signs such as cracks, thinning or a loose fit mean replacement may be needed.
Can I wear my guard if I get a new crown?
A new crown or filling can change how the guard fits. Bring the guard to the appointment so it can be checked and adjusted. In some cases a new guard may be needed if the fit has changed significantly.
How should I clean a night guard?
Rinse it after use and clean it gently with a soft brush and the cleaner recommended by the dental team. Avoid hot water, which can warp it. Let it dry before storing it in a ventilated case.
Related grinding and jaw care
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding your teeth at night can wear enamel and crack fillings. Selkirk patients can find out whether a night guard would help, through our Port Dover office.
Bruxism Treatment →
Jaw tightness on waking, flattened teeth or a partner hearing you grind at night? Selkirk patients can have bruxism assessed at our Port Dover practice.