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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Silver Hill
A night guard made from your bite can protect teeth from grinding. See how custom guards are made in Port Dover and how Silver Hill patients care for them.
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Every dental service for Silver HillMade to fit your bite
A guard shaped to your teeth protects them while you sleep.
A custom night guard is a thin appliance, usually worn over the upper or lower teeth, that keeps grinding and clenching forces off your enamel and dental work. Because it is made from a model of your mouth, it fits closely and is generally less bulky than a store-bought option. A good fit also makes it more likely you will wear it every night.
Silver Hill patients can have a custom guard designed and fitted at our Port Dover office. The process starts with an examination of your teeth, bite and jaw, so the dentist can confirm a guard is appropriate and choose a design that suits the way you grind or clench.
Do you need one
Wear, soreness and broken work are common reasons to consider a guard.
Signs that point toward a guard
Flattened tooth edges, recurring chips, cracked fillings, sore jaw muscles in the morning and headaches around the temples are among the signs that may lead the dentist to recommend a guard. A partner hearing you grind at night is another clue. Some people need a guard to protect new crowns, veneers or implants from heavy forces.
When other issues should be checked first
Jaw locking, limited opening or significant joint pain may need a more detailed assessment before a guard is made. Loud snoring or pauses in breathing at night could indicate a sleep-breathing problem that requires medical evaluation. The dentist will discuss whether a guard alone is appropriate or whether further steps are needed.
Design choices
Material and design are chosen to suit your habits.
Hard, soft and combination materials
Hard acrylic guards are durable and suit heavy grinders, while softer materials can feel more comfortable for lighter clenching but may wear faster. Some guards combine a soft inner layer with a harder outer surface. The dentist will recommend a material based on how forceful your grinding seems and your comfort preferences.
Upper or lower arch
Guards may cover the upper or lower teeth depending on your bite, dental work and comfort. The dentist considers how the guard will affect your jaw position and how teeth meet against it. The aim is an appliance that spreads forces evenly without causing new soreness or altering your bite over time.
Getting fitted
Two appointments typically take you from impressions to a finished guard.
Impressions or a digital scan
At the first visit, impressions or a scan of your teeth are taken, along with a record of how your teeth meet. These are used to make a guard shaped specifically to your mouth. If you gag easily, let the team know so they can take steps to make the impression process more comfortable.
Fitting and fine-tuning
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it seats fully, feels secure and does not press on gums. Your bite on the guard is adjusted so contact is even. You will practise putting it in and removing it. A follow-up check may be suggested once you have worn it for a while.
Caring for it
A clean, well-kept guard lasts longer and stays comfortable.
Cleaning and storing the guard
Each morning, rinse the guard and brush it gently with cool water and mild soap, then let it dry before storing it in its ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can warp it, and keep it away from pets, who often chew guards. Brush your teeth before putting it in at night.
Knowing when it needs attention
Bring the guard to your regular checkups so the dentist can examine its fit and wear marks, which reveal how you grind. Replace or repair it if it cracks, becomes loose or causes new soreness. If dental work such as a crown changes the shape of a tooth, the guard may need adjustment.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a guard from Silver Hill
Book a visit at our Port Dover office and mention grinding, clenching or a recommendation from another dentist. The first appointment includes an examination before impressions are taken, so plan a little extra time.
If you have an old guard, bring it in. The wear pattern on it can tell the dentist a lot about your grinding.
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 your teeth from damage. Some people find they grind less while wearing it, but for many the habit continues. The guard takes the wear instead of your enamel and dental work.
How long does a custom night guard last?
That depends on the material and how heavily you grind. Some guards last for years, while heavy grinders may wear through them sooner. The dentist checks the guard at regular visits and can advise when to replace it.
Is it normal for a new guard to feel strange?
Yes. It can take a few nights to get used to wearing a guard. If it causes pain, pressure on certain teeth or a changed bite in the morning that does not settle, contact the office for an adjustment.
Can I use a sports guard at night instead?
Sports guards are designed for impact protection and are usually thicker and softer. They are not intended for nightly grinding and may not fit your bite properly for that purpose. Ask the dentist about the right appliance.
Should I bring my guard to checkups?
Yes. Looking at the guard helps the dentist check its fit, see wear patterns and catch cracks. It also allows any adjustments to be made while you are already at the appointment.
More on grinding and jaw strain
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Waking with a sore jaw or worn teeth? Silver Hill patients can learn how a night guard is chosen, fitted and looked after to protect teeth from grinding.
Bruxism Treatment →
Clenching and grinding wear teeth and strain the jaw. Silver Hill patients can learn how bruxism is assessed in Port Dover and how protection and habits help.