Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Turkey Point
A night guard made from your own impressions can protect teeth from overnight grinding. Turkey Point patients can learn about fitting and upkeep in Port Dover.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Turkey Point patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Turkey PointOvernight protection, made to fit
A guard shaped to your teeth is more comfortable to wear every night.
Grinding and clenching during sleep can wear down enamel, crack restorations and leave jaw muscles aching by morning. A custom night guard is a thin appliance made from impressions or a scan of your teeth. It places a protective layer between upper and lower teeth so that grinding forces wear the guard rather than your enamel.
Turkey Point residents and cottagers can be fitted for a night guard at our Port Dover office. The process usually involves a brief exam, impressions or scans, and a fitting visit once the appliance is ready.
Do you need one
A guard is most useful when grinding or clenching is confirmed.
Signs of night-time grinding
Jaw tightness when you wake, morning headaches, worn or flattened teeth and sensitivity are common signs. A partner may hear grinding sounds. Some people only learn about the habit when the dentist notices wear patterns or repeated cracked fillings. If any of these apply, it is worth asking whether a guard might help.
Ruling out other causes
Jaw pain can have other causes, including joint problems, dental infection or sleep breathing issues. The dentist will examine your teeth, muscles and joints and ask about snoring or interrupted sleep. If there are signs that sleep apnea could be involved, you may be advised to speak with your physician before or alongside getting a guard.
Custom versus generic
The material and fit affect comfort and how well the guard protects.
Why fit matters
Over-the-counter guards are moulded loosely and can feel bulky, slip out at night or even encourage some people to chew on them. A custom guard is made to fit your teeth closely, which tends to feel more secure and allows the dentist to adjust how your teeth meet against it. Consistent nightly use is easier when it is comfortable.
Hard, soft and dual-layer materials
Guards may be made of hard acrylic, softer materials or a combination. The choice depends on how heavily you grind, your bite and comfort preferences. The dentist will explain the pros and cons of each type for your situation and whether the guard should cover the upper or lower teeth.
Fitting process
Two short visits usually cover the process from start to finish.
Impressions or digital scan
At the first appointment, the dentist records your teeth with impressions or a scan and may take a bite registration. These are used to fabricate the guard. If you have upcoming dental work such as crowns, mention it, since changes to your teeth can affect how the guard fits and may mean timing should be planned around that treatment.
Fitting and bite adjustment
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it seats fully and does not press uncomfortably on the gums. Your bite on the guard is assessed and adjusted so teeth contact evenly. You will be shown how to insert, remove and clean it. Expect a short adjustment period as you get used to sleeping with it.
Care and checks
A well-maintained guard can protect your teeth for a long time.
Daily cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard each morning and brush it gently with a soft brush and mild soap or a cleaner recommended by the team. Avoid hot water, which can warp it. Let it dry and store it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from pets, who are often attracted to the scent and may chew it.
When to have it reviewed
Bring your guard to regular checkups so its fit and wear can be inspected. Contact the office if it cracks, becomes loose, feels tight or causes new jaw discomfort. If you spend part of the year away from Turkey Point, take the guard with you and remember to bring it back for review when you return.
Planning your appointment
Getting fitted from Turkey Point
Call our Port Dover office to ask about a custom night guard. Mention your symptoms, any existing guard and whether you have dental work planned in the near future.
If you already have a guard that no longer fits, bring it along so the dentist can see how it has worn.
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 long does a custom night guard last?
It depends on the material and how heavily you grind. Some last several years with care. The dentist checks for wear at regular visits and will tell you when replacement makes sense.
Will a night guard change my bite?
A properly fitted and adjusted guard should not change your natural bite. If your teeth feel different in the morning for more than a short time, contact the office for a check.
Is it hard to sleep with a guard?
Most people adjust within a week or two. A close fit usually helps. If it causes ongoing discomfort, the dentist can make adjustments.
Can I use a night guard with dental crowns?
Yes, and it can help protect them. If new crowns or fillings are placed after the guard is made, the fit should be rechecked.
Does a night guard help with snoring?
A standard night guard is designed for grinding, not snoring. Snoring and sleep apnea may call for a different type of appliance and a medical evaluation.
More grinding and jaw care
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding at night can crack teeth and tire jaw muscles. Turkey Point patients can learn how a night guard helps, what fitting involves and how to look after it.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a sore jaw or worn teeth? Turkey Point patients can have grinding and clenching assessed in Port Dover and discuss guards, habits and follow-up.