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 Vittoria
A custom night guard is shaped to your teeth to cushion clenching and grinding. Vittoria patients can learn about fitting, comfort and care 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 Vittoria patients at our Port Dover office
Browse all dental services for VittoriaFitted for overnight wear
A guard made from your own bite is easier to sleep in.
A custom night guard sits over the upper or lower teeth to separate them during sleep. It is built from a model of your mouth, so it is usually slimmer and more stable than an off-the-shelf option. For people who grind or clench, it can reduce wear on enamel and restorations and may ease the strain on tired jaw muscles.
If you are coming from Vittoria, the dentist at our Port Dover office will first confirm that a guard is appropriate by examining your teeth, bite and jaw. You will hear what type of guard is suggested, how it is made and how many visits are involved before it is ready to take home.
Is a guard right?
A guard addresses the effects of grinding, so the reason for it matters.
Signs a guard may help
Flattened or chipped teeth, broken fillings, morning jaw stiffness, temple headaches and sensitive teeth can all suggest night-time clenching. A partner may hear grinding. If the dentist sees wear or you describe these symptoms, a guard may be recommended to help protect teeth from further damage. It can also help shield expensive dental work, such as crowns, from repeated force.
When to look further
Loud snoring, gasping during sleep or daytime exhaustion may point to a sleep breathing problem that needs medical assessment. Some guard designs could affect these conditions, so mention them. Jaw locking or significant TMJ pain may also need a different appliance or additional evaluation. The dentist will explain why before anything is made. Your physician may need to be involved too.
Getting fitted
Fit is checked carefully so the guard feels even and secure.
Taking impressions or scans
An impression or digital scan captures your teeth precisely. The dentist may also record how your jaws meet. These records are used to make a guard of suitable thickness and material. Ask about the type recommended, whether hard, soft or a combination, and why it suits your situation. Ask how long it will take to be made.
Fitting and adjusting
At the fitting appointment, the guard is placed and checked for comfort, retention and even contact. Small adjustments are often made so your bite feels balanced. You will be shown how to insert and remove it. If anything feels tight or uneven after a few nights, let the office know. Small adjustments are usually quick.
Wearing it
Most people adapt within a short time.
Getting used to it
It can take a few nights to get used to sleeping with a guard. You may notice extra saliva or the urge to remove it at first. Wearing it consistently helps the adjustment. If you take it out in your sleep, keep trying, as this often improves once your mouth becomes familiar with the feel.
Normal versus not normal
Slight pressure on teeth for a few minutes after removal can be normal. Persistent pain, sore gums, changes in how your teeth meet during the day or increased jaw discomfort are not expected. Stop wearing it and contact the office if you notice these, so the guard can be checked. Bring it with you to that visit.
Caring for it
Simple routines keep the guard hygienic and in good shape.
Cleaning and storing
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 before storing in a ventilated case. Keep it away from pets, who are often attracted to the scent. Skip harsh cleaners and bleach.
Replacing over time
Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can examine its fit and wear. Heavy grinders may wear through a guard over time. Dental work such as a new crown can also change the fit. The dentist will advise when adjustment or replacement makes sense rather than wearing a damaged appliance. Worn spots can also reveal grinding patterns.
Planning your appointment
Ordering a guard from Vittoria
Ask our Port Dover office for an appointment to discuss a night guard. Mention grinding, jaw pain or broken fillings, and ask how many visits are needed before the guard is delivered.
Bring any previous guard you have used. Mention snoring or sleep concerns so they can be considered in planning. A note of morning jaw symptoms is useful too.
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 is a custom guard different from a store-bought one?
A custom guard is made from a model of your teeth, so it usually fits more precisely and comfortably. Store-bought guards may be bulkier or less stable. The dentist can explain whether a custom guard is worthwhile for you.
Upper or lower guard: which is better?
It depends on your bite, teeth and comfort. The dentist will recommend which arch suits your situation and explain why. Existing crowns, missing teeth and how your jaws meet can all influence the choice, and some people find one arch simply feels less bulky.
Will a night guard stop jaw pain?
A guard may reduce strain for some people, but jaw pain has many possible causes. If pain persists or worsens, the dentist may suggest further assessment or a different approach. Stress, posture and sleep habits may be part of the picture.
How long does a night guard last?
Lifespan depends on how heavily you grind and how the guard is cared for. Bring it to checkups so wear can be monitored and replacement timing discussed. Holes, cracks or a loose fit are signs it may be time for a new one.
Can I wear a night guard with dental work?
Usually, yes. Crowns, fillings and bridges are considered when making the guard. New dental work may affect the fit, so let the office know when changes occur. The guard can often be adjusted rather than remade.
Related grinding and jaw care
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding at night can wear enamel and crack fillings. Vittoria patients can learn how night guards protect teeth and what fitting involves in Port Dover.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a sore jaw or worn teeth? Vittoria patients can learn how grinding and clenching are assessed and managed at our Port Dover dental practice.