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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Custom Night Guards in Walsh
Waking with a tight jaw or worn teeth? See how Walsh patients are fitted for a custom night guard in Port Dover and how to keep the appliance clean.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
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Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for patients from Walsh and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WalshMade for your bite
A guard shaped to your teeth is easier to wear every night.
A custom night guard is a thin, removable appliance made from a model of your own teeth. It sits between the upper and lower teeth during sleep, helping protect enamel and dental work from grinding and clenching forces. Because it is made to fit your mouth, it tends to stay in place and feel less bulky than generic versions.
Walsh patients are fitted for night guards at our Port Dover office. Before making one, the dentist examines your teeth and jaw to confirm a guard is appropriate, discusses the type of material that suits your habits, and explains how it will be checked and adjusted over time.
Do you need one
The exam confirms whether a guard makes sense.
Signs of night grinding
Worn or flattened teeth, chipped fillings, sore jaw muscles on waking, morning headaches and a partner hearing grinding noises are common reasons people ask about guards. The dentist looks for patterns of wear and checks muscle tenderness and jaw movement to understand what is going on before recommending an appliance, rather than assuming one is needed.
Situations where a guard may help
Guards are often recommended to protect teeth from bruxism, to help preserve crowns, veneers or bonding, and sometimes as part of managing jaw muscle discomfort. If symptoms suggest sleep breathing issues or a joint problem, the dentist may suggest further assessment by your physician or another provider before or alongside a guard is made for you.
Designing the guard
Material and design are chosen for your habits.
Soft, hard and dual-layer materials
Soft guards may feel comfortable at first but can wear through quickly with heavy grinding. Hard acrylic guards are durable and can be adjusted very precisely. Dual-layer guards combine a softer inner surface with a firmer outer layer. The dentist will explain which option fits your level of grinding, your bite and your comfort preferences.
Upper or lower arch
Guards can be made for the upper or lower teeth depending on your bite, existing dental work and comfort. Thickness and coverage are planned so you can close comfortably and breathe easily through the night. Ask about these choices if you have tried a guard before and found it awkward, bulky or hard to keep in.
Fitting
Two short visits usually complete the process.
Impressions or scans
At the first appointment, the team records the shape of your teeth with impressions or a scan and may take a bite record. The model is then used to make the guard. If you have dental work planned, it is worth asking about timing so the guard is made after new crowns or fillings are in place and fits them properly.
Delivery and adjustment
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it seats fully, does not rock and contacts evenly when you bite. Small adjustments are made in the chair until it feels right. Ask about grouping the delivery appointment with a cleaning or checkup if that helps reduce the number of trips you make from Walsh.
Care and checks
A clean guard lasts longer and stays comfortable.
Cleaning and storing your guard
Each morning, rinse the guard, brush it gently with a soft brush and mild soap or a cleaner recommended by the office, and let it dry before storing it in its case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material, and keep it well away from pets, who are surprisingly fond of chewing guards left on bedside tables.
When to have it rechecked
Bring your guard to regular checkups. The dentist will check for cracks, thinning and fit. Contact the office if the guard feels tight, causes soreness or changes your bite in the morning for more than a short while. New dental work may also mean the guard needs adjustment or replacement to keep protecting your teeth.
Planning your appointment
Ordering a night guard from Walsh
Call our Port Dover office to book an assessment for a custom night guard. Mention any jaw discomfort, headaches or dental work you are trying to protect, so the dentist can plan the visit.
If you have an older or store-bought guard, bring it in so the dentist can see how it has worn over time.
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 feel strange?
It may feel unusual for the first few nights, but most people adapt within a short time. A custom fit usually helps a great deal. If it causes pain or does not settle after a week or two, the dentist can adjust it.
Can a night guard change my bite?
A properly designed and checked guard should not permanently change your bite. If your teeth feel different each morning for more than a short while, contact the office so the guard can be reviewed and adjusted.
How long does a custom night guard last?
Lifespan depends on how heavily you grind and the material used. Some last several years, while heavy grinders may wear through sooner. Regular checks at your dental visits help you know when replacement is needed.
Is a night guard the same as a sports guard?
No. Sports guards are thicker and designed to absorb impacts during play. Night guards are thinner and built to protect against grinding forces during sleep. Each serves a different purpose and they are not interchangeable.
Can I use a night guard if I have crowns or veneers?
Yes, guards are often recommended specifically to protect dental work. Let the dentist know about all your restorations so the guard is designed to fit around them and protect them properly while you sleep each night.
Related grinding and jaw care
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding at night can wear and crack teeth. Walsh residents can learn how Port Dover’s dentist decides if a night guard will help and what wearing one is like.
Bruxism Treatment →
Worn edges, sore jaw muscles or morning headaches? Walsh residents can learn how bruxism is assessed in Port Dover and which protective steps may help.