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 Wilsonville
A custom night guard is shaped to your teeth to cushion grinding during sleep. Wilsonville patients can learn about fit, care and reviews at our Port Dover office.
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 Wilsonville patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WilsonvilleMade from your own impressions
An appliance shaped to your bite can protect teeth overnight.
A custom night guard is a removable appliance made from impressions or a digital scan of your teeth. Worn during sleep, it places a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth to reduce wear from grinding and clenching. Because it is fitted to your mouth, it is generally slimmer and more stable than a guard bought off the shelf.
Wilsonville residents who have been told they grind, or who wake with jaw tension or sensitive teeth, can discuss a custom guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will first confirm whether a guard is appropriate and explain what it can and cannot do for your symptoms.
Why a guard
A guard addresses the effects of grinding.
Signs a guard may help
Flattened or chipped edges, cracks in enamel, worn fillings, sore jaw muscles and morning headaches can all point to night-time grinding. A partner may hear the noise. If several of these apply, the dentist may suggest a guard after examining your teeth and jaw to confirm that bruxism is a likely cause.
What a guard is designed to do
The guard acts as a cushion and barrier, spreading forces and reducing direct contact between teeth. It can help protect restorations and natural enamel. It may not stop the grinding itself, and other factors such as stress or sleep problems may also need attention. Your dentist will explain realistic expectations.
Getting fitted
A short process creates an appliance shaped to you.
Impressions or scans
After examining your teeth and bite, the dentist takes impressions or a digital scan. These records are used to make a guard for your upper or lower arch, depending on your situation. Mention any loose teeth, upcoming dental work or a strong gag reflex so the team can plan accordingly.
Fitting and first adjustments
At the fitting appointment, the guard is placed and checked for comfort and even contact. Small adjustments may be made to relieve tight spots or smooth edges. The team explains how to insert and remove it. Try it at home and note any pressure points to discuss at a follow-up if needed.
Wearing it nightly
Most people adapt within a few nights.
The adjustment period
The guard may feel unfamiliar at first, and some people notice extra saliva or a slight change in how their teeth meet in the morning. These effects usually ease as you get used to it. Wear the guard consistently so your mouth adjusts and the protection is present every night.
Signs the fit needs attention
If the guard causes persistent soreness, feels loose or tight, rocks or changes your bite in a way that does not settle, contact the office. These signs may mean an adjustment is needed. Do not try to trim or reshape the guard yourself, as this could affect how it protects your teeth.
Care and review
Simple care keeps the guard clean and effective.
Daily cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard each morning and clean it gently with a soft brush and mild soap or a cleaner recommended by the team. Avoid hot water, which can distort the material. Let it dry and store it in a ventilated case out of reach of pets, who often find guards interesting to chew.
Checkups and replacement
Bring the guard to your regular checkups so the dentist can inspect it for wear, cracks and fit. Over time, guards may thin or develop holes from grinding. Dental work such as crowns can also change the fit. The dentist will let you know when repair or replacement is recommended.
Planning your appointment
Getting a night guard made from Wilsonville.
Book an appointment at our Port Dover office to discuss your symptoms and have your teeth assessed for a guard. Ask how many visits the fitting process usually takes so you can plan your trips.
Bring any previous night guard or retainer and a note of when your symptoms are worst, such as morning jaw pain or headaches.
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
Custom night guard questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Upper or lower guard: which is better?
Either can work, depending on your bite, existing dental work and comfort. Your dentist will recommend the arch that suits your situation after examining how your teeth fit together.
Can a night guard move my teeth?
A well-fitted guard is designed not to move teeth. If you notice your bite changing or the guard feeling different, contact the office so the fit can be checked and adjusted.
How long does a custom guard last?
It depends on how much you grind and how well the guard is cared for. Some last several years, while heavy grinders may wear through sooner. Bring it to checkups so wear can be monitored.
Will a guard help my headaches?
If headaches are related to grinding or clenching, some people notice improvement. Headaches have many causes, so speak with your doctor if they are frequent, severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
Can I use my guard for sports?
Night guards and sports guards are designed differently. A sports guard is usually thicker to absorb impacts. Ask the team about a separate guard if you play contact sports.
Grinding and clenching care
Additional Services →Night Guards for Teeth Grinding →
Grinding at night can wear enamel and crack fillings. Wilsonville patients can find out whether a protective night guard makes sense at our Port Dover office.
Bruxism Treatment →
Worn edges, morning jaw ache or a partner hearing you grind? Wilsonville patients can have clenching and grinding assessed at our Port Dover dental office.