Night Guards
At Yonge & St. Clair.
A custom night guard can help protect teeth and dental work from forces associated with clenching or grinding. We assess what you're experiencing first to determine whether a night guard makes sense for you.
Custom night guards
A night guard has a specific job.
A night guard is a removable dental appliance worn over the teeth, most commonly during sleep. When clenching or grinding is placing excessive forces on the teeth or restorations, a night guard may be recommended to provide a protective surface between the upper and lower teeth.
But having jaw pain, or even knowing that you grind your teeth, doesn't automatically mean that a night guard is the right treatment. We first consider what we're trying to protect or manage and whether an appliance is appropriate for that purpose.
What a night guard does
Protection, not a promise to stop grinding.
Protects tooth surfaces
The appliance provides a surface that can take some of the wear associated with tooth-to-tooth grinding.
Helps protect dental work
In selected patients, protecting crowns, fillings, veneers or other restorations from excessive forces may be an important reason for recommending an appliance.
Changes how the teeth contact
A properly designed appliance changes the way the upper and lower teeth contact while it is being worn.
Doesn't necessarily stop bruxism
A night guard should not be presented as a device that guarantees you will stop clenching or grinding.
The goal isn't simply to put plastic between your teeth. It's to prescribe an appliance for a reason.
Custom night guards
Made for your teeth.
Assessment
We look at your teeth and restorations, discuss your symptoms and consider why an appliance is being recommended.
Records
We take the records needed to make an appliance that fits your teeth.
Fabrication
The night guard is made for your mouth according to the planned design.
Fit & instructions
We check the fit and explain how to wear and care for the appliance.
Common questions
Common questions about night guards.
Do night guards stop teeth grinding?+
Not necessarily. A night guard is generally used to help manage the effects of clenching or grinding on the teeth rather than guarantee that the behaviour itself stops.
How do I know if I need a night guard?+
We consider your symptoms, teeth, existing dental work and signs that clenching or grinding forces may be relevant. Not everyone who grinds their teeth or has jaw pain needs the same treatment.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain or TMJ?+
A night guard may be useful in selected situations, but jaw pain and TMD can have different causes. An appliance should not be assumed to be the right treatment simply because the jaw hurts.
What's the difference between a night guard and a retainer?+
A night guard is prescribed for a dental purpose such as protecting teeth or restorations from grinding forces. An orthodontic retainer is primarily intended to maintain tooth position. They are not automatically interchangeable.
Can I use a sports mouthguard as a night guard?+
Sports mouthguards and night guards are designed for different purposes. A sports mouthguard is intended to protect the teeth during athletic activity, while a night guard is designed around the dental reason it is being prescribed for nighttime use.
Are custom night guards better than store-bought guards?+
A custom night guard is made for your teeth and can be designed around the clinical reason an appliance is being recommended. Over-the-counter products vary considerably. We focus on whether the appliance fits properly and is appropriate for the problem we’re trying to manage.
How long does a night guard last?+
There isn't one lifespan that applies to every appliance. Wear depends on factors such as the material, design, amount of grinding or clenching and how the guard is cared for. We can check its condition during regular dental visits.
How do I clean my night guard?+
Follow the care instructions provided with your appliance. Regular cleaning and allowing it to dry appropriately help keep it in good condition. Bring it with you periodically so we can check its fit and wear.
Related care
Think you might need a night guard?
Start with an assessment. We'll look at your teeth, talk through what you've been noticing and determine whether an appliance would be useful, and what it should be designed to do.
Or feel free to email us at reception@smilemail.ca. We reply to appointment requests within one business day.