Night Guards in Wetaskiwin

A night guard is a removable dental appliance worn while you sleep to help protect your teeth from the forces of clenching and grinding. A custom night guard is made to fit your teeth and bite, providing a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard, sometimes called an occlusal guard or bite guard, is an appliance designed to protect your teeth from excessive forces while you sleep.

Night guards are commonly recommended for people who clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Because nighttime grinding often happens unconsciously, you may not realize you are doing it until your dentist identifies signs of wear or you begin experiencing symptoms.

A night guard does not necessarily stop the clenching or grinding itself. Instead, it helps protect the teeth and restorations from repeatedly contacting one another under excessive force.

What Are the Signs of Teeth Grinding or Clenching?

Bruxism affects people differently, and not everyone experiences obvious symptoms.

Possible signs include:

Worn or flattened tooth surfaces
Chipped or cracked teeth
Damage to fillings, crowns, or other restorations
Tooth sensitivity
Tight or tired jaw muscles
Jaw discomfort after waking
Headaches, particularly in the morning
A partner noticing grinding sounds while you sleep

These symptoms can also have other causes. A dental examination can help determine whether clenching or grinding may be contributing to the problem.

How Does a Night Guard Protect Your Teeth?

Your teeth are designed to withstand normal biting and chewing forces, but repeated clenching or grinding can place them under significant pressure.

A night guard creates a protective surface between the upper and lower teeth. Rather than allowing the teeth to grind directly against one another, the appliance absorbs and distributes some of the forces generated during clenching and grinding.

This can help reduce wear and protect vulnerable teeth and dental restorations from additional damage.

Custom Night Guards vs. Over-the-Counter Guards

Night guards are available over the counter, but these appliances differ from guards made specifically for your mouth.

A custom night guard is created using an impression or digital scan of your teeth. It is designed to fit your mouth and bite rather than relying on a standard shape or a material you mould yourself at home.

Fit matters because a night guard needs to remain comfortable and stable enough to be worn consistently. Your dentist can also evaluate your bite and determine the type of appliance that is appropriate for your needs.

Over-the-counter guards may be suitable for some people as a temporary option, but they do not provide the same individualized fit or professional assessment.

What Is the Process for Getting a Custom Night Guard?

The process begins with an examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw. Your dentist will look for signs of wear or damage and discuss any symptoms you have been experiencing.

If a night guard is recommended, an impression or digital scan is taken to record the shape of your teeth. This information is used to create the appliance.

Once your night guard is ready, its fit and bite can be checked and adjusted as needed. You will also receive instructions for wearing, cleaning, and storing it.

How Do You Care for a Night Guard?

Cleaning your night guard regularly helps keep it fresh and prevents buildup on the appliance.

Rinse it after use and clean it according to the instructions provided by your dental team. Allowing the guard to dry and storing it in a ventilated case can also help keep it in good condition.

Avoid exposing the appliance to excessive heat, which may distort some materials.

Bring your night guard to dental appointments periodically so your dental team can inspect its condition and check that it continues to fit properly.

How Long Does a Night Guard Last?

There is no fixed lifespan for every night guard. How long yours lasts depends on the material, the amount of force you place on it, how frequently you wear it, and how well it is cared for.

Someone who grinds heavily may wear through an appliance more quickly than someone with mild clenching.

Over time, a night guard can also become worn, damaged, or stop fitting correctly if your teeth or dental work change. Regular dental visits provide an opportunity to check whether it is still doing its job.

Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep

Clenching and grinding can gradually wear down teeth and place additional stress on existing dental work, often without you realizing it is happening.

If you have noticed tooth wear, morning jaw tension, damaged restorations, or other signs of nighttime grinding, contact our dental team for an assessment. A custom night guard may help protect your teeth from further damage.

FAQs About Night Guards in Wetaskiwin

Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?

Not necessarily. A night guard is primarily designed to protect your teeth from the forces created by clenching and grinding. It may help with certain symptoms for some patients, but it does not eliminate every cause of bruxism.

Can I wear a night guard if I have crowns or other dental work?

In many cases, yes. In fact, protecting dental restorations from excessive grinding forces may be one reason a night guard is recommended. Your dentist can design the appliance around your existing dental work and monitor its fit over time.

Can a night guard help with jaw pain?

A night guard may help some people when jaw discomfort is related to clenching or grinding, but jaw pain can have many causes. An examination is important to determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether a night guard is appropriate.

How often should I wear my night guard?

If a night guard has been prescribed for nighttime bruxism, it is generally intended to be worn consistently while sleeping. Your dentist will provide instructions based on your specific appliance and treatment needs.

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We want the cost of dental care to be clear and straightforward. Spring Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, direct bills most insurance providers, and accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

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