Night Guards

What Are Night Guards?

A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that you wear while you sleep to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. Night guards create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of grinding and preventing wear, fractures, and other damage.

At Redwater Dental Clinic in Redwater, AB, we create custom-fitted night guards that are comfortable to wear and designed to last. Unlike over-the-counter options, our custom night guards are made from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring a secure fit that stays in place throughout the night and provides the best possible protection.

Signs You May Need a Night Guard

Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without realizing it. Since it happens during sleep, you may not be aware of the habit until damage has already occurred. Here are common signs that you may benefit from a night guard:

• Waking up with jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness
• Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
• Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
• Tooth sensitivity that has developed over time
• Clicking or popping sounds in your jaw joint
• Your partner hears you grinding your teeth at night
• Earaches or facial pain without an obvious cause
• Disrupted sleep or waking up feeling unrested

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Redwater Dental Clinic. We will examine your teeth for signs of grinding and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Night Guards

You may have seen boil-and-bite night guards available at pharmacies. While these are inexpensive, there are important differences between store-bought and custom night guards that affect comfort, fit, and effectiveness.

Store-Bought Night Guards: These use a one-size-fits-all approach or a boil-and-bite method that provides only a rough approximation of your bite. They tend to be bulky, uncomfortable, and can shift during sleep. Because the fit is imprecise, they may not provide adequate protection and can even worsen jaw problems in some cases. Many patients find them difficult to tolerate and stop using them after a few nights.

Custom Night Guards from Redwater Dental Clinic: Our custom night guards are made from detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth. They are fabricated in a professional dental laboratory using high-quality materials. The result is a thin, comfortable appliance that fits precisely over your teeth, stays in place all night, and provides even distribution of biting forces. Custom guards last significantly longer than store-bought alternatives and are adjusted to your specific bite pattern.

The investment in a custom night guard pays for itself by protecting your teeth from damage that would require far more expensive treatments to repair, such as crowns, veneers, or root canals.

The Fitting Process

Getting a custom night guard at Redwater Dental Clinic is a straightforward process that typically requires two appointments:

1. First Visit: We examine your teeth and jaw, discuss your symptoms, and take precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth. We also assess your bite pattern to determine the best type of night guard for your needs.
2. Fabrication: Your impressions are sent to a professional dental laboratory where your night guard is custom-made from durable, BPA-free materials.
3. Second Visit: When your night guard is ready, typically within one to two weeks, you return to our office for a fitting. We check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure you are comfortable wearing it.
4. Follow-Up: We schedule a follow-up to check how you are adjusting and make any fine-tuning adjustments if needed.

Most patients adapt to wearing their night guard within a few nights. Our team will provide tips to help you get used to it quickly.

Caring for Your Night Guard

Proper care will help your night guard last for years. Here are some tips to keep it in great condition:

• Rinse your night guard with cool water before and after each use
• Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste
• Store it in its protective case when not in use to prevent damage and bacteria buildup
• Keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, which can warp the material
• Do not soak it in hot water or mouthwash containing alcohol
• Bring it to your regular dental appointments so we can check for wear
• Replace it if you notice cracks, holes, or changes in fit

If your teeth grinding is related to stress or a jaw disorder, we may also recommend TMJ therapy as part of your overall treatment plan. At Redwater Dental Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to protecting your teeth and relieving your symptoms. Call us at 780-942-4691 or request an appointment online to get started.