Custom Night Guards
Protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep
Stop Grinding Damage While You Sleep
Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth? You may be grinding your teeth at night (bruxism). A custom night guard protects your teeth and relieves symptoms while you sleep.
What Is Bruxism?
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It often happens during sleep, so you may not even know you're doing it.
The Problem
Grinding forces during sleep can exceed normal chewing forces by 10x or more, causing:
- Worn, flattened teeth
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Damaged dental work
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Headaches
- Facial muscle pain
- Disrupted sleep
Signs You May Be Grinding
- Worn, flattened teeth
- Chipped tooth edges
- Morning jaw soreness
- Morning headaches
- Facial muscle tension
- Tooth sensitivity
- Partner reports grinding sounds
- Tight jaw upon waking
How Night Guards Help
Protection
A night guard creates a barrier between upper and lower teeth:
- Prevents tooth-on-tooth contact
- Absorbs grinding forces
- Protects enamel from wear
- Protects existing dental work
Relief
Night guards can also:
- Relax jaw muscles
- Reduce TMJ symptoms
- Decrease morning headaches
- Improve sleep quality
Custom vs. Store-Bought
Store-Bought Guards
- Generic "one size fits most"
- Often bulky and uncomfortable
- May fall out during sleep
- Can alter bite poorly
- Short lifespan
- Minimal protection
Custom Night Guards
- Made from your exact impression
- Comfortable fit
- Stays in place all night
- Proper bite alignment
- Long-lasting (years)
- Superior protection
| Feature | Custom | Store-Bought |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Perfect | Generic |
| Comfort | Excellent | Poor |
| Protection | Superior | Basic |
| Durability | 3-5+ years | Months |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
| Value | Better | Worse |
Types of Night Guards
Soft Night Guards
- Made from pliable material
- Most comfortable initially
- Good for mild grinding
- May wear out faster
Hard Night Guards
- Rigid acrylic material
- Very durable
- Best for severe grinding
- Effective but takes adjustment
Dual-Laminate (Hybrid)
- Soft inner layer, hard outer
- Combines comfort and durability
- Popular choice
- Works for most patients
Upper vs. Lower
Most night guards are worn on the upper teeth, but lower guards may be recommended for some patients. We'll advise based on your situation.
The Process
Getting Your Night Guard
- Examination – We assess your teeth and discuss symptoms
- Impressions – Digital or traditional molds of your teeth
- Fabrication – Lab creates your custom guard
- Fitting – We ensure perfect fit and bite
- Adjustments – Fine-tuning if needed
- Instructions – Care and use guidance
Timeline: Ready in about 1-2 weeks.
Wearing Your Night Guard
- Wear every night for protection
- May feel unusual at first (you'll adjust)
- Keep by your bed as a reminder
- Bring to dental appointments for checking
Caring for Your Night Guard
Daily Care
- Rinse with cool water after use
- Brush gently with toothbrush (no toothpaste—can be abrasive)
- Allow to dry completely
- Store in provided case
Weekly Cleaning
- Soak in denture cleaner or mild soap solution
- Rinse thoroughly
- Let dry completely
Don't
- Use hot water (can warp)
- Leave in sunlight or hot car
- Use abrasive cleaners
- Let pets chew on it!
Replacement
Night guards typically last 3-5 years. Replace if:
- Material is worn through
- Fit changes
- Guard is damaged
- We recommend it at your checkup
Beyond Night Guards
Additional Treatment
For some patients, we may also recommend:
- Stress management
- Jaw exercises
- Muscle relaxants
- Bite adjustment
- Physical therapy referral
- Botox for jaw muscles (severe cases)
Addressing Root Causes
Stress is a major contributor to grinding. Consider:
- Relaxation techniques
- Reducing caffeine
- Exercise
- Sleep hygiene
- Professional counseling if needed
Cost and Insurance
Investment
Custom night guards typically cost: $400-$650
Compare to the cost of:
- Crown for cracked tooth: $1,000-1,500
- Root canal: $1,000-1,500
- Multiple fillings: $500+
Prevention protects your investment in your teeth.
Insurance Coverage
Some dental and medical plans cover night guards. We verify your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
At first, yes. Most patients adjust within 1-2 weeks and then can't sleep without it.
A night guard doesn't stop grinding—it protects against damage. Some patients find they grind less over time; others continue but are protected.
Yes! Night guards protect crowns, veneers, and other work from grinding damage.
Night guards help with clenching too. They prevent tooth damage and reduce muscle strain.
Usually not needed. If you clench during the day, we may recommend a different appliance.
Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep
Wake Up Without Pain
Don't let grinding damage your smile. Schedule your night guard consultation today and start protecting your teeth while you sleep.
Schedule Your Night Guard Consultation
Stop the damage from teeth grinding. Contact us today to get fitted for a custom night guard.
Call: (613) 728-1511
Address: 20 – 1620 Scott Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S7
Email: hollandcrossreception@blusky.dental
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝