A night guard is a custom oral appliance worn during sleep to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching. It reduces jaw tension and muscle discomfort, and shields both natural teeth and existing dental restorations from wear, cracks and fractures. It is recommended following clinical examination.
Made In House, Not Sent Away
- Custom thermoplastic night guards made in house using a SprintRay 3D printer.
- Digital scans available instead of the traditional alginate impression, for patients who would rather avoid it.
- 1 year office warranty, with a redo at no charge.
- Bring your guard to your teeth cleaning appointment and it is professionally cleaned free of charge, removing stains and tartar.
- Typical cost $530 to $620. Final pricing varies based on your individual clinical needs.
- Typical lifespan 1 to 5 years, depending on how heavily you grind.
Guards are made in house from your own scan or impression, so these are custom fitted mouthguards rather than a stock tray softened in hot water. The bite is adjusted at fitting, and the recommendation follows what the examination and your symptoms actually show.
Who Needs a Night Guard?
Anyone whose teeth are taking damage overnight, and often people who had no idea it was happening. Treatment is recommended based on examination findings and your symptoms.
- Patients who grind or clench their teeth
- Patients with jaw pain or (TMJ)-related symptoms
- Patients with tooth wear, cracks, or fractures
- Patients experiencing morning headaches or soreness
Morning Headaches Are the Giveaway
Morning headaches are the sign most people miss. Grinding happens while you are asleep, so the symptom you notice is not the grinding itself but what it leaves behind: a sore jaw, worn enamel, or a cracked filling.
What Does an Occlusal Guard Actually Do?
Four things, and only the first is obvious. A custom night guard protects the teeth, but it also changes how the load is distributed.
- Protects natural teeth from grinding wear
- Protects existing dental restorations, including crowns and dental veneers
- Reduces jaw tension and muscle discomfort
- Helps manage teeth grinding, clinically (bruxism), and clenching
That second point is what makes a guard worth having if you have already invested in restorative or cosmetic work. A night guard for teeth grinding is considerably cheaper than replacing a fractured crown.
How Is It Made?
Digitally, and on site. This is the part that sets the process here apart from a guard posted off to an external lab.
- Digital scans or dental impressions are taken. Scans are offered specifically so you can skip the alginate tray if you dislike it.
- A custom appliance is fabricated in house on a SprintRay 3D printer, in custom thermoplastic.
- Your bite is adjusted for comfort and effectiveness.
- Instructions for use and cleaning are provided.
- Follow-up visits are scheduled if they are needed.
Why the Bite Adjustment Matters
The bite adjustment in step three is not optional polish. A custom thermoplastic night guard that fits but does not sit correctly against the opposing teeth will not do its job properly.
Custom Guard or Store-Bought?
The differences are explained to you rather than assumed, because the price gap is real and so is the performance gap.
| Custom guard made here | Store-bought guard | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made from your own scan or impression | Boil-and-bite, approximate |
| Bite | Adjusted for comfort and effectiveness | Not adjusted |
| Material | Custom thermoplastic, 3D printed in house | Stock material |
| Lifespan | 1 to 5 years depending on grinding severity | Typically much shorter |
| Checked | Reviewed at every dental visit | Never |
| Warranty | 1 year office warranty, redo at no charge | None |
Long-term protection and prevention are the argument for the custom route, and that argument is made in terms of what a guard prevents rather than what it costs.
How Long Does It Last, and How Do You Care For It?
Typically 1 to 5 years, depending on grinding severity and how much you use it.
- Daily cleaning and safe storage are recommended
- Guards are checked at your regular dental visits
- Replacement is advised when wear or damage is noted
- Bring it to a cleaning appointment and it will be professionally cleaned at no charge
The Complimentary Cleaning Is Worth Using
Stains and tartar build up on an appliance the same way they do on teeth, and a home clean does not remove them. According to the Canadian Dental Association, your dentist is best placed to monitor appliances and restorations alongside your natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an occlusal guard the same as a night guard?
How much does a custom night guard cost?
How long will it last?
Do I have to have goopy impressions taken?
Can you clean my guard for me?
What if it does not fit properly?
Will a guard help my jaw pain?
Book a Bite Assessment in Waterloo
If you wake with a sore jaw or a headache, or your dentist has pointed out wear you had not noticed, that is the conversation to have. Searching for a night guard near you in Waterloo is worth turning into an examination.
- Made in house on a SprintRay 3D printer, with digital scans instead of alginate if you prefer.
- 1 year warranty with a free redo, and complimentary professional cleaning at your hygiene visits.
Book an assessment to find out whether an occlusal guard is right for you.
Westmount Dental 50 Westmount Rd N #225, Waterloo, ON N2L 2R5, Canada