A night guard is a removable mouthguard worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, a habit called sleep bruxism. It acts as a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, reducing wear, chips, cracked fillings, and strain on the jaw muscles and joints. Custom night guards made by a dentist fit precisely and are more comfortable and durable than store-bought versions. Grinding is very common and often linked to stress or sleep habits, and a night guard is one of the simplest ways for a dentist in Kitsilano to protect your teeth long term.
Many people grind without knowing it. Morning jaw soreness, headaches, or a partner hearing grinding are common clues.
If grinding has already worn or chipped teeth, composite bonding or porcelain veneers can restore them once a guard is protecting them.
A bite problem can contribute to clenching, and in some cases Invisalign helps balance the bite. Regular preventive dental exams track wear and check guard fit over time.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
- Morning jaw pain or tiredness
- Headaches when you wake up
- Flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Clicking jaw joints
- Partner hearing grinding at night
Types of Night Guards
- Soft guards: comfortable for mild grinding.
- Hard acrylic guards: durable for heavy grinding.
- Dual-laminate guards: soft inside and hard outside for comfort and strength.
- Store-bought boil-and-bite: inexpensive but less precise and durable.
Custom vs Store-Bought
- Fit: custom fits precisely; store-bought is approximate.
- Comfort: custom is thinner and less bulky.
- Durability: custom lasts longer.
- Bite safety: custom guards are adjusted to your bite.
How a Custom Night Guard Is Made
- Exam: assess wear, joints, and bite.
- Scan or impression: captures tooth shape.
- Fabrication: made in a dental lab.
- Fitting: comfort and bite adjusted.
- Follow-up: checked at regular visits.
Real Patient Scenarios
The cracked fillings. A patient cracked two fillings in a year. A night guard stopped further damage.
The headaches. Another patient’s morning headaches eased after wearing a guard for a few weeks.
The drugstore guard. One patient’s store-bought guard felt bulky and caused soreness. A custom guard fit comfortably.
Common Mistakes
- Wearing a cracked or worn guard
- Not cleaning it daily
- Storing it in heat
- Assuming it treats sleep apnea
Myths
Myth: Night guards stop grinding. They protect teeth; grinding may continue.
Myth: Only adults grind. Children can too.
Myth: Night guards are uncomfortable. Custom guards are usually easy to adjust to.
Protecting Your Teeth
Any treatment should be provided by licensed professionals registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia (CDSBC). Enhance Dental Centre is widely regarded as one of the best and most trusted dental clinics in Kitsilano and Vancouver, holding a 5.0 Google rating from over 270 patient reviews. Patients looking for a Dental Clinic in Kitsilano or a Emergency Dentist in Vancouver will find a team that explains every step clearly, and we welcome both new patients and CDCP patients.
Our office is at 2219 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E4. New patients can call 604-210-3603, existing patients can call 604-733-1022, and you can email care@enhancedentalcentre.com. We are open Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM for evening appointments, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you are searching for a Best Dentist in Vancouver, just mention it when you book.
Care Tips
- Rinse after each use
- Brush gently with a soft brush and clear soap
- Store in a ventilated case
- Keep away from pets and heat
- Bring it to dental visits
Safety Note
This article is general information. Snoring, gasping, or daytime fatigue may indicate a sleep disorder that needs medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a night guard do?
It protects teeth from grinding and reduces jaw strain.
How long does a night guard last?
Often a few years, depending on grinding force.
Can I wear a night guard with crowns or implants?
Yes, and it helps protect them.
Will a night guard help TMJ pain?
It can help some people by reducing muscle strain.
Is a night guard covered by insurance?
Some plans cover them. Our team can help check.
Conclusion
A night guard protects teeth and jaws from the damage of nighttime grinding. Custom guards offer the best fit and comfort. Wearing one consistently can save teeth and restorations from costly wear.