Huntsville SmilesDentistry
Hours (705) 788-9229

Winter · Protect & urgent care

Night guards for grinding

Snow settles on the cabin roof and the night goes still. A night guard shelters your teeth while you sleep.

Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without knowing it. A custom night guard is a thin, smooth appliance that cushions your teeth and eases the strain on your jaw.

(705) 788-9229
A quiet cottage bedroom at night, with a wool blanket on the bed, a glowing lamp and a window looking out over a lake and pines

Grinding and clenching, called bruxism, can wear teeth down, chip fillings and crack teeth. It can also leave your jaw muscles tired and sore. Stress, sleep problems, some medications, alcohol and caffeine can all play a part.

A night guard doesn’t stop the habit, but it takes the wear instead of your teeth. It can also ease the pressure on your jaw joints and muscles. A custom guard is made from an impression of your teeth, so it fits closely and stays in place.

How it works

  1. 01

    Exam

    We look for signs of wear, check your jaw joints and muscles, and ask about your sleep and stress.

  2. 02

    Impressions

    We take an impression of your teeth so your guard can be made to fit you.

  3. 03

    Fitting

    We check that the guard fits snugly, feels comfortable and lets your teeth meet evenly.

  4. 04

    Follow-up

    We check how it’s working at your next visit and adjust it if needed.

Afterwards

It can take a few nights to get used to a guard. Some people notice extra saliva at first, and that settles. Each morning, rinse the guard, brush it gently with cool water and let it dry in its case. Keep it away from heat and pets. Bring it to your check-ups so we can look for wear.

If you snore loudly or often wake up tired, mention it to your doctor too. Grinding can be linked to sleep problems that are worth checking.

Questions people ask

Can I use a store-bought guard instead?

A store-bought guard can help in a pinch, but it’s often bulky and may not fit well. A poor fit can be uncomfortable and may strain your jaw. A custom guard is thinner and made for your bite.

Will a night guard stop me from grinding?

No. It protects your teeth and jaw from the effects of grinding. Managing stress, cutting back on caffeine and evening alcohol, and treating sleep problems may help reduce the habit itself.

How long does a night guard last?

It depends on how hard you grind. Many last a few years. We check yours at each visit and let you know when it’s worn.

Is a night guard covered by insurance?

Some plans cover night guards and some don’t. We’ll give you a written estimate before we start and can send a pre-determination to your insurer.

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Come sit a while.

New patients, returning patients and visitors to Muskoka are all welcome. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll find a time that suits you.

(705) 788-9229

Hours: Mon–Thu, 8 am – 5 pm