Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Custom Night Guards in London, Ontario
Many people grind or clench their teeth in their sleep without knowing it. Night after night, that wears down enamel, cracks teeth and fillings, and strains the jaw muscles and joints. A custom night guard, a thin, hard appliance that fits over your teeth, takes the force of grinding so your teeth don’t.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry we make custom night guards for grinding (bruxism) and for jaw pain related to TMD.
New patients: a custom-fit night guard is one of the three free gifts you can choose from when you book your first visit. See the offer.
Signs you grind or clench
- teeth that look flat, worn, chipped or cracked
- sensitive teeth, especially at the gum line
- a sore or tired jaw in the morning
- headaches at the temples when you wake up
- a partner who hears grinding sounds at night
- scalloped edges on your tongue or a ridge inside your cheek
- broken fillings or crowns without an obvious reason
Stress, poor sleep, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, some medications and sleep apnea can all make grinding worse. We often spot it at a check-up before you notice it yourself.
What is TMD?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of your ears. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is the name for problems with those joints and the muscles that move the jaw. Signs include:
- pain in or around the ear, jaw, face or temples
- clicking, popping or grating when you open or chew
- a jaw that feels stiff, locks, or won’t open fully
- pain when chewing or yawning
Most TMD is muscle-related and improves with simple measures. A night guard can help by reducing clenching forces and letting the muscles relax.
Custom vs store-bought guards
Pharmacy “boil-and-bite” guards are soft and bulky. Soft material can actually encourage some people to chew on it, and a poor fit can make jaw pain worse. A custom guard:
- is made from a digital scan of your teeth, so it fits precisely and stays in place
- is thinner and more comfortable to sleep in
- is made of hard or dual-layer material that stands up to grinding
- is adjusted so your bite meets evenly on it, which helps the jaw muscles relax
How we make your night guard
- Exam. We check your teeth for wear and cracks, your jaw joints and muscles, and how wide you open. For jaw pain, we may take a panoramic x-ray.
- Scan. We scan your teeth and record your bite. No impression trays.
- Fitting. About one to two weeks later, we fit the guard and adjust it so your bite touches evenly.
- Follow-up. We check how it’s working and fine-tune it if needed.
Caring for your guard
- rinse it each morning and brush it gently with cool water and mild soap
- store it dry in its vented case, away from pets (dogs love them)
- keep it away from hot water and heat, which can warp it
- bring it to your check-ups so we can check for wear
- replace it when it’s thin, cracked or no longer fits after dental work
More help for jaw pain
A night guard is often one part of the plan. Others include:
- jaw rest, soft foods during flare-ups, and warm compresses
- gentle jaw stretches and posture habits
- managing stress and improving sleep
- cutting back on caffeine and alcohol in the evening
- therapeutic muscle-relaxing injections for strong clenching that a guard alone doesn’t control (jaw muscle pain and tension headaches often respond well)
If your symptoms point to a joint problem, we’ll refer you for further assessment.
Note that a night guard is different from a sports guard, which is thicker and designed to absorb impacts.
Cost and coverage
Many dental insurance plans cover part of a custom night guard, often once every few years. The Canadian Dental Care Plan’s coverage depends on your situation; we’ll check. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide. New patients can choose a night guard as their free gift.
Common questions
Will a night guard stop me grinding?
Not usually: it protects your teeth from the grinding. Many people find their jaw muscles relax and morning pain eases, though.
Upper or lower teeth?
Usually the upper teeth, but it depends on your bite and any crowns or missing teeth. We’ll recommend the best option.
How long does a night guard last?
Commonly several years, depending on how hard you grind. Holes or thin spots mean it’s time for a new one.
Book a night guard fitting in London
Book online or call 226-884-2573. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays.
Part of our other services services in London, Ontario. See all dental services.