Waking with a sore jaw, tender teeth or morning headaches is not normal. These are common signs of bruxism, the habit of clenching or grinding while you sleep. Left unchecked, it can chip enamel, loosen fillings and strain jaw joints. At Oakville Place Dental, we design custom night guards for teeth grinding that fit securely, protect teeth and make mornings easier. Below, we explain what to watch for, why a custom device outperforms store‑bought trays and how our process works from scan to follow‑up.

Night Guards for Teeth Grinding: Symptoms, risks and quick answer

Quick answer: A night guard places a smooth, even surface between your teeth so forces spread out instead of landing on a few points. That protects enamel, dental work and jaw joints, and it often improves sleep quality.

Common signs you need a night guard for teeth grinding

• Morning jaw tightness or headaches
• Flattened or chipped edges on teeth
• Notches at the gumline; cold sensitivity
• Sore muscles at the temples or around the ears
• A partner hears grinding at night

What grinding does if you ignore it

• Enamel wear and micro‑cracks
• Loose fillings, stressed crowns or veneers
• Jaw joint irritation and muscle fatigue

Best Night Guard for Teeth Grinding: Custom vs. store‑bought (what actually changes)

Why custom wins: Accuracy. A custom device is built from a digital scan of your teeth, so it stays put, spreads force evenly and feels slimmer where comfort matters.

Custom vs OTC at a glance

Aspect	Custom	OTC/Boil‑and‑bite
Fit/retention	Clicks into place; stable all night	Bulkier; can shift
Thickness	1.5–3.0 mm tuned to your bite	One size; limited options
Material	Hard acrylic or dual‑laminate for durability	Softer plastics; compress faster
Force balance	Designed contacts share load evenly	Can concentrate pressure
Lifespan	Often years with care	Often months

Fit and retention: comfort you actually wear

A precise, snug fit makes the guard feel natural. You should be able to speak briefly and swallow without feeling like it will fall out. That stability is why patients wear custom guards every night.

Materials and thickness: matched to your grinding pattern

• Hard acrylic: crisp fit and strong wear resistance for heavy grinding.
• Dual‑laminate: soft inside for comfort, hard outer shell for longevity.
• Soft EVA: a lighter‑duty option for short‑term needs. Typical thickness ranges from 1.5 to 3.0 mm. Thicker resists wear longer; thinner feels sleeker. We balance those priorities together.

Upper vs lower night guard for teeth grinding

Upper guards suit most mouths and avoid lower crowding. Lower guards offer a lower profile and can help if you gag easily. Protection is similar when the design and adjustments are correct.

Night Guard for Teeth Grinding: Our five‑step process in Oakville

1. Assessment: We check wear patterns, restorations and jaw movement; we discuss symptoms and goals.
2. Digital scan: Mess‑free 3D scan captures precise tooth and bite detail; speeds future replacements.
3. Design: We choose arch, material and thickness; contacts are shaped to share forces evenly.
4. Fit and adjust: We refine edges, verify smooth contacts and polish so speech and swallowing feel natural.
5. Follow‑up: We check comfort after a few nights and review wear at hygiene visits; minor tweaks are common as muscles relax.

Care for night guards for teeth grinding: hygiene and lifespan

Daily habits keep a guard fresh and effective.

• Rinse after use; brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild, non‑abrasive cleanser.
• Air‑dry fully; store in a ventilated case.
• Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals.
• Bring the guard to check‑ups so we can monitor fit and wear. Signs it is time for an adjustment or replacement: flat spots, cracks, looseness or new morning soreness.

Best Night Guard for Teeth Grinding: FAQs

Will a guard stop grinding. No. It protects teeth and eases muscle load while you sleep, which is what brings relief.

Will it feel bulky. A custom device follows your teeth closely, so most people adapt within a few nights. If something rubs or feels high, we adjust it.

Upper or lower, which is better. Protection is similar. We choose based on anatomy, restorations and your comfort.

How long will it last. It varies with grinding force and material. Many custom guards last several years with routine care.

Is it covered by insurance. Some plans contribute toward a guard. Coverage varies; we provide estimates and help with paperwork.

Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Oakville: book a custom fit

A custom device is often the best night guard for teeth grinding if you wake with jaw pain, see chipped edges or hear about grinding from a partner. We design night guards for teeth grinding that fit securely, protect restorations and make mornings easier. Learn more about our team and services at Oakville Place Dental, then book a visit to get started.

Reach out to Oakville Place Dental today at 905‑842‑6030, email us at rochelle@dentistoakville.com or click here to get in touch online.