Teeth grinding and clenching (known as Bruxism) often happen subconsciously while you sleep, causing severe wear on enamel, chronic headaches, and painful jaw disorders (TMD). At Dr 7 Family Dentistry, we create custom-fitted, durable Night Guards that act as a protective barrier, absorbing the forces of bruxism to preserve your natural teeth, protect your dental restorations, and provide relief from associated muscle pain.
Bruxism is the involuntary habitual grinding of the teeth, typically occurring during sleep. Over time, the force exerted by grinding can be extreme, leading to significant dental damage. A Custom Night Guard is a highly accurate, clear acrylic appliance fabricated in a dental lab from your specific dental impressions or digital scans. Unlike bulky, over-the-counter guards, a custom guard:
The guard acts as a splint, separating the upper and lower teeth to prevent contact and absorb damaging forces.
The guard shields the enamel, preventing further wearing, chipping, and the formation of hairline cracks that can lead to major structural tooth failure.
By relaxing the jaw muscles and reducing the pressure on the TMJ, the guard can significantly alleviate morning headaches, neck stiffness, and chronic jaw soreness.
Your crowns, veneers, bridges, and dental implants are vulnerable to breakage from grinding. A night guard safeguards your investment in restorative or cosmetic dental work.
Reducing the lateral forces of grinding helps preserve the bone supporting the teeth, limiting gum recession and preventing teeth from becoming loose.
A custom night guard is created with accuracy for therapeutic effectiveness:
We examine your teeth for signs of wear, assess your bite, and check your jaw joints and muscles for tenderness associated with TMD.
We take highly accurate digital scans (or traditional impressions) of your upper and lower teeth. This detailed mold is sent to our trusted dental lab.
The lab crafts a durable acrylic guard tailored to your specific jaw structure and bite relationship. The material is designed for both comfort and longevity.
You return for a fitting appointment where we check the guard’s stability, retention, and ensure your bite is balanced. We make any necessary fine adjustments for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
If you exhibit any of the following signs, you should consider a custom night guard:
Flat spots on the chewing surfaces, chipped edges, or fractured dental fillings.
Waking up with a dull, persistent headache, stiff neck, or general facial soreness.
Clicking, popping, or pain in the jaw joint, especially after sleeping.
Patients who have recently received extensive cosmetic work (veneers) or crowns that need long-term protection.
Custom night guards are considered a therapeutic appliance necessary for treating bruxism and preventing further dental destruction. As such, they are often covered partially by dental insurance, usually under the restorative or major services category. The cost of a high-quality custom guard is significantly lower than the expenses associated with repairing fractured teeth, replacing worn-out fillings, or treating advanced TMJ disorders caused by unchecked grinding. Dr 7 Family Dentistry will confirm your coverage details and provide transparent pricing before starting fabrication.
At Dr7 Family Dentistry, our dentists are committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused dental care for individuals and families in Thornhill. We take a thoughtful approach to dentistry, focusing on clear communication, comfort, and treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Our team has experience across preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. We proudly accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients and help guide you through coverage details and treatment options before care begins.
At Dr7 Family Dentistry, we focus on providing reliable, patient-centred dental care for individuals and families in Thornhill. Our approach is built on clear communication, thoughtful treatment planning, and consistent care that supports long-term oral health.
Our clinic uses up-to-date dental technology to support accurate diagnoses, efficient treatment, and patient comfort during every visit.
Our dentists and clinical staff bring experience across preventive, family, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. We take the time to assess your needs carefully and explain treatment options clearly.
We accept most dental insurance plans and proudly participate in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. Our team explains coverage and costs in advance so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
We offer flexible scheduling and emergency dental appointments when available to help address urgent dental concerns without unnecessary delays.
With proper care, a custom-made acrylic night guard typically lasts between 5 to 10 years, often much longer. We inspect it for wear at every hygiene appointment.
A night guard does not stop the grinding habit itself, but it prevents the destructive forces of grinding from impacting your teeth and jaw joints. It manages the damage and relieves the resulting pain.
The guard should be worn every night. Consistent use is necessary to keep the jaw muscles relaxed and prevent the cycle of grinding and pain from recurring.
You should clean your guard daily using a toothbrush and gentle soap or a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Never use regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and damage the acrylic.
