Dental Night Guards Maple Ridge
- Custom Night Guard for Teeth Grinding
- Bruxism Mouth Guard Made for Your Bite
- Night Guard for Teeth and Dental Work
- Custom Bite Guard Fitted In-Clinic
- Comfortable Mouth Guard for Sleeping
Why Choose Us for Dental Night Guards in Maple Ridge
Custom-Made for Your Bite
Every custom bite guard we provide is made from a precise record of your teeth, not a one-size-fits-all mould. We check the fit in-clinic and fine-tune your bite, so your nighttime mouth guard feels secure and comfortable while you sleep.
A Clear Look at Grinding Damage
Our CareStream intraoral camera and digital X-rays help us spot worn enamel, small cracks, and stress on existing dental work. You see exactly what we see, so you understand why we are recommending a mouth guard for grinding teeth.
Complete Care Under One Roof
If grinding has already caused damage, we can repair chipped teeth, worn fillings, or cracked crowns right here. For ongoing jaw clenching, therapeutic Botox is also available, and we work directly with your insurance provider on your bruxism mouth guard.
Do You Need a
Night Mouth Guard in Maple Ridge?
Check off any of these common signs of teeth grinding:
- Morning jaw soreness or stiffness
- Headaches when you wake up
- Teeth sensitive to hot or cold
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Grinding or clenching at night
If one or more sound familiar, a teeth guard for sleeping may help protect your teeth and jaw. Book an exam, and we’ll check for signs of bruxism.
Meet Your Dentist for
Dental Night Guards in Maple Ridge
Dr. Tarn Dhillon, B.Sc., D.M.D.
Owner and Lead Dentist
Dr. Tarn Dhillon is the founder and lead dentist at Westgate Dental & Implant Centre and a graduate of the University of British Columbia. His work with custom oral appliances, including the mandibular advancement devices fitted here for sleep apnea patients, shapes how he approaches every custom night guard for teeth grinding.
Before recommending a bruxism mouth guard, Dr. Dhillon looks at the full picture: worn enamel, jaw tension, your bite, and any crowns or fillings that need protecting. Once your dental night guard is ready, he checks the fit and fine-tunes your bite so your night guard for teeth sits comfortably while you sleep.
Signs You May Need a
Night Guard for Teeth Grinding
Many people who grind or clench at night have no idea they’re doing it. Instead, bruxism tends to show up in symptoms you notice during the day. You may benefit from a mouth guard for grinding teeth if you notice any of the following:
- Morning headaches: A dull ache around your temples when you wake up can come from jaw muscles working hard overnight.
- Jaw soreness or tightness: Your jaw may feel tired, stiff, or tender, especially first thing in the morning or when chewing.
- Tooth sensitivity: Grinding can wear away protective enamel, leaving teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth: Edges that look shorter, flatter, or chipped can point to ongoing grinding forces.
- Disrupted sleep: You or your partner may hear grinding sounds at night, or you may wake up feeling unrested.
- Clicking or popping in the jaw: Noises when you open, chew, or yawn can signal strain on the jaw joint and are worth having checked.
One sign alone doesn’t always mean you grind your teeth, and some of these symptoms can have other causes. During your exam, we check for wear patterns, cracks, and stress on existing dental work, using our CareStream intraoral camera to show you what we find. If grinding is the likely cause, we’ll walk you through whether a bruxism mouth guard is the right fit. A custom bite guard made for your bite works as a protective night guard for teeth, crowns, and fillings while you sleep.
Who Needs a Night Guard
for Teeth Grinding?
A nighttime mouth guard is recommended when grinding or clenching puts your teeth, jaw, or dental work at risk. You may be a good candidate if any of these apply to you:
- Chronic Teeth Grinders: People who regularly grind or clench during sleep, often noticed by a partner or through worn enamel.
- Patients with Jaw Pain or Tension: Those who wake with sore jaw muscles, stiffness, or discomfort around the jaw joint.
- Patients with Crowns, Veneers, or Implants: A bite guard for sleeping helps shield restorations from grinding forces that can chip or loosen them.
- Patients with Worn or Sensitive Teeth: Those whose enamel shows flattening, chips, or increased sensitivity from ongoing wear.
- Older Adults: Years of grinding can add up, and a mouth guard for sleeping helps protect teeth that already show wear.
Not sure if a night guard mouthpiece is right for you? We’ll assess your bite, check for wear, and recommend a suitable option.
What Causes Teeth
Grinding and Jaw Clenching?
There’s rarely a single reason someone grinds or clenches at night. In most cases, bruxism comes from a mix of factors, and understanding yours helps us recommend the right night mouth guard for grinding teeth. Common contributors include:
Stress and Anxiety
Daily stress often carries over into sleep. Many people clench their jaw or grind their teeth during busy or emotionally demanding periods, usually without realizing it until symptoms like jaw soreness or headaches appear.
Bite and Tooth Alignment Issues
Crooked, crowded, or missing teeth can affect how your upper and lower teeth meet. When your bite doesn’t come together evenly, your jaw muscles may work harder overnight, adding pressure to certain teeth.
Sleep-Related Factors
Research has linked nighttime grinding with sleep disturbances, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. If we notice signs of a sleep-related breathing issue, we can talk with you about our sleep apnea treatment and next steps.
Lifestyle Habits
Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can all affect sleep quality and muscle activity. Regularly consuming these, especially in the evening, may make nighttime grinding or clenching more likely for some people.
Certain Medications
Some medications, including certain antidepressants, list teeth grinding as a possible side effect. If you’ve noticed symptoms after starting a new prescription, mention it to your doctor and let us know at your visit.
Whatever the cause, a nighttime mouth guard helps protect your teeth and dental work from grinding forces while you sleep. A dental mouth guard doesn’t change the underlying cause, but a custom night guard for teeth grinding acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, reducing wear and strain night after night. If stress, bite issues, or jaw tension are playing a role, we’ll also talk with you about other options that may help alongside your teeth guard for sleeping.
Custom Night Guard vs Store-Bought Mouth Guard
Over-the-counter options can seem like a quick fix, but a store-bought night guard mouthpiece is made to fit a wide range of mouths, not yours. Below is how the two compare.
| Feature | Custom Night Guard | Store-Bought Mouth Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made from a precise record of your teeth for a snug, secure fit | Generic sizing or boil-and-bite moulding that may fit loosely |
| Customization | Designed around your bite, grinding pattern, and dental work | Limited shaping with no assessment of your bite |
| Material | Dental-grade material chosen based on how heavily you grind | Softer, general-purpose plastics that may not suit heavy grinding |
| Comfort | Slim, balanced design that’s easier to wear through the night | Often bulky, which can make it harder to sleep or keep in place |
| Durability | Built to withstand nightly grinding and clenching forces | May thin, tear, or lose shape quickly with regular grinding |
| Dentist Adjustments | Fit and bite checked in-clinic, with adjustments as needed | No professional fitting or follow-up adjustments |
| Intended Use | Made specifically as a bite guard for sleeping and bruxism | Many are designed as a mouth guard for sports, not nighttime wear |
A poorly fitting guard can shift during sleep, put uneven pressure on your bite, or simply end up in the drawer. A custom night guard for teeth grinding is made to protect your teeth and dental work while staying comfortable enough to wear every night. If you’re looking for dental night guards in Maple Ridge, we’ll assess your bite and recommend the right fit for you.
Dental Night Guard FAQs
Do your custom night guards have a specific lifespan?
A night guard for teeth can last anywhere from six months to several years, depending on how heavily you grind. Our night guards come with a one-year warranty. If yours cracks from normal wear, bring it in for a replacement.
How do I choose the right night guard for my needs?
The right dental mouth guard depends on how intensely you grind or clench. Soft, hard, and dual-laminate options each have advantages, so our dentists assess your bite, wear patterns, and dental work before recommending the best fit for you.
What is the best way to clean and care for a dental guard?
Brush your nighttime mouth guard gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, then rinse it with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material, and store it in its case away from heat and chemicals.
How do I know if I need a night guard?
Common signs include morning headaches, jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, and worn or chipped teeth. A partner may also hear you grinding at night. During your exam, we check for wear and recommend a mouth guard for grinding teeth if needed.
Does a night guard stop teeth grinding or protect against its effects?
A night guard protects against the effects of grinding rather than stopping the habit itself. A bruxism mouth guard creates a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, helping reduce enamel wear, cracks, and strain on your jaw muscles.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought mouth guard?
For most people who grind, yes. A custom bite guard is made from a precise record of your teeth, so it fits securely and stays comfortable. Store-bought guards are generic, often bulkier, and may wear through quickly with regular grinding.
Can I use a night guard if I have crowns or other dental work?
Yes. A custom night guard for teeth grinding can help protect crowns, fillings, veneers, bridges, and implant restorations from grinding forces. We design your guard around your existing dental work so it fits properly without placing uneven pressure on restorations.
Does dental insurance cover custom night guards?
Coverage for dental night guards depends on your provider and plan, and some plans include them while others don’t. We work directly with your insurance and can preauthorize treatment, so you know your costs before moving forward.