THE SHORT ANSWER
You may need a night guard if grinding or clenching is damaging your teeth or dental work. A dentist can check for wear and other causes of your symptoms. A guard separates your teeth to help protect them; it does not necessarily stop the grinding itself. Mild bruxism does not always require treatment. [1]
What are the signs you might need a night guard?
A sore or tired jaw in the morning. You may notice tightness when you wake up or chew breakfast.
Teeth that look flatter, chipped or worn. Repeated pressure can also affect existing crowns and fillings.
New sensitivity or unexplained tooth discomfort. Tell your dentist where you feel it and when it started.
Someone hears you grinding in your sleep. You might not notice the habit yourself. [2]
These clues are a reason to get checked, not a diagnosis. Headaches and jaw pain can have other causes. Your dentist will examine your teeth and jaw rather than recommend an appliance based only on a symptom list. [4]
What does a night guard actually do?
A night guard is a removable dental appliance worn over the teeth. It provides a barrier between the upper and lower teeth during grinding or clenching. Its main role is to protect against further tooth damage.
Think of it as one part of a care plan. Your dentist may also discuss daytime clenching habits, stress, medicines or sleep concerns. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines on your own. [1]
Will a night guard stop me grinding my teeth?
Not necessarily. Protection and stopping the habit are different goals. Some people continue to grind while wearing an appliance, so the guard and the teeth still need monitoring. The right plan depends on your symptoms and risk of damage. [1]
Custom night guard or store-bought: which should I choose?
Custom-made
Made from an impression or scan of your teeth. A dentist checks how it fits and how your teeth meet against it, then adjusts it when needed.
Store-bought
Usually costs less upfront. The fit and material vary, and a generic appliance may feel bulky or cause discomfort. Ask your dentist whether it is suitable.
A comfortable fit matters because you need to be able to wear the appliance as directed. A sports mouthguard and a night guard are designed for different jobs; do not assume they are interchangeable. [4]
What happens at a night-guard assessment?
Your dentist looks for wear, cracks and damage to restorations, checks your jaw, and asks when symptoms occur. Mention any daytime clenching and whether someone has heard you grinding during sleep.
If an appliance is recommended, the next steps generally include an impression or scan, fabrication, and a fitting appointment. The dentist checks that the guard feels secure and explains when to wear it. Bring it to later dental visits so its fit and wear can be reviewed. [3]
How much does a night guard cost in Mississauga?
Ask for a written estimate after your assessment. The total can depend on the appliance recommended, fabrication, and the appointments included. Confirm whether the estimate includes fitting, adjustments and follow-up.
Insurance benefits vary. Ask your insurer whether your specific appliance is covered, whether a predetermination is needed, and what you would pay yourself. Do not assume every night guard is covered by private insurance or the CDCP.
Do I have to wear my night guard every night?
For sleep grinding, your dentist may recommend nightly wear. Follow your own instructions rather than copying someone else’s schedule. If it hurts, feels loose, or changes how your bite feels, contact your dentist for a fit check instead of adjusting it yourself. [5]
How do I clean a night guard?
Follow the instructions for its particular material. General advice includes rinsing with cool water, cleaning gently with a brush and suitable cleaner, letting it dry, and storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can distort the appliance.
Bring the guard to dental checkups and report cracks, rough edges or a changed fit. How long it lasts varies with the material, wear and care. [5]
A few more common questions
Can a night guard help with jaw pain?
It may form part of treatment, but jaw pain is not always caused by grinding. A dental examination helps identify whether an appliance or another approach is appropriate. [4]
Is a night guard the same as a sleep-apnea appliance?
No. A grinding guard and an appliance intended to treat obstructive sleep apnea serve different purposes. Tell your healthcare provider about snoring, gasping during sleep or significant daytime sleepiness; a standard grinding guard is not a substitute for sleep-apnea care. [5]
What else can I do about clenching?
Notice when your teeth are held together during the day and discuss ways to relax your jaw with your dentist. Relaxation routines and reducing stress may also help. A tailored plan is more useful than assuming everyone needs the same appliance. [3]
Considering a night guard in Mississauga?
Start with an examination so you understand whether a guard is suitable for you. Call Destiny Dental at 289-276-8542 or request an appointment.
Our clinic is at Unit 109, 1055 Canadian Place, Mississauga. Bring any existing guard, your insurance information, and a note of when your symptoms occur. Ask about the recommended options, estimated fees and follow-up before deciding.
Sources & further reading
1. NIDCR: Bruxism
2. Canadian Dental Association: Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
3. Ontario Dental Association: Teeth grinding
4. American Dental Association: Teeth grinding and jaw pain
5. Cleveland Clinic: Mouth guards
General patient information; a dental assessment is needed for individual recommendations.