Night Guards in Edmonton for Grinding & Clenching
We help you understand whether nighttime grinding may be affecting your teeth, jaw, or bite — then explain whether a custom night guard makes sense for your situation.
Teeth Grinding Can Be
Easy to Miss
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it. Some grind while sleeping. Others clench during the day when they are stressed, focused, driving, studying, or working at a desk.
Because grinding often happens unconsciously, the first signs may show up as symptoms rather than something you notice in the mirror. You do not need to know whether grinding is the cause before booking. We can examine your teeth, bite, and jaw, then talk through what we see in clear language.
What Is a
Night Guard?
A night guard is a dental appliance worn while you sleep to help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. It creates a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth and can help reduce wear caused by repeated contact.
A night guard for teeth grinding does not cure grinding, and it may not be the right answer for every patient. Its main role is protection. If your teeth are showing signs of wear, your jaw feels strained, or your dental work is being stressed by clenching, a night guard may help reduce damage over time.
We will explain whether a guard is appropriate based on what we see during your exam.
Why Choose a
Custom Night Guard?
Many patients try a store-bought guard first because it seems simple and affordable. For some people, an over-the-counter option can feel bulky, loose, uncomfortable, or hard to sleep with. If the fit is poor, it may not provide the protection or stability your teeth need.
A custom night guard is made from records of your teeth, so it is designed around your mouth and bite. That custom fit can help improve comfort, stability, and durability compared with a one-size-fits-all option.
A dentist-made night guard may be recommended if you have:
Night Guards for Clenching, Bruxism & Jaw Tension
Bruxism is the term often used for grinding or clenching the teeth. Some patients grind side to side. Others clench with heavy pressure. Some do both.
The pressure from grinding or clenching can affect more than the teeth. It may contribute to jaw muscle soreness, headaches, tooth wear, enamel damage, sensitivity, and stress on dental work.
During your visit, we look for signs such as worn tooth surfaces, cracks, chips, gum recession patterns, bite changes, tenderness, and jaw muscle tension. We may ask about your sleep, stress, headaches, dental history, and whether your symptoms are worse in the morning. From there, we explain what we see and whether a guard may help protect your teeth.
Sports Mouth Guards for Children, Teens, and Adults
Not every mouth guard is for grinding. Sports mouth guards are designed to help protect teeth during athletic activity.
A custom sports mouth guard may be helpful for children, teens, or adults who play contact sports or activities where a fall, hit, or collision could injure the teeth, lips, tongue, or jaw.
A custom sports guard is made to fit more securely than a generic boil-and-bite guard. A better fit can make it easier to talk, breathe, and keep the guard in place during play.
Recommended for:
What to Expect When Getting a Night Guard
Getting a custom night guard is usually straightforward. Here is how the process typically works at Parkallen Dental.
Assessment
We examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw. We talk about your symptoms and check for signs of grinding or clenching.
Records
If a night guard is recommended, we take the records needed to create a guard that fits your mouth precisely.
Fitting
Once the guard is ready, we check the fit and make sure it feels stable and comfortable in your mouth.
Guidance
We explain how to wear it, how to clean it, and what to watch for as you adjust to sleeping with it.
Adjustment Period
Your guard should feel secure, but it may take a little time to get used to sleeping with it. If something feels uncomfortable or does not sit properly, we want you to tell us so we can adjust it.
Is a Custom Night Guard
Worth It?
Cost is a common question, especially when store-bought guards are easy to find. The right choice depends on your symptoms, bite, dental history, and how much protection your teeth need.
A custom night guard may be worth considering if grinding or clenching is already causing wear, sensitivity, jaw discomfort, or damage to dental work. Protecting your teeth early may help reduce the risk of more involved treatment later.
We accept CDCP and offer direct billing. Coverage can vary, so we can help you understand how your benefits may apply before moving forward. We do not want patients to feel surprised by cost or pressured into a guard they do not understand. We will explain the reason for the recommendation, what the guard is meant to do, and what alternatives may exist.
Caring for Your Night Guard
A night guard works best when it is worn consistently and cleaned properly. We will show you how to care for your guard so it stays clean and lasts as long as possible.
Rinse after use
Rinse your guard with cool water each morning before storing it.
Brush gently
Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to clean the surface regularly.
Allow it to dry
Let your guard air dry completely before putting it in its case.
Store properly
Keep it in its case to protect from dust, pets, and damage.
Bring to visits
We check the fit and condition during your regular dental appointments.
Avoid heat
Heat can warp the shape. Do not leave it in a hot car or near heat sources.
When to Contact Us
If your guard starts to feel loose, cracked, rough, or uncomfortable, let us know. Avoid leaving your guard in heat, wrapping it in tissue, or using harsh cleaners unless we have recommended them. Heat can change the shape of the guard, and harsh products may damage the material.
Night Guard Care Near
Parkallen & South Edmonton
If you are searching for night guard Edmonton, night guard for teeth grinding, or a custom night guard near South Edmonton, our Parkallen clinic is a convenient place to start.
Clear Guidance,
Better Protection
Patients choose us because they want clear guidance before committing to treatment. We do not believe a guard should be recommended without explaining what we see and why it may help.
Book a Night Guard
Consultation in Edmonton
If you are concerned about grinding, clenching, jaw discomfort, tooth wear, or sports-related dental injuries, we would be happy to help you take the next step.