Custom Night Guards in Surrey, BC
A custom night guard is a hard or soft dental appliance, made to fit your teeth, that sits between your upper and lower teeth to protect them from grinding and clenching while you sleep. At The Dental Group at Central City, our dentists can examine your teeth for signs of bruxism (teeth grinding) and, if appropriate, make a night guard for you at our office inside Central City Shopping Centre in Surrey, BC.
Quick facts
| What it does | Protects teeth from wear and damage caused by grinding and clenching. It does not necessarily stop the grinding itself |
| How it’s made | From a mold or record of your teeth, so it fits your mouth. |
| Who it’s for | Adults, and some teens, after a dental evaluation |
| Visits | Evaluation, then a fitting visit. |
| Cost | estimate given after your exam |
| Hours | Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed–Thu 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun 11 AM–4 PM |
| Location | Unit 1117, 10153 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC V3T 2W1, inside Central City Shopping Centre, next to the Passport Office |
| Phone | (604) 585-2345 |
Book a new patient exam · Call (604) 585-2345
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is repeated clenching or grinding of the teeth. It can happen while you’re awake or asleep. Many people don’t know they grind at night until a partner hears it, they develop symptoms, or a dentist notices wear on their teeth.
Signs you may be grinding your teeth
| Sign | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sore, tight or tired jaw in the morning | Muscles may have been working overnight |
| Morning headaches (often temples or forehead) | Headaches have many causes. Your dentist can check whether grinding may be one |
| Tooth sensitivity | Can also come from cavities, gum recession, worn fillings or cracked teeth |
| Flattened, worn or shortened teeth | Often the first thing a dentist notices |
| Chipped or cracked teeth | Heavy forces can chip or crack teeth, or damage fillings and crowns |
| A partner hears grinding at night | A common way people find out |
You can grind without any pain. If you know you grind, it’s worth having your teeth checked even if you feel fine.
What a night guard does, and what it doesn’t
It can:
- Create a protective barrier so teeth don’t rub directly against each other
- Help limit wear, chips and cracks from grinding forces
- Help protect fillings, crowns and other dental work
It doesn’t:
- Guarantee that the grinding will stop
- Repair damage that has already happened. A worn or cracked tooth may need a filling or crown
- Diagnose the cause of jaw pain or headaches
A night guard is one part of managing grinding, alongside regular exams. The causes of bruxism vary, and your dentist can discuss approaches that suit you.
Custom night guard vs. store-bought mouthguard
| Custom night guard | Store-bought mouthguard | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made from your teeth | General sizing, or boil-and-bite |
| Comfort | Usually fits more closely, which can make it easier to wear regularly | Can be bulky or loose |
| Dental supervision | Checked and adjusted by your dentist | None |
| Best for | Noticeable wear, dental work, an unusual bite, or ongoing symptoms | Short-term use only if your dentist agrees |
The right choice depends on you. Your dentist can recommend an option after an exam.
What happens during the process
- Evaluation. Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite and signs of wear, and asks about jaw soreness, headaches, sensitivity and grinding or clenching.
- Check of existing dental work. Crowns, fillings and bridges are considered when planning the appliance.
- Impression or digital record. We capture the shape of your teeth.
- Making the night guard. It’s fabricated to fit your mouth.
- Fitting and adjustment. We check the fit and make adjustments so it’s comfortable.
- Follow-up. We monitor wear on your teeth and on the appliance at regular visits.
Wearing and caring for your night guard
- Wear it as instructed, usually while you sleep. Don’t wear it during the day unless your dentist tells you to.
- Clean it after use following your dentist’s instructions.
- Let it dry, then store it in its case.
- Keep it away from heat, which can warp some appliances.
- Check it regularly for cracks, holes, heavy wear or changes in fit.
- Bring it to your dental visits so it can be checked.
Have it checked or replaced if: it cracks, wears through, stops fitting well, becomes uncomfortable, or your bite or dental work changes. Don’t keep using a damaged appliance. How long a night guard lasts depends on the material, how heavily you grind and how well it’s cared for.
Sensitivity and jaw pain are not always from grinding
- Tooth sensitivity can come from decay, gum recession, worn enamel, cracked teeth or damaged fillings. If it doesn’t go away, have it examined. See exam & cleaning.
- Jaw pain has many possible causes. For people who clench or grind, repeated muscle activity during sleep may contribute to morning soreness. Persistent jaw pain should be evaluated.
- A loose, damaged or painful crown needs to be examined, not just covered by a night guard.
See us right away for sudden severe jaw or tooth pain with swelling, an injury, or a badly broken tooth: dental emergencies or call (604) 585-2345. For facial swelling with fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.
Children and teens
Children and teens are still growing, so a night guard is not automatically right for every child who grinds. If your child often grinds or clenches, talk to the dentist, who can decide whether to monitor, use preventive care, or recommend an appliance. See children’s dentistry.
Keep up with regular dental care
Even with a night guard, continue regular exams, professional hygiene care, daily brushing and flossing, and prompt treatment of cavities. Regular visits let us monitor changes in tooth wear over time.
Related services
Exam & cleaning · Hygiene care · Dental fillings · Dental crowns · Impressionless dentistry · Children’s dentistry · Dental emergencies · All dental services
Frequently asked questions
What is a night guard used for?
A night guard protects your teeth from the contact and forces of grinding and clenching, especially during sleep.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs are morning jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, flattened or chipped teeth and unusual wear. A partner may hear grinding. A dentist can also spot signs of bruxism during an exam.
Are custom night guards better than store-bought ones?
A custom night guard is made from your teeth and checked by a dentist for fit. The right option depends on your needs, and your dentist can advise you.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
Not necessarily. It protects your teeth from the effects of grinding; it isn’t a guaranteed way to stop the habit.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain?
It may reduce discomfort for some people who clench at night, but jaw pain has many causes. See a dentist if it keeps happening.
Can grinding damage my teeth?
Yes. It can lead to wear, chips, cracks, sensitivity and damage to fillings or crowns.
How do I clean my night guard?
Follow the instructions from your dentist. In general, clean it after use, let it dry, store it in its case and keep it away from heat.
How long does a night guard last?
It varies with the material, how heavily you grind and how well you care for it. Your dentist can check it for wear and tell you when to replace it.
Should I wear it every night?
If your dentist recommends it, wear it as directed, usually every night while sleeping.
Can teenagers wear night guards?
Some may benefit, but it depends on age, dental development and symptoms. A dentist should examine the teen first.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We welcome new patients and accept walk-ins during office hours. You can also book online or call (604) 585-2345.
Book a night guard consultation in Surrey
If you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches or sensitive teeth, or you’ve been told you grind, a dental exam is the first step.
Book online · Call (604) 585-2345
Unit 1117, 10153 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC V3T 2W1, inside Central City Shopping Centre, next to the Passport Office.