Protect your teeth
Custom Mouth Guards and Night Guards in Guelph
Custom sports mouth guards and night guards for grinding and clenching at York Road Dental in Guelph. Open Saturdays. Direct billing.
Each guard takes two visits, an impression and a pick-up. Book a fitting online or call (519) 824-7333.
Why Choose a Custom Sports Mouth Guard?
A custom mouth guard, such as a custom sports mouth guard, is made from an impression of your own teeth. A sports mouth guard cushions the teeth, lips and cheeks during play, and the American Dental Association lists a mouth guard as standard gear for athletes.
The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy mouthguards page describes custom-made guards as made by your dentist, and says stock guards often fit poorly, can be bulky and may make breathing or talking hard.
The American Dental Association says a well-fitted guard matters more if you have braces or fixed bridgework, and that your dentist may suggest a lower guard if the braces are on your lower teeth.
If your child has braces or loose baby teeth, tell us. We make guards for patients who wear braces and can advise what suits your child's mouth. Read about children's dentistry for the rest of kids' dental care.
Fit matters for more than comfort: a guard that sits well is easier to breathe and speak with. We check how it fits when you pick it up, and we adjust it if it rubs.
Which Sports Need a Mouth Guard?
Any sport with contact, falls or flying objects calls for a mouth guard. A hockey mouth guard and a soccer guard are the two we are asked about most, but they are not the only ones.
Hockey and ringette
Soccer and basketball
Football, rugby and lacrosse
Martial arts and wrestling
Skating, skiing and cycling
The American Dental Association notes that contact sports such as boxing carry a higher risk of mouth injury, and that non-contact sports such as skating can also cause dental injuries.
Wear the guard for games and for practices, because injuries happen in both. A hockey mouth guard Guelph families choose should fit under the helmet and the cage, so mention your sport when you book.
Children and teens may need new guards more often as their mouths change, so check the fit before each season starts.
What Is a Night Guard, and Do You Need One?
A night guard is a custom-made cover for your teeth that you wear while you sleep, to protect them from teeth grinding and jaw clenching. It does not cure grinding, but it takes the wear instead of your teeth. Nightguard dental care starts with a check of your teeth.
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a thin, firm plastic guard fitted over your upper or lower teeth. It cushions the teeth and stops them wearing against each other, and it is made from an impression so it fits your bite.
You may grind or clench at night if you notice these signs:
Worn, flat or chipped teeth
A tired or sore jaw when you wake
Morning headaches
A partner who hears grinding
Teeth that feel sensitive
Stress, sleep and your bite can all play a part, and your dentist looks at your teeth to see whether a night guard for grinding Guelph patients ask about would help you. We do not treat jaw-joint disorders on this page.
Grinding can wear enamel, chip teeth and damage fillings, crowns or veneers. A guard is a way to protect that work. If you have just had a crown, veneers or implants, ask whether a guard makes sense for you.
How Do the Two Fitting Visits Work?
A custom guard takes two visits: an impression at the first and a pick-up at the second. These are the steps:
You can use a stop signal at any time, and we offer breaks. Tell us about any soreness after you start using the guard, and we will adjust it.
A night guard can feel strange at first, so give it a short time and tell us if it still bothers you. Wear it every night, as your dentist advises, and call us if it feels too tight, causes pain or changes how your teeth meet.
Dr. Natasha Kaushal leads York Road Dental and has been registered with the RCDSO as a general dentist since 8 June 2018.
How Do You Care for a Mouth Guard?
Clean your guard every day and keep it in its case, so that it lasts and stays hygienic. These habits protect your guard:
Rinse it after each use
Brush it gently with cool water
Keep it in a ventilated case, away from heat
Keep it away from pets
Bring it to your check-ups
A guard wears with use, and a child's guard may stop fitting as teeth change. We cannot promise a set lifespan, so replace your guard when it cracks, thins or no longer fits. The American Dental Association also advises taking out retainers and other removable appliances during contact sports.
Is a Snoring Appliance the Same?
No. A night guard protects your teeth from grinding, while a snoring appliance holds the jaw or tongue forward to help with snoring. If a partner says you snore, read about snoring appliances.
Both appliances are worn at night, but they do different jobs, and wearing the wrong one will not help. Your dentist can tell you which fits your symptoms.
How Do You Pay for a Mouth Guard?
The cost depends on the type of guard, so we do not list one price here. Ask our team about the cost of a sports guard or a night guard, and about in-house payment plans. You can pay by cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or e-transfer.
All major insurers can be direct-billed, and coverage for a night guard depends on your plan, so check with your insurer. CDCP claims are billed directly to the plan. See fees and insurance.
Co-payments and other charges may apply, so ask our team about costs before treatment. The Government of Canada describes the plan on its Canadian Dental Care Plan page.
Questions About Mouth Guards
Is a sports mouth guard the same as a night guard?
No. York Road Dental makes both, and each takes two visits. A sports guard is thick and shaped to absorb impact, while a night guard is thinner and made for grinding.
Can I wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes. York Road Dental makes mouth guards for patients who wear braces, so tell us about your braces when you book and we will make a guard that fits.
Will a night guard stop me grinding?
York Road Dental makes night guards to protect your teeth from the wear, but a night guard does not stop the grinding itself. Your dentist can discuss the possible causes with you.
Book Your Mouth Guard Fitting in Guelph
Book a fitting at York Road Dental and your online booking goes straight into our calendar. If a partner is complaining about snoring too, ask about that as well.