65 St. Clair Avenue East | 416.920.8800

Steps away from TTC St. Clair Station at Yonge and St. Clair

Home Who We Are Our Services Our Office Resources Blog Contact

Night Guards

Bruxism is the term used to describe the grinding and clenching of teeth, often during sleep. As with most problems that occur during sleep, bruxism often goes undetected until a partner hears the grinding at night or damage is detected by your dentist.
Bruxism can be caused by several factors including stress, pain, certain sleep disorders, or misalignment of teeth. The problem is exacerbated by the consumption of caffeine and alcohol. In severe cases, grinding and clenching can cause dental problems like tooth chipping, sensitivity to hot and cold, and damage to dental work.
Signs of bruxism include sensitive teeth, jaw muscle pain in the morning, flattened or dull teeth, and the sound of grinding during sleep.

St. Clair Dental Associates offers patients who suffer from Bruxism/Grinding customized night guards to help you get a good night's rest.

Night Guards are an oral appliance similar to a mouth guard that you wear while you sleep. The guards are made from hard moldable plastic and fit over either the upper or lower teeth, creating a cushion that absorbs the impact of grinding or clenching. Night guards are easy to use and comfortable to wear at night.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms described above, please ask us about Night Guards the next time you are in.

Patient Instructions

Insertion Instructions:

You have just received a new appliance to help you protect against grinding teeth at night. Prior to placing this appliance in your mouth, soak or run it under warm water for a few moments to soften the material. This will make placement much easier. If not warmed, the material is more brittle and may crack or break. As well, it may be more difficult and uncomfortable to place over your teeth when it is hard.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

It is important that you keep your appliance clean to maintain its longevity. Even one missed night can lead to significant grinding of your teeth. On removal, rinse and gently brush with a soft toothbrush under cold water or mouthwash. Store your appliance dry in the container provided out of reach of children and pets (choking hazard). On a weekly basis, soak guard in warm water in a denture cleaner such as Poli-dent or Efferdent.

Important Notes:

  1. Contact our office immediately if you feel any discomfort.
  2. Try to bring the appliance to the office for all subsequent appointments. This will give us an opportunity to monitor for wear or possible crack lines.
  3. Please avoid bending appliance when warm as it may distort or crack.
Related Teeth Wear Articles

Teeth Wear - Dear Doctor MagazineHow And Why Teeth Wear
Are teeth supposed to last for a lifetime? And are humans designed to live for up to a hundred years? Given all the current improvements in the areas of medicine and health, both general and oral, people are not only living longer, but they are also keeping their teeth longer. This article will provide an overview of the “oral system” and one of its more common and important occurrences, tooth wear… Read Article