Care at Crystal Dental
Night Guards
Discuss a night guard with your dentist, with guidance tailored to your teeth, bite, and comfort.
Protection for teeth affected by grinding and clenching
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a removable appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep to help protect them from grinding and clenching. Grinding rubs the teeth against each other, while clenching presses them together, and either can happen during sleep or while you are awake. Over time, these habits can contribute to worn or cracked teeth, sensitivity and jaw discomfort, sometimes without you noticing the habit itself.
The guard places a protective layer between the teeth, but it does not stop grinding or address every possible cause of jaw pain. For a custom guard, your dentist takes records of your teeth for a dental laboratory, then checks the finished appliance’s fit and bite. An examination helps determine whether a guard is appropriate and whether daytime habits, sleep concerns or other factors also need attention.
Signs to discuss with your dentist
How would I know if I need a night guard?
These symptoms do not confirm grinding. Your dentist checks for other causes and considers your dental health, medical history and sleep concerns before recommending care.
- You have signs of tooth wear, chipping or unexplained sensitivity.
- Someone has noticed that you grind your teeth during sleep.
- You wake with jaw discomfort or suspect frequent clenching.
- You experience frequent jaw pain or headaches.
A closer look
A plan beyond the appliance
A custom dental guard
A guard can be made for the upper or lower teeth. Its design, material and thickness depend on your specific situation (hard acrylic versus soft). Your dentist can explain the recommended choice and how to use it.
Habits and contributing factors
Stress, sleep problems and other factors can be associated with grinding. Depending on your situation, helpful next steps may include changing daytime habits or speaking with your physician.
Assessment of sleep symptoms
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing or marked daytime sleepiness deserve medical assessment. A standard grinding guard is not a treatment for sleep apnea; appliances prescribed for that condition have a different purpose.
What to expect
What to expect, step by step.
01
Assess the symptoms
We examine your teeth and discuss when symptoms occur, your daily habits and any sleep concerns. Tell us about medications and changes in your health.
02
Fit an appropriate appliance
If a guard is recommended, records of your teeth are used so a dental laboratory can create a custom-fit guard for you. Your dentist then checks the fit and how your teeth meet against the appliance.
03
Follow-up visits
Follow your dentist’s wearing instructions and attend recommended follow-up visits. Tell us about discomfort, a change in your bite or problems keeping the guard in place so the fit can be assessed and adjusted when appropriate.
The Crystal Dental approach
Why choose Crystal Dental for night guards?
Family dentistry close to home
Crystal Dental is a family-owned practice serving Burnaby and Langley, where you can discuss tooth wear as part of ongoing dental care.
Clear expectations
We explain the reason for a guard and its limitations, so you understand the aim of treatment before proceeding.
Attention to your experience
Your feedback matters. A night guard is made specifically for you and can be adjusted to better fit your needs. Tell us about changes, how the appliance feels and any questions about using it.
Your care team
Four doctors. One family approach.
Dr. Bogdan Stanisavljevic
B.Sc., DMD
Dr. Goran Stanisavljevic
DMD, M.Sc., PhD · Co-founder
Dr. Dragana Stanisavljevic
DMD · Co-founder
Dr. Nicole Stanisavljevic
B.Sc. (Honours), DMD
FAQs
Night Guards: your questions.
Have another question? Contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Will a night guard cure grinding?
No. Its main purpose is to protect teeth. Grinding may continue, and other contributing factors may need attention. Your dentist can help you understand what the guard is expected to do.
Is jaw pain always caused by grinding?
No. Jaw pain can come from several dental, joint or other health problems. Persistent symptoms need assessment so the recommended care addresses the likely cause.
Can I use a sports mouthguard at night?
Sports guards are designed for impacts during activity and differ from grinding guards. Ask your dentist about an appliance intended for your needs rather than using sports equipment for sleep.
How should I look after my guard?
Clean it as instructed, usually each day after removal, and keep it in its protective container away from pets. Bring it to your next dental checkup or evaluation. If it breaks, stop wearing it and contact your dentist immediately; do not glue it yourself.
How long will I need to wear it?
The schedule and duration depend on your condition and response. Follow your dentist’s instructions, and arrange a review if the fit changes or discomfort develops.
What if my child grinds their teeth?
Discuss it with your family dentist, especially if there is pain or visible wear. Children’s teeth and jaws are developing, so assessment and management may differ from an adult’s.
How do I book, and can I ask about costs first?
Choose Burnaby or Langley on our Contact page and call, email, or text the office to arrange a visit. Our reception team will confirm your appointment. Ask about estimates and bring your current benefit information; see our insurance and payment page for more details.
Further reading: NHS: Teeth grinding (bruxism) · ADA MouthHealthy: Teeth grinding and jaw pain · Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust: Stabilisation Splints · NHS: Sleep apnoea
Your next visit
Let’s make time for your smile.
Choose the office that works for you. Our reception team will help arrange your appointment.