Protect your smile from damage and grinding. Our Nanaimo clinic offers custom-fitted sports mouthguards and night guards using our advanced 3D intraoral scanner.
Nanaimo Smiles dentists are here for your checkups, cleanings, cosmetic procedures, and making sure your oral health is always top of mind. But there’s another important form of dental care that many people overlook: night guards and mouthguards. These dental appliances can make a huge difference in protecting your teeth and preventing unnecessary damage.
What are night guards and how do they work?
Your Nanaimo dentist might suggest a night guard if you’re a patient who grinds their teeth at night–a condition called bruxism. Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, is a surprisingly common issue, and many people do it subconsciously. It’s important to address the condition because over time, it can wear down the enamel on your teeth, cause cracking, and lead to jaw pain or headaches.
Night guards act as a cushion between your teeth, absorbing the pressure from grinding and protecting them from further damage. The softness or hardness of the material your night guard is made from depends on your needs, and it is custom-fitted to your mouth for comfort and effectiveness.
Who needs a night guard?
If you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or sensitive teeth, it’s worth considering a night guard. Anyone can develop bruxism, even if you’re not aware of it. Some people grind their teeth because of stress or anxiety, while others might have issues with their bite or jaw alignment.
A night guard not only provides relief from pain, but also prevents long-term damage to your teeth and jaw. If you’re unsure whether you need a night guard, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a consultation. At Nanaimo Smiles, our dentists can help you determine if a custom night guard is the right solution for you.
How do mouthguards protect your teeth?
Mouthguards serve a different purpose than night guards, but are just as important. Unlike night guards, which protect against the effects of teeth grinding, mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth from injury during physical activities. If you play sports in Nanaimo like hockey, football, or boxing, or if you’re involved in activities like skateboarding or biking, a mouthguard is an essential.
Mouthguards create a barrier for your teeth, absorbing the shock from impacts and reducing your risk of broken or knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, and cuts inside your mouth. In some cases, they can even help reduce the risk of a concussion.
Custom-made mouthguards provide the best fit and the most protection, so you can focus on your game or activity without worrying about getting hurt. Your Nanaimo dentist will make sure your mouthguard fits comfortably and securely, so it won’t interfere with your breathing or speech while you’re wearing it.
Who needs a mouthguard?
If you play any type of contact sport or participate in activities where there’s a chance of getting hit in the face, you should consider a sports mouthguard. Sports like hockey, football, and boxing come with obvious risks to your teeth, but even non-contact activities like biking or skateboarding can lead to unexpected falls or collisions. A mouthguard is a simple way to protect your smile and prevent serious injuries.
And mouthguards aren’t just for athletes. If you have a history of dental injuries, or if you grind your teeth during the day (a condition known as diurnal bruxism), you might benefit from wearing a mouth guard.
Related Reading: Custom Sports Mouthguards in Nanaimo, BC
How are custom night guards and mouthguards made?
At Nanaimo Smiles, we utilized the most advanced technology in dentistry for accurate and comfortable custom night guards and mouthguards. Using the advanced iTero technology, our team is able to take 3D impressions of your teeth—say goodbye to messy and uncomfortable traditional impressions. Our 3D intraoral scanner—the same one used for our Invisalign clear aligners—allows our team to quickly create a 3D representation of your smile for custom mouthguards that fit perfectly. With your 3D impression being digital, there is no waiting for us to “send your mold away.” Once we complete the scan, the lab is instantly provided with all the information they need to create your perfectly fitting custom night guards or mouthguard. Once your guard is ready, we will book a quick visit to ensure it snugly fits your smile.
Do I need to go to the dentist for a mouth guard?
While you can find night guards and mouthguards at your local drugstore, they’re often a one-size-fits-all solution, and that can be a problem. A poor fit can lead to discomfort, reduced protection, or even worsen the issue you’re trying to fix. For instance, a poorly fitting night guard could make your bruxism worse, and a loose mouthguard might not fully shield your teeth during impact. Protecting your smile with a custom-made guard is a smart investment—it can save you hundreds of dollars by preventing costly damage and the treatments that follow.
How long do night guards and mouthguards last?
With proper care, both night guards and mouthguards can last several years. The exact lifespan depends on how often you use them and how well you take care of them. Night guards typically last between two and five years, but if they start to show signs of wear or cracks, it’s time to replace them. Mouthguards may need to be replaced more frequently, especially if they’re used during high-contact sports or subjected to a lot of pressure.
How do I care for my night guard or mouthguard?
To get the most out of your guard, regular maintenance is important. Clean your night guard or mouthguard after each use and store it in a dry, protective case to help it last longer and stay effective. Keep an eye out for any signs of wear or damage. If something doesn’t look or feel right, contact your Nanaimo dentist.
Night Guards and Mouthguards in Nanaimo, BC
Whether you’re trying to stop teeth grinding at night or need protection during physical activities, both night guards and mouthguards can keep your teeth safe. Contact our team at Nanaimo Smiles for your custom guard consultation.