Your teeth are incredibly strong, but they are not designed to endure every force they encounter. Whether it is the unconscious grinding that happens while you sleep or the physical contact that comes with sport, unprotected teeth are vulnerable. Custom-fitted guards from Noble Dental Clinic in Thornhill are the most effective and comfortable way to protect them.
Bruxism, the clinical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching, affects a significant portion of adults, and most of them do not even know it is happening. It occurs during sleep, putting enormous force on the teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles night after night. Over time, the consequences are serious. Enamel wears down irreversibly. Teeth crack and chip. Jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ disorders develop. The damage accumulates slowly, and by the time many patients notice it, significant harm has already been done.
A custom night guard creates a precise barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing and redistributing the force of grinding so that your teeth are protected. Unlike over-the-counter options, a guard made from your own dental impressions fits perfectly, stays in place through the night, and is comfortable enough that you will actually wear it.
Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, and the vast majority of them are preventable. A well-fitted sports guard protects the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw from impact. It also provides a degree of protection against concussion by cushioning blows to the jaw.
Store-bought boil-and-bite guards offer minimal protection and are notoriously uncomfortable. A custom-fabricated sports guard from Noble Dental Clinic fits precisely over your teeth, stays securely in place during activity, allows you to breathe and speak normally, and provides a dramatically superior level of protection.
We make custom guards for patients of all ages and for all sports, from hockey and lacrosse to basketball, martial arts, and cycling.
The process is straightforward. We take impressions of your teeth, send them to a dental lab, and your guard is fabricated to fit your exact anatomy. The result is a guard that is more comfortable, more protective, and more durable than anything you can buy off a shelf.
Common signs include waking up with jaw pain, facial soreness, or headaches, particularly in the temples. Your partner may hear you grinding. Your dentist may notice flattened, chipped, or worn tooth surfaces at your checkup. If you have any of these signs, mention them at your next visit.
A night guard will not cure the underlying cause of bruxism, but it will protect your teeth from further damage and reduce the strain on your jaw joints and muscles, which often significantly relieves pain and discomfort.
With proper care, a custom night guard typically lasts three to five years. Sports guards, which take more direct impact, may need to be replaced more frequently. Children’s guards should be updated regularly as their mouths grow.
Night guards and sports guards are made from different materials with different thicknesses and purposes. They are not interchangeable. If you need protection for both situations, we will make separate guards for each use.
