Assessment-Led Care
Night guard recommendations follow an individual review of your teeth, bite and concerns.
Protective Dental Appliances
Custom Night Guards in Calgary
If you grind or clench your teeth, wake with tooth or jaw discomfort, or are concerned about wear on your teeth or dental work, Uxbridge Dental Care can assess whether a custom night guard may be appropriate.
General & Family Dentistry
Protective appliances sit within ongoing general and family dental care when appropriate.
New Patients Welcome
Individuals and families can ask about custom night guards at our clinic.
University Heights, NW Calgary
Convenient care near Foothills Medical Centre and the University of Calgary area.
Overview
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a removable dental appliance worn during sleep. It is intended to help protect teeth and restorations from grinding or clenching forces. A custom night guard is made for the individual after assessment.
Not every patient is a candidate. Assessment helps determine whether a night guard may be appropriate for your situation.
Reasons patients ask
Why Might Someone Ask About a Night Guard?
These situations can lead to a discussion about night guards. They do not automatically mean a night guard is appropriate. Other dental or medical causes may need consideration.
Tooth Wear
Worn tooth surfaces may lead someone to ask whether a night guard could help protect teeth.
Chipped or Damaged Teeth / Restorations
Chips, cracks or wear to dental work may raise questions about nighttime grinding or clenching forces.
Jaw-Muscle Fatigue
Some patients with jaw-muscle fatigue or discomfort ask whether a night guard may be appropriate.
Grinding or Clenching Concerns
Patients who notice grinding or clenching — or who have been told they grind — may ask about protection.
Sensitivity / Wear Concerns
Tooth sensitivity or concerns about progressive wear may prompt a discussion about protective options.
Existing Dental Work
Crowns, veneers, bonding or other restorations may benefit from protection when grinding or clenching forces are a concern.
Repeated Wear
Ongoing wear patterns that return over time may lead to an assessment of protective appliance options.
Assessment first
Planning Comes Before a Night Guard
Night guard recommendations follow examination and planning — not website descriptions alone. These are considerations, not universal eligibility rules.
- Tooth Wear PatternHow and where teeth show wear helps guide whether a night guard may fit the situation.
- Teeth & GumsOral health is reviewed before a protective appliance is discussed.
- Existing RestorationsCrowns, veneers, bonding or other dental work may influence planning.
- Bite & ContactHow the teeth meet can affect suitability and planning.
- Jaw Comfort & FunctionJaw comfort and function are considered as part of individualized planning.
- Grinding / Clenching HistoryWhat you have noticed — or been told — about grinding or clenching informs the discussion.
- Prior Appliance UseIf you have used a night guard before, its fit, condition and experience are reviewed.
- Current SymptomsTooth, restoration or jaw-related concerns help shape the assessment.
- Your GoalsWhat you hope to protect or address helps guide recommendations.
- Other Assessment NeedsAnother dental or medical assessment may be appropriate depending on the findings.
The exact assessment and plan vary by patient.
Treatment journey
What Can You Expect When Getting a Night Guard?
Steps are individualized. Exact records, timing and follow-up are confirmed during planning.
- Discuss Your ConcernsWe listen to your concerns and the reason you are asking about a night guard.
- Dental & Oral AssessmentTeeth, gums, restorations and related findings are assessed.
- Determine SuitabilityWe discuss whether a custom night guard may be appropriate — or whether another pathway is needed.
- Take the Records NeededIf a night guard is appropriate, the records needed for your individual plan are gathered.
- Appliance FabricationThe custom night guard is fabricated according to your treatment plan.
- Fit & Use ReviewFit, use and care instructions are reviewed when the night guard is provided.
- Follow Up as AppropriateFollow-up helps address fit, comfort and dental concerns as needed.
Important distinction
Night Guards and Sports Mouthguards Are Different
These appliances serve different purposes. Suitability and recommendations are individual.
Night Guard
Worn during sleep.
Used in relation to grinding, clenching or tooth-wear concerns.
Suitability is based on dental assessment.
Sports Mouthguard
Worn during sport or athletic activity.
Intended to help protect teeth during impact.
These appliances have different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Ongoing care
Caring for Your Night Guard
Daily habits and professional care help support night-guard use and oral health over time. Learn more about dental hygiene.
Follow Provided Instructions
Use and care for the night guard according to the guidance given for your appliance.
Keep It Clean
Clean the night guard as instructed for your device.
Store It Safely
Store the night guard in its case when not in use to help protect it.
Avoid Damaging Heat
Keep the appliance away from heat that could warp or damage it.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Ongoing brushing, cleaning between teeth and professional hygiene care remain important.
Report Fit, Damage or Discomfort
Contact the clinic if the night guard feels different, becomes damaged or causes new discomfort.
Existing night guards
When Should an Existing Night Guard Be Checked?
If your night guard or your mouth has changed, request an assessment. These concerns are reasons to call — not online diagnoses. Repair or reline is not promised for every night guard or for guards made elsewhere. Assessment determines the next step.
Loose or Tight Fit
A night guard that no longer seats the same way should be checked.
Cracks or Wear
Visible cracks, wear or deformation should be assessed.
New Discomfort
New tooth, gum or jaw discomfort with night-guard use needs review.
Bite Changes
A different bite feel in the morning or after wear may need assessment.
Recent Dental Work
New restorations or other dental changes may affect night-guard fit.
Incomplete Seating
A guard that no longer seats fully should be reviewed.
Symptom Changes
Changes in tooth-wear concerns or jaw-muscle comfort may warrant reassessment.
Condition Uncertain
Ask if you are unsure whether continued use remains appropriate.
Longevity
How Long Does a Night Guard Last?
There is no single lifespan for every night guard. Longevity depends on several factors. Night guards may need adjustment or replacement over time.
Grinding / Clenching Forces
Heavier forces may wear an appliance more quickly for some patients.
How Often It Is Worn
Frequency of use can influence how long a night guard remains serviceable.
Design & Material
Appliance design and materials vary; exact details are confirmed during planning.
Care Habits
Cleaning, storage and avoiding damaging heat help support longevity.
Dental Changes
New restorations, tooth movement or other dental changes can affect fit over time.
Damage or Deformation
Cracks, warping or other damage may mean adjustment or replacement is needed.
Growth or Orthodontic Changes
Where relevant, growth or orthodontic changes can affect how a night guard fits.
Why Uxbridge
Why Choose Uxbridge for Night Guards?
Practical reasons patients ask Uxbridge about custom night guards in University Heights, NW Calgary.
Individualized Assessment
Night guard recommendations follow oral assessment and planning — not a one-size approach.
General & Family Continuity
Protective appliance care connects with ongoing general and family dentistry. General & family dentistry
Dental Hygiene & Ongoing Care
Hygiene and dental reviews remain part of long-term oral health around night-guard use. Dental hygiene
Sports Mouthguards Pathway
Athletic mouth protection is a different pathway when the concern is sports impact. Sports mouthguards
Sleep Apnea Device Pathway
Dental sleep appliances related to sleep apnea are a separate care pathway. Sleep apnea devices
University Heights & New Patients
Convenient NW Calgary care. New patients are welcome to ask about night guards. New patients
Getting started
New Patients, Family Care & Coverage
Night guard discussions connect with family dentistry pathways. Coverage for a specific night guard should not be assumed.
New Patients
New patients are welcome to ask about custom night guards.
New patientsGeneral & Family Dentistry
Ongoing dental care remains part of oral health around night-guard use.
General & family dentistryDental hygieneInsurance / Coverage Guidance
Ask about payment and billing. Clinic participation in CDCP does not mean night guards are covered.
Ask about night guardsLearn about CDCPLocation
Night Guards in University Heights, NW Calgary
We’re in the Uxborough Building near Foothills Medical Centre and the Calgary Cancer Centre. Looking for a dentist near Foothills Medical Centre or care in University Heights? Ask our team about custom night guards.
Parking
Complimentary parking is available at the Uxborough Building for patients during their appointments.
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 am – 4:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 am – 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am – 4:00 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am – 4:00 pm |
| Friday | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm* |
| Saturday | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm** |
* Summer hours may vary
** Alternating Saturdays
FAQ
Night Guard Questions
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a removable dental appliance worn during sleep. It is intended to help protect teeth and restorations from grinding or clenching forces. Suitability is determined individually after assessment.
Does Uxbridge Dental Care offer custom night guards?
Yes. Uxbridge can discuss custom night guards for selected patients after an individualized dental assessment. Not every patient is a candidate.
What is a night guard used for?
Night guards may be discussed for concerns related to grinding, clenching, tooth wear, wear or damage to restorations, and certain jaw-muscle or bite-related concerns. Assessment determines whether a night guard may be appropriate.
Can a night guard stop teeth grinding?
Not necessarily. A night guard may help protect teeth and restorations from grinding or clenching forces, but it does not necessarily eliminate the underlying habit.
Can a night guard help protect worn teeth?
A night guard may help protect teeth from further grinding or clenching forces after assessment. It does not reverse existing wear, and protection is not guaranteed in every situation.
Can a night guard help with clenching?
Some patients with clenching concerns ask about a night guard to help protect teeth and restorations. Suitability and expected benefit are individual and are discussed during assessment.
Can a night guard help with jaw discomfort?
Some patients with jaw-muscle fatigue or discomfort may ask whether a night guard is appropriate. A night guard is not presented as treatment or a cure for TMJ/TMD disorders, and results are not guaranteed.
Is a night guard the same as a sports mouthguard?
No. Night guards are used during sleep and relate to grinding, clenching or tooth-wear concerns. Sports mouthguards are used during athletics to help protect teeth during sport. They are not interchangeable.
Is a night guard the same as a sleep-apnea device?
No. A night guard is a protective appliance for grinding or clenching-related concerns. Sleep apnea devices relate to dental appliance care within broader medical sleep-apnea management. Night guards are not presented as sleep-apnea or snoring treatment.
How is a custom night guard made?
If a night guard is appropriate, the records and steps needed to provide it are arranged according to your individual treatment plan. Exact fabrication details are confirmed during planning rather than promised on this page.
How long does it take to get a night guard?
Timing varies with the treatment plan and clinical findings. We do not publish a fixed turnaround time that fits every case.
How long does a night guard last?
There is no single lifespan for every night guard. Longevity depends on forces, wear frequency, design, care, dental changes and damage. Adjustment or replacement may be needed over time.
How do I clean a night guard?
Follow the care instructions provided for your night guard. Keep it clean, store it safely and avoid damaging heat. Specific cleaning products are confirmed with your care plan rather than listed here.
What if my night guard feels uncomfortable?
Contact the clinic for assessment. Significant or new discomfort should be reviewed rather than ignored. Do not assume every discomfort will resolve without evaluation.
What if I have had dental work since my guard was made?
Dental changes can affect fit. Request an assessment so the night guard and your mouth can be reviewed.
Does insurance cover night guards?
Coverage depends on your plan and the treatment recommended. Uxbridge direct bills most dental insurance plans for eligible treatment, but coverage for a night guard is not guaranteed.
Does CDCP cover night guards?
CDCP participation does not mean night guards are covered. Coverage depends on eligibility, current program rules and the specific treatment recommended.
Ready to Ask About a Night Guard?
Uxbridge welcomes new and existing patients to discuss whether a custom night guard may be appropriate at our University Heights clinic in NW Calgary.