Night Guard Appliances
Night guards are removable dental devices you wear, on either your upper or lower jaw, while you sleep to protect teeth. They help prevent damage caused by teeth grinding or clenching (also known as bruxism), ensuring a healthy smile and reducing jaw discomfort.
No more goopy impression materials to make this type of appliance. We can take a video scan with an iTero to create digital models of your teeth. We have 3D printers which can print those models or even print your next night guard. Digital technology also allows us to refabricate your night guard (if it is lost or broken) with just a phone call.
Let our team manage your night guard needs!
Are your ready to become a new patient?
Types of Night Guards
-
Thermoflex Night Guards
This type of night guard is custom-fitted appliance made from a flexible material that softens with warm-hot water before being worn.
After they cool down, they become a comfortable and snug-fitting to the teeth. These guards are similar to wearing a mouth guard for sports.
This is night guard that most of our patients feel comfortable wearing during sleep.
-
Acrylic Night Guards
Hard acrylic night guards are made from a non-flexible acrylic. These are also custom-fitted.
This is the strongest type of nightguard and can withstand the pressure of from those with heavy teeth grinding,
We usually reserve this type of night guard for those who go through other types of night guards more quickly.
-
Temporary Night Guards
This type of nightguard is intended for use for a short period of time. These are made from a much softer, less durable material compared to the other night guards. They provide a basic level of protection from teeth grinding or clenching.
These custom-fitted appliances protide emporary relief from teeth grinding or jaw discomfort.
They are not recommended for long term use but are better than the one-size-fits-all version from pharmacies.
-
Thin Night Guards
Thin Night Guards are very similar to Retainers or Aligners used when moving or maintaining the position of teeth.
We consider this type of appliance in those who can not tolerate the other types of night guards. While this type of appliance is not bulky or thick and is not ideal to absorb heavy forces.
This type of appiance is usually fitted to both the upper and lower teeth and may require frequent replacement.
Yes! We Follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide!
Night Guard Costs
Learn about the costs of the mouth guards. We follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. We can always do a Pre-Determination to see what is covered with your Dental Insuranace. Many plans will cover the cost of night guards. Learn more: Dental Insurance, The Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
| Code | Treatment Description | 2024 Alberta Dental Fees | 2024 Harvest Dental Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14611 or 14612 | Thermoflex or Dualflex Night Guard (Custom-fit, lab fee additional) |
$500.47 + lab costs | $500.47 + $200.00 |
| 14611 or 14612 | Hard Acrylic Night Guard (Custom-fit, lab fee additional) |
$500.47 + lab costs | $500.47 + $180.00 |
| 14502 | Temporary Night Guard) (Custom-fit, lab fee additional) |
$111.05 + lab costs | $111.05 + $50.00 |
| 14611 or 14612 | Thin Night Guards (Custom-fit, lab fee additional) |
$500.47 + lab costs | $500.47 + $390.00 |
Reasons you need a Night Guard
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grindingis when you unconsciously clench and/or rub your teeth tightly together, often during sleep. This can cause the teeth to wear down over time and result in various dental problems like chipped teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. Sometimes teeth grinding can create a loud, grating noise as the upper and lower teeth rub against each other during sleep, which people may tell you about.
Teeth Clenching
Teeth clenching is when you tightly press your upper and lower teeth together, often without even realizing it. This can happen during the day or while you sleep. Clenching your teeth can lead to similar symptoms as teeth grinding. Clenching teeth without grinding can cause damage without anyone knowing because it doesn't produce the audible noise associated with teeth grinding.
Causes of Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety often manifest as teeth grinding during sleep or wakefulness.
Teeth Misalignment: Irregular tooth alignment or an improper bite can contribute to bruxism.
Medications and Substances: Certain medications, as well as the use of stimulants like caffeine or recreational drugs, may trigger teeth grinding.
Lifestyle Habits: Alcohol consumption, smoking, and excessive caffeine intake can exacerbate bruxism.
Age and Genetics: Bruxism can be more common in certain families and may vary in prevalence with age.
Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea may lead to bruxism as a secondary symptom.
Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of bruxism is crucial in managing and preventing further dental damage.
Yes, Retainers and Aligners protect against Bruxism!
How we make Night Guards
-
Digital Scanning
When you book an appointment for a Night Guard at Harvest Dental Care, we will take Digital Dental Records. By using a video scanner (our iTero scanner) will create a 3D digital image of the dimensions of your teeth.
No more gaggy or goopy impression trays.
-
Lab Fabrication
We take the 3D digitai mage of your teeth and use a 3D printer to make models of your teeth.
The printed models are sent to our laboratory to make the type of night guard your have selected. Temporary night guards can be made either the same day or next day. Other night guards usually take a week.
-
Night Guard Try-in
We always book a night guard try-in appointment to see how you feel about the fit and to ensure that the bite is correctly fabricated.
This step is critical in ensuring that the night guard serves to protect the jaw and opposing teeth during teeth clenching/grinding.