Custom sports and night guards in Waterloo.
A thin, custom-made guard for sports impacts or night-time grinding — scanned digitally, fitted to your bite, and priced before anything starts.
Is this you?
You play a contact sport
Hockey, football, rugby, martial arts — one hit to the mouth can chip or knock out a tooth. A custom sports guard cushions impacts and stays in place while you breathe and talk, which a loose store-bought guard can’t do.
You wake up with a sore jaw
Grinding or clenching in your sleep often shows up as morning jaw ache, a dull headache, or sensitive teeth. A night guard gives the habit something to wear down that isn’t your own teeth.
Your teeth look worn or chipped
Flattened edges, small chips, and worn enamel are common signs of night grinding. A guard won’t undo wear that has already happened, but it keeps it from getting worse.
You’ve tried the boil-and-bite kind
Store-bought guards are bulky and tend to loosen over time. A custom guard is made from a scan of your teeth, so it’s thinner, stays put, and is easier to talk and breathe with.
How it works here
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Check and digital scan
We look at your teeth, bite, and jaw first — heavy grinding can point to other issues worth catching. Then the iTero scanner maps your teeth in a few minutes with a small camera wand. No impression moulds, no putty.
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Made in a dental lab
Your scan goes to a lab that builds the guard to your exact bite. This usually takes about one to two weeks, and we’ll book your fitting before you leave the first visit.
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Fitting
A short second visit. We check the guard against your bite, smooth any rough edges, and adjust it until it sits snugly. You’ll practise taking it in and out and learn how to clean and store it.
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The first couple of weeks
A new guard takes getting used to — especially a night guard. Expect extra saliva and a strange feeling for the first several nights, and give yourself a week or two to fall asleep normally with it in. If it rubs or pinches, come back and we’ll adjust it.
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Wear, checks, and replacement
Guards wear out — that’s the idea; they wear instead of your teeth. Bring yours to your hygiene visits and we’ll check the fit. Heavy grinders can wear through a guard, and kids who play sports need new ones as they grow.
What it costs
The fee depends on whether you need a sports guard or a night guard and on the material it’s made from. You’ll get a written estimate after the first visit — before anything is made.
What's included:
- Exam and digital scan — no impression moulds
- Lab-made custom guard
- Fitting appointment and adjustments
- Fit checks at your regular hygiene visits
You'll always receive a written estimate before treatment begins. See all fees & coverage
What to expect at Auburn Centre Dental
Both appointments here are short ones. The scan takes a few minutes with a camera wand instead of a tray of impression material, and the fitting visit is mostly careful adjusting until the guard feels right.
You’ll see the same team at each visit, and every cost is in writing before you commit to anything.
Questions people actually ask
What’s the difference between a custom guard and a store-bought one?
A boil-and-bite guard from a store is one-size-fits-most: you soften it in hot water and bite into it. It offers some protection, but it’s bulky and tends to loosen.
A custom guard is made in a lab from a digital scan of your teeth:
- Fit: it snaps into place and stays there, so you can talk and breathe normally.
- Thickness: the material goes where the forces are, not everywhere.
- Durability: it holds its shape instead of deforming over time.
How long does it take to get one?
Two short appointments, usually about one to two weeks apart. The first is the exam and digital scan; the second is the fitting. The time in between is the lab making your guard.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
Probably not — and we’ll be straight with you about that. A night guard doesn’t cure grinding; it protects your teeth from the habit and gives your jaw a slightly cushioned surface. Many people find their jaw feels less tight in the morning once they’re wearing one. If jaw pain continues, we’ll look at what else might be going on.
Is it hard to sleep with a night guard in?
The first several nights feel odd — most people describe extra saliva and an awareness that something is there. This usually settles within a week or two as it becomes part of the routine. If the guard rubs, pinches, or is still keeping you awake after that, come back and we’ll adjust it.
How long will my guard last?
It depends on how hard you grind, or how many hits a sports guard takes. Heavy grinders can wear through a guard in a couple of years; lighter use lasts longer. Sports guards for growing kids need replacing more often as their teeth change. Bring yours to your hygiene visits and we’ll tell you honestly when it’s done.
Does insurance cover a custom guard?
Coverage varies by plan — some cover night guards for diagnosed grinding, and some cover sports guards too. Bring your plan details and we’ll check before you commit. Either way, your estimate is in writing before anything is made.