Night Guards in Calgary at a Glance
Quick answer: A night guard is a custom-fitted appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It sits between your upper and lower teeth to help reduce wear from grinding and clenching (bruxism) and to ease strain on your jaw. Inglewood Family Dental makes custom night guards in Calgary, with direct billing and CDCP accepted.
Book online or call 403-265-5888 to arrange a night guard consultation.
Many people grind their teeth at night without knowing it, until a partner hears it or their dentist spots worn or chipped teeth. If you have been searching for night guards near you because you wake with a sore jaw or headaches, an exam is the best first step.
Night guards are provided by Inglewood Family Dental, a family dental clinic in Calgary, Alberta, led by Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, DDS. Our clinic is in the Inglewood community at 1420 9 Ave SE #24, Calgary, AB T2G 0T5, Canada, just east of downtown, and we welcome patients from every part of Calgary.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. It can happen during the day, but night-time (sleep) bruxism is often harder to notice because it happens while you are asleep. Stress, sleep problems, certain medications and an uneven bite are among the factors that may play a part. Read more about bruxism causes and solutions and how stress affects your teeth.
Common signs include a sore or tired jaw in the morning, headaches near the temples, sensitive teeth and bite marks on the inside of your cheeks. Your dentist may see flattened, chipped or cracked teeth and worn enamel. Learn the top signs you may be grinding your teeth at night.
How Does a Night Guard Help?
A night guard does not stop you from grinding, but it changes what happens when you do. The guard takes the wear instead of your teeth, spreads the force of clenching more evenly, and can help your jaw muscles relax, which may ease morning jaw soreness and tension headaches.
- Protects your teeth – helps prevent cracks, chips and worn enamel from grinding.
- Protects dental work – helps shield crowns, bridges, veneers and fillings.
- Eases jaw strain – may reduce tightness and discomfort caused by clenching.
Who Needs a Night Guard?
A night guard may help if you notice any of the following:
- Grinding or clenching that you or a partner has noticed
- Jaw pain, tightness or clicking, especially in the morning
- Frequent morning headaches or earaches
- Worn, chipped, cracked or sensitive teeth
- Crowns, veneers or other dental work you want to protect
Grinding sometimes occurs alongside snoring or sleep apnea. A night guard does not treat sleep apnea, so mention snoring or daytime tiredness to your dentist; see our sleep apnea treatment page.
Types of Custom Night Guards
The right guard depends on how hard you grind, your bite and any dental work. Your dentist will recommend an option after examining your teeth:
| Type | Material | Often suggested for |
|---|---|---|
| Soft guard | Flexible material that many people find comfortable | Lighter grinding or clenching |
| Hard guard | Rigid acrylic that resists wear and can be adjusted | Heavier grinding or jaw-related symptoms |
| Dual-laminate guard | Soft inner layer with a hard outer surface | A middle option combining comfort and durability |
Custom vs Store-Bought Night Guards: What Is the Difference?
Store-bought guards cost less up front, but fit and durability vary. Here is how they usually compare; read more about custom vs over-the-counter night guards.
| Feature | Custom night guard | Store-bought guard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made from impressions of your teeth for a close fit | One size or shaped at home; may feel loose or bulky |
| Comfort | Thinner where possible, so easier to sleep in | Can feel bulky, which makes some people stop wearing it |
| Durability | Often lasts several years with good care | Usually wears out sooner, especially with heavy grinding |
| Adjustments | Your dentist can check and adjust the fit | Cannot be professionally adjusted |
| Cost | Higher up-front cost; may be partly covered by insurance | Lower up-front cost |
Why Choose Our Clinic for a Custom Night Guard?
Fitted to Your Bite
We take impressions of your teeth and have your guard made in a dental laboratory for a close, comfortable fit.
Checked and Adjusted
We check how the guard fits and feels, and make small adjustments so it sits evenly on your bite.
Ongoing Care
We look at your guard and your teeth at regular check-ups and let you know when it needs replacing.
How Is a Custom Night Guard Made?
Consultation
We talk about your symptoms and check whether a night guard is right for you.
Exam
We examine your teeth, jaw and bite for signs of grinding and clenching.
Impressions
We take impressions (moulds) of your teeth for an accurate fit.
Fabrication
A dental laboratory makes your guard from your impressions.
Fitting and Care
We check and adjust the fit, and show you how to wear and clean your guard.
Book Your Night Guard Consultation
Waking up with a sore jaw or worn teeth? Book online or call 403-265-5888 to arrange a night guard consultation.
Benefits of a Custom Night Guard
- Helps protect teeth from grinding and clenching
- May ease jaw soreness and tension
- Helps lower the risk of chipped or cracked teeth
- Helps protect crowns, bridges and veneers
- Comfortable, close fit for sleeping
- Durable and easy to clean
Still deciding? Read why you should consider a night guard for better sleep and oral health.
How Do You Care for a Night Guard?
- Rinse it with cool water every morning.
- Clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, then let it air-dry.
- Store it in a ventilated case, away from heat and pets.
- Bring it to your check-ups so we can check the fit and condition.
- Replace it if it is cracked, worn through, loose or no longer comfortable.
More tips: how to care for your night guard and how often to replace a night guard.
How Much Does a Night Guard Cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the type of guard and the material used. Our fees are based on the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, and we will tell you the price before we start.
Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a custom night guard. We offer direct billing and can send a pre-determination to your insurer, and we accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and offer financing options. If you are comparing night guards near you, ask us for a quote at your exam.
Serving Patients Across Calgary
Looking for a custom night guard near you? Patients visit us from across Calgary, not only from Inglewood. We are a few minutes east of downtown and an easy trip from Radisson Heights, Southview and Upper Mount Royal. Evening and weekend appointments make it easier to fit a visit around work. Book online or call 403-265-5888.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
Do night guards really work?
Night guards do not stop grinding, but they can help protect your teeth from the wear and damage it causes, and many people find they wake with less jaw tension. They work best when they fit well and are worn every night.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how hard you grind, the material and how well you care for it. Many custom guards last several years, while heavy grinders may need a replacement sooner. Bring your guard to check-ups so we can tell you when it is time for a new one.
Should I get an upper or lower night guard?
Either can work. The choice depends on your bite, any dental work, missing teeth and what feels most comfortable for you. Your dentist will recommend the best option after examining your teeth.
Can a night guard help with TMJ pain?
A night guard may help ease jaw strain and morning discomfort linked to clenching and grinding. Jaw pain can have several causes, so your dentist will examine your jaw and bite and talk about whether a guard or another approach is likely to help.
How much does a night guard cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the type of guard and material. Our fees follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, many insurance plans cover part of the cost, and we offer direct billing, CDCP acceptance and financing. We will give you the price after your exam and before your guard is made.
Is a night guard the same as a sports mouth guard?
No. A night guard is thinner and designed to protect against grinding while you sleep, while a sports mouth guard is thicker and designed to absorb impacts during sport. They are not interchangeable. See our custom sports mouth guards page.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, DDS — Last reviewed: October 2026.