Custom Bite Guards & Night Guards in Vancouver

If you frequently wake up with a dull headache, a sore jaw, or unexplained tooth sensitivity, you may be clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep. This condition, medically known as bruxism, affects millions of people and can lead to severe enamel wear, fractured restorations, and jaw joint complications.

At Shen Dental, Dr. Herbert Fisher provides precision, custom-fitted bite guards (also called night guards or occlusal splints) at our local Vancouver office to protect your teeth and give you lasting relief.

What is a Bite Guard and How Does It Work?

A dental bite guard is a clear, slim, medical-grade appliance worn over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It acts as a protective, shock-absorbing barrier between your upper and lower arches.

Instead of your teeth grinding directly against one another—which exerts hundreds of pounds of pressure—the force is absorbed by the durable guard. This instantly unloads stress from your teeth, jaw muscles, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Signs You May Need a Custom Night Guard

Many patients grind their teeth unconsciously at night and only realize there is a problem during a routine dental exam. Common symptoms of bruxism include:

Morning Headaches: Waking up with chronic tension headaches around your temples.
Jaw Pain & TMJ Clicking: Soreness in the jaw joints or facial muscles, especially when chewing or speaking.
Flattened or Chipped Teeth: Visible wear facets, shortened teeth, or unexplained micro-fractures in your enamel.
Disrupted Sleep: Waking up feeling unrefreshed, or being told by a partner that you make grinding noises at night.

The Benefits of a Custom Guard vs. Store-Bought Options

While over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” mouthguards are widely available, they are not designed for long-term night wear.

Protecting Your Alignment: Over-the-counter guards are often bulky and spongy. Over time, they can actually cause your bite to shift or worsen jaw clenching.
Perfect, Snug Fit: A custom guard from Shen Dental is formed directly from a precise mold of your teeth. It is low-profile, doesn’t interfere with breathing, and stays firmly in place all night.
High-Quality Materials: Our night guards are fabricated from durable, dental-grade acrylics designed to last for years under heavy grinding pressure.

What to Expect During Your Custom Fitting

Getting a custom night guard at our Oak Street clinic is a non-invasive, simple process completed across a few visits.

Bite Evaluation & Impressions

Dr. Fisher thoroughly evaluates your teeth, jaw joints, and existing restorations for signs of bruxism wear. We then take a highly precise impression of your teeth. This mold is sent to our local dental lab to create a guard that mirrors your exact anatomy.

Delivery & Custom Fitting

Once your guard is ready, you will return to our office. Dr. Fisher tests the fit and adjusts the appliance to make sure your bite feels balanced, completely stable, and fully comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a dental night guard uncomfortable to wear?

It is completely normal for a new bite guard to feel a bit strange or bulky during the first few nights. However, because it is custom-molded to fit your teeth precisely, your mouth adapts very quickly, and most patients find it completely comfortable within a week.

Q: How long does a custom bite guard last?

With proper maintenance, a dental-grade custom guard can comfortably last several years. To maximize its lifespan, clean it daily with cool water and a toothbrush, and always bring it to your routine checkups at Shen Dental so Dr. Fisher can evaluate its wear pattern.

Q: What is the cost of a night guard in Vancouver?

The cost of an occlusal night guard matches the standard rates established by the current BC Dental Fee Guide. During your evaluation, we will provide a clear cost breakdown.

Q: Does insurance or the CDCP cover bite guards?

Yes, most major dental insurance policies cover custom night guards under preventative or major services, as they prevent costly future tooth damage. Shen Dental also accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Our team will happily coordinate with your provider to see what coverage is available for your preventative care.

Protect Your Smile Today at Shen Dental Vancouver

Don’t let teeth grinding compromise your sleep or your smile. Located at 3737 Oak St (Unit 102), Dr. Herbert Fisher and our team help patients across Vancouver find long-term comfort from bruxism and TMJ pain.