How to Care for a 3D Printed Night Guard
dentaltechnology
A simple daily and weekly routine to keep your custom 3D printed night guard clear, odor-free, and lasting as long as possible.
A custom night guard from our South Surrey office is 3D printed to fit only your teeth — so a little care goes a long way. Here's the routine we recommend.
Every morning after use
- Rinse the guard under cool (not hot) water as soon as you take it out.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and a small amount of mild soap or non-abrasive cleanser. Skip regular toothpaste — it can scratch the surface.
- Shake off the water and place it in its vented case to air dry. A wet, closed case is where odor starts.
Once a week
- Soak the guard for 10–15 minutes in a denture or retainer cleaning tablet dissolved in cool water.
- Rinse thoroughly and let it fully dry before storing.
- Wipe out the case with soap and water and let it dry too.
What to avoid
- Hot water, dishwashers, or boiling — heat can warp the printed resin.
- Alcohol-based mouthwash soaks, which can make the material brittle over time.
- Leaving it on a nightstand where pets can find it (a very common story in our office).
Bring it to your cleaning visits
We check the fit and surface at your regular hygiene appointments. If it starts feeling loose, cloudy, or cracked, let us know — we can often reprint from your existing digital scan without a new impression.
Questions about a night guard? See our dental technologies or call 604-535-8835.