Worn or Flat Teeth
Teeth that look shorter, flatter, or more worn than they should for your age. Healthy teeth retain their natural pointed cusps, ground teeth become smooth and flat over time.
Custom night guards in Downey.
Custom-fitted protection from teeth grinding and clenching, preserving teeth, restorations, and comfort.
Protection from forces you cannot control.
A night guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from the damaging forces of grinding (bruxism) and clenching. Many patients grind or clench during sleep without realizing it, the chronic pressure can crack teeth, wear down enamel, damage existing dental work, and contribute to jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ issues.
Unlike over-the-counter mouth guards, custom night guards are made from impressions of your specific teeth. They fit precisely, do not interfere with breathing or sleep, and provide far better protection than generic boil-and-bite alternatives. They also last significantly longer, typically 3-7 years compared to a few months for store-bought options.
Night guards are often recommended after restorative work like crowns, veneers, or dental implants. The protection extends the life of these investments significantly, an unprotected crown subjected to nightly grinding may fail in 5-7 years; the same crown protected by a night guard often lasts 15-20 years or more.
We offer multiple types of night guards based on your specific needs, soft, hard, dual-laminate, and various designs for different grinding intensities and clinical situations. Dr. Hadis Reyhani or Dr. Kiro Farag determines the right type for you based on your case.
Signs you may benefit from a night guard.
Many grinders do not realize they are grinding. These are the signs we look for.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Multiple cracked teeth, chipped corners, or unexplained damage to teeth or existing dental work often indicates grinding forces. Single cracks can be accidents; multiple are typically a pattern.
Morning Jaw Pain or Soreness
Waking up with jaw stiffness, soreness, or fatigue indicates the muscles worked all night. Some patients also wake with their jaw clenched.
Frequent Headaches
Tension headaches, particularly in the temples or behind the eyes, are often related to nighttime grinding and clenching. Patients sometimes experience them as morning headaches that fade through the day.
Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity to hot or cold that has developed without obvious cause may indicate worn enamel from grinding, exposing the more sensitive layer beneath.
Damaged Existing Restorations
Crowns that have cracked, fillings that have come loose, or veneers that have chipped earlier than expected often signal grinding forces wearing down dental work.
Custom night guard vs. store-bought options.
Both protect teeth, but with very different effectiveness, comfort, and longevity.
| Factor | Custom Night Guard | Store-Bought (Boil-and-Bite) |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Custom impression of your teeth | Generic, "molded" by patient at home |
| Comfort | Designed for all-night wear | Often bulky, can disturb sleep |
| Effectiveness | Excellent grinding protection | Limited protection, can shift during sleep |
| Durability | 3-7 years typical lifespan | 3-6 months typical lifespan |
| Material options | Multiple types matched to your case | One material, one design |
| Bite assessment | Adjusted by your dentist | No professional adjustment |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront, but replaced often |
| Long-term cost | One purchase covers years | Adds up to comparable cost over time |
| Effect on TMJ | Can relieve TMJ stress when properly designed | May worsen TMJ in poorly fitted designs |
Your night guard, step by step.
Most night guards are completed in two visits over 1-2 weeks.
- 01
Consultation & Evaluation
Free consultation to evaluate your teeth for signs of grinding, discuss symptoms, and determine the right type of night guard for your case. We assess your bite, jaw function, and any existing dental work that needs protection.
- 02
Impressions or Digital Scan
Detailed impressions or digital scans of your upper and lower teeth capture the exact anatomy needed to fabricate a precisely fitting night guard.
- 03
Fabrication
Your night guard is made at a dental laboratory using your impressions. Different materials and designs are matched to your grinding intensity, bite, and any existing restorations.
- 04
Fitting & Adjustment
At the fitting appointment, the guard is checked for comfort, fit, and proper bite contact. Minor adjustments are made on the spot to ensure even pressure across all teeth.
- 05
Follow-Up
After 1-2 weeks of wear, we check in to make sure the guard is comfortable and effective. Additional adjustments are made if needed. Most patients adapt within a few nights.
How to care for your night guard.
Proper care extends the life of your night guard significantly.
Daily Cleaning
Rinse the night guard each morning. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a non-abrasive cleaner. Do not use regular toothpaste, it is too abrasive for the appliance material.
Storage
Store dry in the case provided. A clean, dry case prevents bacteria growth. Avoid leaving the night guard in hot environments (cars, near windows), heat can warp the material.
Periodic Deep Cleaning
Once a week, soak the night guard in denture cleaner or a mild solution of water and white vinegar (1:1). Rinse thoroughly before next use. This prevents buildup that daily brushing cannot remove.
Bring to Cleanings
Bring your night guard to your routine 6-month cleanings. We professionally clean it and check for fit issues, wear, or damage that might require replacement.
Questions about night guards?
Night guards are simple appliances with significant benefits. Here are the questions patients ask most often.
Ask a Question- Common signs include morning jaw soreness, frequent headaches, worn or flat-looking teeth, multiple cracked teeth, tooth sensitivity, and damaged dental restorations. Many grinders do not realize they grind, partners often hear the grinding before the patient realizes anything is wrong. We assess for signs of grinding at every routine exam and recommend night guards when there is clear evidence.
- Custom night guards typically last 3-7 years with proper care, depending on the material, your grinding intensity, and how well you maintain the appliance. Heavy grinders may need replacement every 3-4 years; light grinders may use the same guard for 7+ years. Bring your night guard to cleanings so we can check for wear and recommend replacement when needed.
- Most patients adapt to wearing a night guard within a few nights. Custom-fitted guards are designed for all-night wear and rarely cause discomfort once you adapt. The first 2-7 nights may feel strange, you may produce more saliva, or feel awkward, but these issues resolve as your mouth adjusts. Most patients report better, not worse, sleep with their guard once adapted.
- Cost varies based on the material and complexity. Custom night guards are typically several hundred dollars. Some dental insurance plans cover night guards (often when documented as treatment for bruxism or TMJ), others classify them as elective and do not cover them. We verify your specific benefits before treatment.
- Often yes. A properly designed night guard reduces the muscular workload during sleep, reducing TMJ stress, jaw soreness, and tension headaches. However, TMJ is complex, and night guards are typically one part of treatment rather than the complete solution. If TMJ pain persists after wearing a night guard for 4-6 weeks, additional evaluation may be needed.
- Strongly recommended for any patient with significant cosmetic or restorative work. Crowns, veneers, and implants are investments that can be damaged or destroyed by nighttime grinding. A night guard significantly extends the life of these restorations. Many cosmetic dentistry cases include a night guard as part of the comprehensive treatment plan for this reason.
- Daytime clenching is typically addressed differently than nighttime grinding. While custom night guards are sometimes used during the day in specific situations, daytime clenching is often a behavioral pattern (related to stress, focus, or habit) that responds better to awareness training, physical therapy, or stress management techniques. We can discuss daytime clenching at your consultation.
- Bring your night guard to every routine 6-month cleaning so we can professionally clean it, check for wear or damage, and confirm it still fits properly. Tooth movement, dental work, or natural changes in your mouth can affect fit over time. Replacement is typically recommended every 3-7 years.
Custom care for a custom appliance.
Night guards are simple appliances, but custom design and proper fitting matter for comfort and effectiveness.
Custom-designed for your bite
Each night guard is made from precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth. Material and design are matched to your grinding intensity and any existing dental work.
Protects your investment
Patients with crowns, veneers, or implants benefit most from custom night guards. Your dental work lasts significantly longer when protected from nighttime grinding forces.
Bilingual fitting and care
We explain how to wear, clean, and care for your night guard in your preferred language. Adapting to a new appliance is easier when communication is clear.
Long-term maintenance support
Bring your night guard to every routine cleaning. We professionally clean it, check for wear, and recommend replacement when needed, no extra appointment required.
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