Custom Night Guards in Poway, CA

What a custom night guard does

A night guard is a custom-fitted dental appliance worn during sleep. It places a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth so that the forces of clenching and grinding are cushioned rather than transferred directly onto tooth surfaces. For many patients who grind their teeth at night, a well-fitted guard helps limit wear, reduce chipping, and ease strain on the jaw muscles.

Grinding and clenching during sleep, sometimes called bruxism, often happens without a person realizing it. Over time it can wear down enamel, loosen or damage existing dental work, and contribute to jaw soreness or headaches. A night guard does not stop the habit itself, but it protects the teeth and can make mornings more comfortable while the underlying causes are addressed.

Signs a night guard may help

• Waking with a sore jaw, tight facial muscles, or a dull headache
• Teeth that look flattened, worn, or chipped over time
• Increased tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause
• A partner who hears grinding sounds during the night
• Existing crowns, fillings, or veneers you want to protect from heavy forces
• Tension in the jaw that comes and goes

Not everyone who grinds occasionally needs a guard, and some symptoms have other explanations. An examination helps confirm whether grinding is the likely cause and whether a night guard is a sensible step for you.

Why a custom guard is different from a store-bought one

Over-the-counter guards are made to a generic shape and often feel bulky, loosen during the night, or fail to protect the teeth evenly. A custom night guard is made from impressions of your own teeth, so it fits closely, stays in place, and distributes forces more evenly. A precise fit tends to be more comfortable, which makes it easier to wear the guard consistently, and consistency is what makes it effective.

How your night guard is made

1. The dentist examines your teeth, bite, and any signs of wear.
2. We take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth.
3. The guard is fabricated to match your bite and the level of protection you need.
4. We fit the guard, check the bite, and adjust it for comfort.
5. We review how to wear, clean, and store it, and when to bring it in for a check.

The guard should feel secure without being uncomfortable. Small adjustments are normal, and we would rather refine the fit than have you wear something that bothers you.

Related care at our office

• TMJ Treatment
• Restorative Dentistry
• Preventive Dentistry

Caring for your night guard

A night guard lasts longer with simple care. Rinse it after each use, clean it as directed, and store it in its case away from heat, which can warp the material. Bring it to your regular visits so the dentist can check its condition and confirm it still fits well as your teeth and dental work change over time.

What affects the cost of a night guard

Because a night guard is custom-made, the plan and its cost depend on your situation. Factors that may influence cost include the type and thickness of the guard, the material chosen, whether impressions or a digital scan are used, and any adjustments needed for a comfortable fit. If grinding is part of a broader jaw concern, related care may factor in as well. After we examine your teeth and bite, we provide a personalized estimate at your consultation.

Why patients choose Gentle Dentistry of Poway

• Guards custom-made from precise impressions for a secure, comfortable fit
• Attention to your bite so forces are distributed evenly
• Care from Dr. Shabnam Pedram and Dr. Maggie Abadan
• Guidance on protecting existing crowns, fillings, and veneers
• Follow-up checks to keep the guard fitting well over time
• Convenient care for patients in Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and Scripps Ranch

Protect your smile while you sleep

If you grind or clench at night, a custom night guard is a straightforward way to protect your teeth and ease jaw strain. Contact Gentle Dentistry of Poway to have your bite evaluated and to learn whether a night guard is right for you.

Information on this website is educational and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or personalized treatment plan from a licensed dentist. Treatment recommendations, timing, costs, and results vary by patient.