Custom-fitted night guards that protect your teeth from nighttime grinding and clenching, made at our Hillcrest office.
Custom Night Guards in San Diego, CA
Custom-Fitted
Protects Enamel
Same-Day Consults
A night guard is a thin, custom-fitted cover you wear over your teeth while you sleep. If you grind or clench at night, it takes the wear and pressure that would otherwise land on your enamel, fillings, and crowns. Because most grinding happens during sleep, many people only find out when a partner hears it or a dentist spots the wear.
At Sunrise Dental Arts in Hillcrest, Dr. Andy Keith checks for signs of grinding at routine exams and makes custom night guards for patients across San Diego. It is one of the simpler dental treatments we offer, and it can help protect your natural teeth and the dental work you already have.
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What Is Bruxism and How Does It Affect Your Teeth?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. The American Dental Association notes that most people who grind do it while they sleep, that dentists and hygienists are often the first to notice the signs, and that stress, sleep disorders, and teeth that do not line up properly can all play a role.
Over time, grinding can flatten the biting edges of teeth, chip enamel, crack fillings, and loosen or break crowns. You might wake up with a dull headache or sore jaw, notice teeth that feel sensitive, or see flat, shiny spots on your back teeth. Repairing that damage can later mean dental bonding or porcelain crowns, which is why protecting your teeth early matters.
Grinding, Clenching, and a Sore Jaw
Clenching and grinding work the jaw muscles hard, so it is common to wake up with tired or achy muscles near your cheeks and temples. A night guard may ease that morning soreness by giving your teeth a smooth surface to rest against.
Jaw pain that lasts through the day, a jaw that locks, or painful clicking can point to a temporomandibular disorder, which needs its own evaluation. If that sounds familiar, read about our TMJ and TMD treatment. A night guard can be part of that care, but it is not the full answer for every jaw problem.
How a Custom Night Guard Works
A custom night guard fits over your upper or lower teeth and keeps them from grinding directly against each other. The force goes into the guard instead of your enamel, and the smooth surface lets your jaw glide rather than catch. It does not stop the habit itself, but it helps protect your teeth while you sleep.
Store-bought guards can work in a pinch, but they are often thick, loose, or uncomfortable, and a guard that bothers you is easy to stop wearing. The ADA notes that a custom guard made from a mold your dentist creates gives the closest, most comfortable fit. Ours are made from impressions or digital scans of your teeth, so they stay in place without feeling bulky. A night guard is also different from a sport guard, which has extra cushioning to absorb hits during play.
Getting a night guard usually takes two short visits. Here is what to expect.
- Dr. Keith checks your teeth, bite, and jaw muscles for signs of grinding and clenching
- We take impressions or digital scans so the guard matches your teeth
- Your guard is made from durable dental material to fit your scan
- You come back for a fitting, and we adjust it until your bite feels even
- We show you how to clean and store it and check it at future visits
It can take a few nights to get used to wearing a guard. If it still feels tight or rubs after the first week, call us and we can adjust it.
Easing the Habit and Repairing Wear
A guard protects your teeth, but it also helps to look at what is behind the grinding. The ADA points to stress management, such as exercise, meditation, or counseling, and suggests a sleep evaluation when poor sleep may be part of the problem. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol in the evening may also help some people.
If grinding has already chipped or worn your teeth, we can talk through repair options once you have a guard to protect them. If dental work makes you anxious, ask about our sedation options.
Get a Custom Night Guard in Hillcrest
Sunrise Dental Arts is at 3645 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, with appointments Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some dental plans help pay for night guards. We are in-network with Delta Dental and can bill most other PPO plans out-of-network, and our team can check your benefits before treatment. Financing is available through Cherry and CareCredit. You can learn more about Dr. Andy Keith before your visit.
If you wake up with a sore jaw or have noticed worn or chipped teeth, contact us or call (619) 291-2980 to schedule a night guard consultation.
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Night Guard FAQs
Do I Need a Night Guard If I Grind My Teeth?
Not everyone who grinds needs one, but a night guard is often recommended when grinding is wearing down enamel, chipping teeth, or causing morning jaw soreness or headaches. Dr. Keith will look for signs of wear at your exam and explain whether a guard would help.
Is a Custom Night Guard Better Than a Store-Bought One?
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your teeth, so it fits closely and is less likely to slip or feel bulky. Store-bought guards can be a short-term option, but they may fit loosely and are easier to stop wearing.
How Long Does a Night Guard Last?
It depends on how hard you grind and how well you care for it. Many custom night guards last several years. Bring yours to your checkups so we can look for thinning, cracks, or changes in fit and let you know when it is time for a new one.
How Do I Clean My Night Guard?
Rinse it each morning, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water, and let it air dry before storing it in its case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material, and keep the case out of reach of pets.
Will a Night Guard Help With TMJ Pain?
It may help some people, especially when clenching or grinding adds to jaw soreness. Jaw joint problems have many causes, though, so jaw pain that lasts, locking, or painful clicking should be evaluated on its own. Our TMJ and TMD treatment page explains how we approach those symptoms.
