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Night Guard in Valley Village, CA

Protect your teeth while you sleep.

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom-fit night guard can prevent serious wear, fractures, and jaw pain. Custom-made at our office for a precise fit. Call (818) 766-7776.

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Call (818) 766-7776

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Mon – Fri · 9 AM – 6 PM

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12520 Magnolia Blvd, Suite 205

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Bruxism Is Common — a Night Guard Stops the Damage

Bruxism — the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth — is far more common than most people realize, and it most often happens during sleep when you have no conscious control over it. Because it occurs while you’re asleep, you may not even know you’re doing it until a partner tells you about the grinding sounds, or until your dentist notices the telltale signs of wear at your checkup: flattened cusps, enamel erosion, chipped edges, and heightened tooth sensitivity.

The signs of bruxism extend beyond the teeth themselves. Morning jaw soreness or stiffness, headaches concentrated at the temples, earaches without an ear infection, neck and shoulder tension, and worn-down front teeth are all classic indicators. In patients who also have TMJ disorder, bruxism is almost always a contributing factor. Left untreated, bruxism can crack teeth, wear down enamel to the point of exposing the dentin layer, cause existing restorations to fail prematurely, and drive significant jaw joint deterioration over time.

A custom night guard is the most effective way to protect your teeth from the forces of nighttime grinding. Unlike over-the-counter guards — which are generic, bulky, and prone to shifting or coming out during the night — our custom guards are made from precise impressions of your teeth. The finished appliance fits exactly to your bite, stays securely in place, and is trimmed to the minimum thickness necessary for protection without bulk. This makes it far more comfortable and far more likely to be worn consistently.

We fabricate our night guards from durable, BPA-free acrylic or thermoplastic materials — your specific needs and bite pattern will determine which is most appropriate. The guard is ready in one to two weeks. It absorbs and redistributes the grinding forces before they reach your teeth, giving them a barrier of protection every night. We also build the guard to guide your jaw into a slightly more relaxed, decompressed position — which for many patients reduces morning soreness significantly within the first few weeks of use.

Common Questions

What patients ask about night guards

How do I know if I grind my teeth?

Common signs include waking up with jaw soreness or stiffness, frequent morning headaches (especially at the temples), earaches that your doctor can't explain, worn or chipped teeth, and increased tooth sensitivity. A partner or roommate may have heard grinding sounds while you sleep. At your dental exam, we can identify characteristic wear patterns on your teeth that indicate bruxism even if you're not aware of any symptoms yet.

What is the difference between a custom night guard and a store-bought one?

Store-bought guards use a generic "boil and bite" or one-size-fits-all design that doesn't conform precisely to your bite. They're often bulky, uncomfortable, and come loose during the night — which means you may take them out without realizing it, or they may interfere with sleep to the point that you stop using them. A custom-fabricated guard is made from impressions of your specific teeth, fits precisely, and is designed to be as comfortable as possible while providing maximum protection.

Will a night guard stop my jaw pain?

For many patients, yes — particularly when the jaw pain is related to bruxism or TMJ dysfunction. A well-designed night guard protects the teeth from grinding forces while also positioning the jaw in a more relaxed, anatomically neutral position during sleep. Many patients report significant reduction in morning soreness and headaches within the first few weeks of consistent use. If your jaw pain is related to other causes, we'll identify those and address them as part of your overall treatment plan.

How long does a custom night guard last?

With proper care — rinsing before and after use, storing in a case, keeping it away from heat — a custom night guard typically lasts three to five years for moderate grinders. Heavy bruxers may wear through a guard more quickly. We inspect your guard at every checkup and will let you know when it's approaching the end of its useful life. A guard that has been worn down significantly is providing less protection and should be replaced.

Is a night guard covered by dental insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of a custom night guard when there is clinical evidence of bruxism or TMJ disorder — typically between 50% and 80% after the deductible. We'll verify your benefits before fabricating the guard so you know exactly what to expect. If you don't have coverage, the cost of a custom guard is still far less than the cost of treating a cracked tooth or failed restoration caused by untreated grinding.

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Comprehensive first visit with exam, digital X-rays, personalized treatment plan, and your first cleaning. Built for patients who want time, transparency, and zero pressure.

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NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

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Comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, personalized treatment plan, and your first professional cleaning, built for patients who want time, transparency, and zero pressure.