Night guards in San Diego, CA: A practical patient guide
Patients in San Diego, California who clench or grind their teeth at night often ask about night guards. At Raymond E. Carpenter DDS, a custom dental night guard is a simple, comfortable way to protect enamel, lessen jaw strain, and support better sleep. This page outlines what night guards are, how they work, benefits, the process, and what to expect.
Night guards explained
A night guard is a thin, custom-made oral appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep. It is designed for bruxism treatment, which includes nighttime clenching and teeth grinding. By creating a smooth, protective surface between the arches, the appliance spreads biting forces and helps the jaw muscles relax. Many patients also notice TMJ pain relief and fewer morning headaches.
There are several types of guards, each with distinct uses:
- Soft guards: Comfortable and cushion-like, often used for mild grinding.
- Hard acrylic guards: Durable options for moderate to heavy grinders and for protecting crowns or veneers.
- Dual-laminate guards: Soft inside with a harder exterior for balanced comfort and strength.
- Upper vs. lower guards: Either can work; selection depends on your bite, restorations, and comfort.
Over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” products can be bulky and uneven. A custom guard made from precise digital scans or impressions offers better fit, stability, and effectiveness. If you are searching for “what is a night guard” or “how do night guards work,” remember that a well-fitted device is key to predictable results.
How night guards can help you
- Protects teeth from wear, cracks, and chipping caused by teeth grinding at night.
- Reduces tooth sensitivity by limiting enamel loss and gumline stress.
- Eases jaw muscle tension and may lessen TMJ-related discomfort.
- Helps prevent damage to crowns, bridges, veneers, and dental implants.
- Supports steadier sleep by reducing clenching triggers for some patients.
- May lower long-term dental costs by preventing fractures and restorative failures.
The night guard process
1. Evaluation and planning
The visit includes a review of symptoms, an exam for wear patterns, and discussion of habits, stress, and sleep quality. The goal is to confirm whether a night guard is appropriate and which style best fits your needs.
2. Records for a precise fit
Digital scans or impressions capture your bite. A lab fabricates the guard in the selected material. Turnaround is typically about one to two weeks.
3. Fitting and adjustments
At delivery, the guard is checked for comfort, balanced contacts, and secure retention. Small adjustments help your jaw close evenly and reduce pressure points.
4. Home care and use
- Wear your guard nightly as directed for consistent protection.
- Rinse after use, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, and clean with mild soap. Avoid hot water.
- Store dry in a ventilated case, away from pets and heat.
- Bring your guard to checkups for inspection and professional cleaning.
Your night guard experience
Most patients adapt within one to two weeks. Temporary extra saliva, mild pressure, or slight speech changes are common and usually fade. If soreness or bite changes persist, the guard may need an adjustment. Lifespan varies from one to five years depending on grinding intensity, material, and care. Heavy grinders may need periodic refinements or replacement.
A night guard helps manage symptoms but is not a cure for all TMJ disorders. It works best as part of a broader plan that can include stress reduction, posture awareness, jaw exercises, and management of contributing factors. If you snore loudly, have witnessed pauses in breathing, or wake unrefreshed, discuss possible sleep apnea before using thicker appliances.