Grinding and clenching at night wear teeth flat, crack fillings and crowns, and cause morning headaches and jaw pain. A custom night guard made from a digital scan of your teeth absorbs that force. We also make custom sports mouthguards for children and adults. We speak English, Spanish and Korean.
Signs you grind your teeth
Most people who grind do it in their sleep and do not know. The signs are flattened or chipped edges, teeth that are sensitive for no clear reason, a sore or tired jaw in the morning, headaches at the temples, and fillings or crowns that keep breaking. A partner may hear it.
A custom night guard does not stop the grinding, but it takes the force off the teeth and lets the jaw muscles relax. It is thinner, more comfortable and far more durable than a store-bought boil-and-bite guard, which is why patients actually wear it.
What to expect
Two short visits about one to two weeks apart.
1. Exam for wear and jaw symptoms
Dr. Kim checks for wear facets, cracks and tender jaw muscles, and rules out other causes of the pain or sensitivity.
2. Digital scan
A quick scan of both arches replaces impressions. The lab makes the guard to fit your teeth exactly.
3. Fit and adjust
We check the fit and your bite on the guard, adjust it so it is comfortable, and show you how to clean and store it.
Most people adapt within a week. Bring the guard to your checkups so we can check the wear; a guard that is wearing through means it is doing its job.
Cost and insurance
Some PPO plans cover an occlusal (night) guard, often once every few years; we check your plan. Denti-Cal (Medi-Cal Dental) generally does not cover night guards for adults. The fee is far less than repairing a cracked tooth, and you get it in writing first.
Monthly payment plans are available through CareCredit, Cherry and Sunbit, subject to credit approval. We give you a written estimate before any treatment.
Dr. Kim's approach
We look for the cause as well as the symptom: a bite that is off, missing teeth that overload the others, or stress and sleep habits. The guard protects the teeth now, and the exam tells us whether anything else should be fixed.
For sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard protects far better than a generic one and is comfortable enough that kids keep it in.
Why Happy Light Dental for night guards
Digital scan
No impression trays; the guard fits precisely the first time.
Right material
Hard, soft or dual-layer guards chosen for how hard you grind.
Protects your dental work
Crowns, veneers and fillings last longer when the grinding force is absorbed.
Your language
We speak English, Spanish and Korean.
Night guard questions
Ready to talk about night guards?
Call (310) 644-4648 or book online. Se habla español · 한국어 진료 가능.