Do you wake up with a tight jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel sore for no reason? Many people have no idea they clench or grind their teeth at night until someone mentions it, or until a dentist sees the wear. If that sounds familiar, this page is for you.
What does a night guard do?
Think of it as a soft barrier between your upper and lower teeth. When you clench or grind in your sleep, the guard takes the contact instead of your enamel. It does not decide whether you clench. It gives your teeth, and any fillings, crowns, veneers or implants you have, something gentler to meet.
A guard is only one part of the conversation. We also like to understand why you might be clenching, because stress, sleep, your bite and your jaw can all play a part. A dentist examines you and advises, and we never guess from a distance.
How do you know if you might need one?
You may not know. Here are some things patients mention, and things we look for during an exam.
Your jaw feels tight or tired when you wake up. You notice headaches in the morning. Your teeth look flatter, shorter or chipped. A partner hears grinding. A filling or crown has needed repair more than once. Any of these is a reason to ask, not a diagnosis. Only an exam can tell what is going on in your mouth.
How is a custom night guard made?
We start with a conversation and an exam. Then we take a digital scan of your teeth in the office, so there are no impression trays. The guard is made from that scan, and when it is ready we check how it fits and how your bite meets it, and adjust it until it feels right.
Why does fit matter so much? A guard you cannot get comfortable in is a guard that ends up in a drawer. A guard that is made for your mouth is more likely to be one you actually wear.
What about the guards you can buy at the drugstore? They can feel bulky, and they are not made for your teeth or your bite. If you are curious about the difference, we are happy to show you both and talk it through. Our night guards page explains more.
Why do Culver City patients come to Beverly Hills for a night guard?
Culver City has dentists of its own, so why make the trip? Some patients want a practice that looks at the whole person, not only the tooth in front of it, and that is what we aim to be.
Our approach is holistic and biological. We care about what goes into your mouth, which is why we place mercury-free composite fillings. We also use technology that many offices do not have in house, such as ozone therapy, soft tissue lasers and a CBCT (3D CT) scanner for detailed images of your teeth and jaw.
Our specialists work in the same office. If your jaw or your sleep needs a closer look, you are not handed a referral and left to work out the next step alone. Dr. Charlton and Dr. Shir, both General & Cosmetic Dentists, and the specialists on our team work together on your care.
Our only office is at 416 N. Bedford Dr., Suite 105, in Beverly Hills. If you live or work in Culver City, you are welcome here. You can read more on our Culver City page, including the way to Bedford Drive and where to park.
What if your jaw or your sleep needs more than a guard?
Sometimes a night guard is the whole answer. Sometimes it is a first step. We also treat TMJ disorders and sleep apnea, so if the exam points that way, we can talk through those options in the same office with the same team.
We would rather look at the root of the problem than only treat the signs. That is what we mean by a holistic approach: your teeth, your jaw, your sleep and your health are all part of one story.
Questions Culver City patients ask about night guards
Do you have an office in Culver City?
No. Our only office is in Beverly Hills, at 416 N. Bedford Dr., Suite 105. Many of our patients come to see us from Culver City and the areas around it.
How do I know if I need a night guard?
Only an exam can tell. A dentist looks at your teeth and jaw, asks about your mornings and your sleep, and explains what they see and what your options are. If you notice a tight jaw, morning headaches or worn teeth, it is a good reason to ask.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A guard protects your teeth from the contact. It does not promise that you will stop clenching. That is why we also look at what may be behind it, and we keep checking your guard and your teeth at your regular visits.
Is a custom guard different from one I buy at the store?
Yes. A custom guard is made from a digital scan of your own teeth and fitted to your bite, so it is made for you instead of for everyone. We are glad to talk through the differences at your visit.
Do you treat TMJ disorders and sleep apnea too?
Yes. We treat both, and a night guard is often part of the conversation. Your dentist will examine you and explain which options make sense for you.
How do I book?
Call us at 310.274.7005 or request an appointment online. We will take it from there.
If you would like a night guard made for your mouth, or you just want to know what is going on with your jaw, we would love to meet you. Request an appointment or call us at 310.274.7005. Our office is at 416 N. Bedford Dr., Suite 105, Beverly Hills.
