Made for you
How your guard is made
- Step 1
Impressions
A quick, careful impression captures the exact shape of your teeth.
- Step 2
Custom fabrication
Your guard is crafted from that impression for an exact, secure fit.
- Step 3
Fit & fine-tune
We check the fit and bite, adjust until it's right, and show you the care routine.
Grinding often goes hand-in-hand with jaw soreness and tension. If your jaw pops, clicks, or aches beyond nighttime grinding, mention it at your visit — TMJ care is something Dr. Patel evaluates as part of comprehensive care.
Good to know
Night guard questions, answered
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common clues: waking with a sore jaw or dull headache, teeth that look flattened or chipped, increased tooth sensitivity, or a sleep partner who hears grinding. Many people have no idea until we spot the wear pattern at an exam — it's one of the things Dr. Patel checks at every visit.
What's the difference between a custom night guard and a store-bought one?
A custom guard is made from a precise impression of your teeth, so it fits exactly, stays put, and spreads grinding forces evenly. Boil-and-bite guards from a store are bulkier, fit loosely, and wear out quickly — some can even encourage clenching. For nightly, long-term use, custom is the better instrument.
How long does a custom night guard last?
Typically several years with good care — though heavy grinders can wear one faster. We check your guard at your regular visits and let you know honestly how it's holding up. Good daily care makes a real difference; see our care guide for the routine.
How does a night guard work?
A night guard works as a physical barrier: it sits between your upper and lower teeth, so grinding forces land on the guard's material instead of on your enamel. Because a custom guard spreads those forces evenly, it also eases the load on jaw muscles and the TMJ — which is why many people wake with less jaw soreness. It doesn't stop the grinding itself; it redirects the wear away from your teeth.
How should a night guard fit?
A night guard should fit snugly and stay put on its own — secure enough that it doesn't shift or fall out, without pressing hard on any one spot. It may feel bulky the first few nights; that's normal and fades as you adjust. A custom guard is checked and fine-tuned at the fitting visit, and if a sore spot develops later, we adjust it until it's right.
Can a night guard shift your teeth?
A well-made custom guard shouldn't move your teeth — it's crafted from a precise impression to seat evenly across the whole arch. Ill-fitting store-bought guards are a different story: a loose or uneven fit can put uneven pressure on individual teeth and, over time, contribute to shifting. If your guard ever starts feeling tighter or looser than it used to, bring it to your next visit.
Do night guards help with snoring?
Not usually — a night guard for grinding is not a snoring or sleep apnea appliance. Devices that address snoring work differently, typically by repositioning the lower jaw, and possible sleep apnea calls for a proper medical evaluation first. If snoring or poor sleep is a concern, mention it at your exam and Dr. Patel can point you in the right direction.
Can I wear a sports mouthguard as a night guard?
No — a sports mouthguard isn't a substitute for a night guard. Sports guards are built to absorb a sudden impact, so they're bulky, soft, and wear down quickly under hours of nightly teeth grinding. A night guard is made for a different job: standing up to steady clenching and grinding forces with a precise fit you can actually sleep in.
How many visits does a custom night guard take?
Getting a custom night guard typically takes two visits. At the first, an impression of your teeth is taken with impression material; the guard is then custom-made from that impression, which usually takes about two weeks. At the second visit, the fit and bite are checked and fine-tuned, and you go home with the guard and its care routine.
Already have a guard? How to clean and care for your night guard →
Grinding or clenching? What TMJ is, and how a night guard helps →
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