Clenching at night? Suited up for weekend sports? Your teeth do a lot for you—chewing, smiling, speaking with confidence—so it makes sense to protect them around the clock. At Connect Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Los Angeles, we design custom night guards and sports mouthguards that fit comfortably, stay put, and actually get used. While over-the-counter trays may seem convenient, a tailored guard provides better comfort, better protection, and better long-term value for your smile.
Why Night Guards Matter
Many people grind or clench (bruxism) in their sleep without realizing it. However, your jaw muscles are incredibly strong—capable of exerting hundreds of pounds of pressure. Over time, this nighttime force can wear down enamel, chip or fracture teeth, aggravate gum recession, and stress dental work like fillings, crowns, and dental implants. Additionally, it can contribute to morning headaches and jaw soreness. A custom night guard creates a precise barrier that spreads force evenly and lets your joints and muscles relax, so you wake up more comfortable and your teeth stay safer.
Who Benefits From a Night Guard?
- People who notice flattened or chipped teeth, especially front edges and molar cusps
- Those with frequent morning headaches or jaw stiffness
- Patients with new cosmetic dentistry who want to protect results
- Implant patients who want to safeguard their investment
Because custom guards are fabricated from an accurate scan or impression, they snap into place and feel natural. Meanwhile, they’re durable enough to handle nightly use while being thin enough for easy breathing and conversation before bed.
Sports Mouthguards: Not Just for Pros
Contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and martial arts are obvious candidates for mouth protection. But even “non-contact” activities like mountain biking, skateboarding, or soccer can create sudden impacts. A custom sports mouthguard helps absorb shock and protect against chipped teeth, lip lacerations, and in some cases jaw injuries. Unlike boil-and-bite versions that often end up loose in a gym bag, a professional guard hugs the teeth and stays in during sprints, jumps, and hard pivots.
Custom vs. Store-Bought: What’s the Difference?
- Fit: Professionally made guards are based on high-precision scans, so they don’t shift or rub.
- Comfort: The thinner, tailored profile makes compliance easy—critical for night wear.
- Protection: Strategic thickness is added where you need it most, improving energy absorption.
- Durability: Medical-grade materials outlast boil-and-bite plastic that breaks down quickly.
What the Process Looks Like
- Consult and scan: We review symptoms, check for wear facets, and take a comfortable digital scan.
- Fabrication: A lab crafts your guard to precise specifications for fit and thickness.
- Delivery & adjustments: We check bite, pressure points, and give you a care kit.
- Follow-up: At hygiene or periodontal maintenance visits, we evaluate wear and fit.
Care Tips for Longevity
- Rinse after use and brush gently with a soft toothbrush (no abrasive toothpaste).
- Let it air dry, then store in a ventilated case.
- Keep away from heat to avoid warping.
- Bring it to your checkups for professional cleaning and inspection.
Night Guards, TMJ, and Your Bite
Because clenching involves your jaw joints and muscles, a well-designed guard can also promote a more relaxed joint position. That’s why we evaluate your bite and joint health before deciding on the ideal design—flat plane, dual-laminate, or specialized options. In addition, we may suggest adjuncts like stretching, stress management, or addressing airway concerns if they’re contributing to nighttime clenching.
Protecting Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry
Have veneers, crowns, or a new implant? A single unprotected grinding episode can crack ceramic or overload implant components. A custom guard is inexpensive insurance that keeps your smile looking and functioning beautifully. If you’ve invested in whitening, a guard can even double as a whitening tray later with your dentist’s guidance.
Ready to Safeguard Your Smile?
If you wake with jaw stiffness, notice tooth wear, or play sports on the weekends, a custom guard is an easy, smart upgrade. We’ll make the process smooth and the fit exceptional—so you actually want to wear it.
Protect your smile day and night. Call Connect Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at (310) 473-8770 or Contact Us to get started with a custom night guard or sports mouthguard in Los Angeles.