Do you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel sensitive for no obvious reason? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep, a common condition known as bruxism. Because it happens unconsciously while you rest, many people do not realize they are doing it until the damage begins to show. A custom night guard is a simple, effective way to protect your teeth and relieve the discomfort that grinding causes. At Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, CA, Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan create comfortable, custom-fit night guards that help you protect your smile and save money on future repairs.
On this page, you will learn what night guards are, the warning signs of teeth grinding, why wearing a guard matters, how a custom guard compares to store-bought options, and how to care for yours. If you suspect you grind your teeth at night, addressing it early can spare you years of damage and discomfort.
What Are Night Guards?
Night guards are custom dental appliances worn while you sleep. Made of durable, comfortable material, a night guard fits over your upper or lower teeth and creates a protective barrier between them. This barrier keeps your upper and lower teeth from grinding directly against each other, absorbing and redistributing the forces generated by clenching and grinding. The result is protection for your tooth enamel, relief for your jaw muscles, and a more restful, comfortable night.
A custom night guard differs significantly from the generic versions sold in stores. Because it is made from a precise impression of your teeth, it fits securely and comfortably, stays in place through the night, and is far less likely to feel bulky or cause irritation. That comfortable fit is essential, because a guard only works when you actually wear it consistently.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Because teeth grinding happens during sleep, the signs often show up in the morning or develop gradually over time. You may benefit from a night guard if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Waking up with a sore or tired jaw
- Frequent morning headaches
- Tooth pain or increased sensitivity to hot and cold
- Teeth that appear flattened, chipped, or worn down
- A clicking or popping sensation in the jaw
- Disrupted sleep, for you or a partner who hears grinding sounds
- Tension or pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth mentioning to us at your next visit. Often, a partner or family member notices the grinding sounds first. During your exam, we can look for the telltale signs of wear on your teeth and help determine whether a night guard is right for you.
Why Do Most People Wear a Night Guard?
Patients choose night guards for several important reasons, all of which come down to protecting their teeth and improving their comfort and quality of life.
- Prevent damage. If you have paid to repair your teeth or have had cosmetic work done to improve your appearance, teeth grinding could reverse all that the work. Even if your teeth have never needed repair, grinding can cause your teeth to chip, crack, or simply wear down. This translates into direct discomfort as the teeth flatten, and your dentin or nerves could become exposed. This can lead to feelings of sensitivity when you eat or drink. If this type of damage continues, you could end up with gum recession and even loose teeth. If you use a night guard, your upper and lower teeth will be unable to grind against each other and the potential damage will be avoided.
- Ease discomfort. Nighttime teeth grinding can cause severe headaches and tooth pain in the morning. If you are regularly waking up in pain or feeling uncomfortable, this can be a sign that you need to wear a guard while sleeping. At Infinite Dental Wellness, we have found that many of our patients feel significantly better after wearing their guard for just a few days. The key is to continue wearing it every night. While some grinding is caused by stress or tension, there is no way to tell exactly what causes people to grind their teeth or to stop the body from attempting it. This is why continued use of the guard is necessary.
- Treating TMJ. Severe grinding or jaw clenching can lead to TMJ disorder. This can be incredibly uncomfortable, typically starting out as a sore jaw in the morning with the occasional headache. If you experience these symptoms or have face pain, neck pain, or your jaw hurts while eating, call 818-541-1110 to schedule an appointment with our Glendale office right away. It is critical that you treat TMJ early by wearing a night guard and preventing your teeth from clenching or grinding in your sleep. Otherwise, TMJ can become severe. At this stage, some people find it difficult to even open their mouth, let alone eat or speak normally.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism can have many causes, and it is not always possible to pinpoint a single reason. Stress and anxiety are among the most common contributors, as tension often expresses itself through clenching during sleep. Other potential factors include an abnormal bite or misaligned teeth, certain sleep disturbances, and lifestyle factors such as caffeine and alcohol consumption. Because the body may continue to grind regardless of the underlying cause, and because we cannot consciously control what we do while asleep, a night guard remains the most reliable way to protect your teeth. While addressing stress and other triggers can help, the guard provides consistent, dependable protection night after night.
Are Night Guards Comfortable to Wear?
Many people are surprised by how comfortable a well-made night guard feels. While it may take a few nights to get used to wearing one, a custom guard is designed specifically for your mouth, so it fits snugly without being bulky or interfering with your sleep. This is one of the biggest advantages of a professionally made guard over a generic store-bought version, which can feel loose, awkward, or irritating. Within a short time, most patients adjust completely and find that the relief from morning pain and the protection of their teeth make the guard well worth it. In fact, many come to feel that something is missing on the rare night they forget to wear it.
Can Night Guards Help With Sleep Apnea?
It is a common question, since both grinding and sleep apnea affect your rest. A standard night guard is designed to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, not to treat sleep apnea, which is a medical sleep disorder that requires its own evaluation and treatment. That said, grinding and sleep issues sometimes occur together. If you have concerns about snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep, or excessive daytime fatigue, let us know. We can discuss your symptoms and, when appropriate, help guide you toward the right evaluation while we address the grinding that is wearing down your teeth.
How the Process Works
Getting a custom night guard at our Glendale office is simple and comfortable. First, your dentist examines your teeth and discusses your symptoms to confirm that a night guard is the right solution. Next, we take an impression or digital scan of your teeth, capturing their exact shape and your bite. This information is used to craft a guard that fits you precisely. When your night guard is ready, we make sure the fit is comfortable and secure, and we show you how to wear, remove, and care for it. From there, the most important step is wearing it every night so your teeth stay protected.
How Long Will My Night Guard Last?
With proper care, a custom night guard can last a long time, often several years. Its lifespan depends largely on how heavily you grind, since intense grinding naturally wears the material down more quickly. We will examine your guard at your regular checkups to monitor it for wear and let you know when it is time for a replacement. Bringing your guard to your appointments is a simple habit that helps ensure you are always well protected.
How to Care for Your Night Guard
Caring for your night guard properly keeps it clean, fresh, and effective. A simple daily routine is all it takes:
- Rinse the guard with cool water each morning after use
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush to remove debris
- Avoid hot water, which can warp the material
- Allow it to dry fully before storing it
- Keep it in a sturdy, ventilated case between uses
- Store it out of reach of pets, which are often attracted to it
- Bring it to your dental visits for inspection and cleaning
This easy care routine protects your investment and helps your guard do its job for as long as possible.
Cost and Insurance
A custom night guard is a smart investment when you consider how much it can save you in future dental repairs. Treating worn, cracked, or damaged teeth, or managing advanced TMJ problems, can be far more costly and involved than a protective guard. At Infinite Dental Wellness, we accept all PPO dental insurance plans and will review your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs with you before treatment. Please note that we do not participate with Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal. We are committed to clear, upfront conversations about cost so you can protect your smile with confidence.
Helping Glendale Patients Sleep and Smile Better
Stress and busy schedules are a part of life in and around Glendale, and they can take a toll on your teeth in the form of nighttime grinding. Our office is a convenient, welcoming place for local patients to address bruxism before it causes lasting harm. Because we offer gentle care for all ages and same-day emergency visits, we are well equipped to help whether you need a routine night guard or urgent attention for a tooth damaged by grinding. Protecting your smile and easing your morning discomfort can make a real difference in how you feel every day.
Why Choose Infinite Dental Wellness
Infinite Dental Wellness is led by Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan, a USC-trained husband-and-wife team dedicated to comfortable, patient-focused dentistry. Our practice is rated 4.9 stars on Google with more than 300 reviews, a testament to the trust and satisfaction of our patients. We are a mercury-free office, we welcome patients of all ages, and we provide same-day emergency care. When you come to us for a night guard, you receive a precisely fitted appliance and attentive care designed to protect your teeth and improve your comfort.
Schedule Your Night Guard Appointment
If you grind your teeth at night or wake up with jaw pain and headaches, do not wait for the damage to add up. A custom night guard can protect your teeth, ease your discomfort, and help you rest easier. Call Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, CA at (818) 541-1110 to schedule an appointment for a custom-fitted night guard and start protecting your smile tonight.