Custom night guards require two visits at Walnut Creek Dental Studio.
In your first visit, we’ll evaluate the issues you’ve been experiencing and take impressions of your teeth. We’ll then send these to our lab partners, who’ll create a custom night guard for your mouth and issues.
In your second. visit, we’ll confirm that your night guard fits properly and comfortably, and we’ll evaluate your bite. And we can make chairside adjustments to ensure maximum comfort. We’ll advise you on proper usage and care for your new night guard.
Custom night guards are more expensive than over-the-counter (“OTC”) alternatives because they’re custom-made for you in a lab, and they’re much more durable.
OTC night guards (or mouth guards) have several risks. They can cause or contribute to teeth and/or jaw alignment issues that can exacerbate existing issues or create new ones. These issues can then impact your bite and lead to orthodontic issues and broken teeth from repeated unnatural impact.
OTC night guards and mouth guards are also less comfortable and durable because they’re made from lower-quality, less-durable materials and cannot be adjusted to fit your mouth’s specific structure and needs.
Generally, patients need to wear their custom night guard every night. Please speak with your dentist for guidance specific to your situation.
The lifespan of your night guard depends on how much you clench and grind your teeth. That said, night guards can last 5 or more years for a typical patient, with proper care.