Grinding your teeth at night can crack fillings, wear enamel flat, and leave you waking with headaches and a sore jaw — and many people don’t know they do it until a dentist spots the wear. A custom night guard is a simple, comfortable appliance that protects your teeth while you sleep. We also make custom oral appliances for snoring and mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, and athletic mouth guards for sports.
Key Takeaways
- Custom-fitted guards protect against grinding (bruxism) far better than boil-and-bite drugstore versions.
- A custom night guard typically costs $300–$800 — much less than repairing cracked teeth.
- Oral appliance therapy is a recognized treatment option for snoring and mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
- Made from precise impressions of your teeth, so they’re comfortable enough to actually wear.
Signs You Might Be Grinding at Night
- Morning headaches or a tired, sore jaw
- Flattened, chipped, or increasingly sensitive teeth
- A partner who hears grinding or clenching sounds
- Cracked fillings or crowns without an obvious cause
Grinding is often stress-related and tends to show up during busy seasons of life. Left alone, it slowly destroys the chewing surfaces of your teeth — and repairs like crowns and fillings cost far more than prevention.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Guards
Drugstore boil-and-bite guards are bulky, fit loosely, and often end up on the nightstand instead of in your mouth. A custom guard is made from exact impressions of your teeth: slimmer, secure, and comfortable enough to wear every night. It also distributes bite forces properly, which a soft generic guard can’t do.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Appliances
For snoring and mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance gently positions the lower jaw forward during sleep to keep the airway open. It’s quiet, portable, and — for many patients who can’t tolerate CPAP — a welcome alternative. Sleep apnea is a medical condition, so we work from your physician’s or sleep study’s diagnosis to confirm an appliance is appropriate for you. Curious how it works? Read our sleep apnea mouth guard guide.
What Does It Cost?
Custom night guards typically run $300–$800 depending on material and design. Some insurance plans contribute when grinding is documented, and sleep appliances are sometimes covered under medical rather than dental benefits — we’ll help you sort out insurance and financing before you commit.
Visit Us in Salinas
Protect your smile while you sleep. Call (831) 424-4230 or request an appointment at 1970 N. Main St., Salinas, CA 93906.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a night guard last?
Typically 3–5 years, depending on how heavily you grind. We’ll check it at your regular exams and let you know when it’s time to replace.
Which teeth does the guard cover?
Most night guards fit over the upper teeth, though we sometimes recommend a lower guard depending on your bite and comfort.
Can a night guard stop my snoring?
A standard night guard protects teeth but doesn’t treat snoring. A mandibular advancement appliance — a different custom device — is designed for snoring and sleep apnea.
Do I need a sleep study first?
For sleep apnea treatment, yes — a physician’s diagnosis guides whether an oral appliance is right for you. For simple grinding protection, no study is needed.
How do I clean my guard?
Rinse it after each use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and store it dry in its case. Bring it to your cleanings and we’ll freshen it up.
Related services: Dental Exams & Cleanings · One-Day Crowns · Fillings & Restorations — or request an appointment.
