August 22, 2025

A confident, healthy smile is more than just a social advantage; it’s a reflection of your well-being. Many people, though, don’t realize they grind or clench their teeth at night, a habit called bruxism. Over time, this can harm your enamel, stress your jaw, or even break existing dental work. A custom night guard can be an effective safeguard, creating a protective buffer between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep. In Beverly Hills, where a polished, healthy smile matters, this type of treatment is worth considering. A professionally made guard is built for your bite, meaning it will fit better, feel more comfortable, and offer stronger protection than a generic store-bought guard. Here, you’ll see what a night guard is, why it works so well, what happens at the Beverly Hills Dental Care office, and how to keep it working for years to come. Understanding Why Night Grinding Matters Most people don’t even realize they grind their teeth. Usually, a partner hears the grinding, or a dentist notices worn enamel. The effects can sneak up on you: jaw soreness, morning headaches, tiny chips in the enamel, or even broken crowns or fillings. Bruxism is essentially uncontrolled pressure on your teeth. When you do it over and over, that pressure can wear down enamel and leave teeth sensitive. In severe cases, the damage can go deeper, affecting nerves or even your jaw joint. A custom night guard works by spreading the bite forces more evenly. This takes a huge load off the teeth and dental work. Also, it stops the teeth from contacting directly, reducing the risk of cracks and wear. Benefits of a Custom Night Guard in Beverly Hills In Beverly Hills, with the focus on maintaining a confident, attractive smile, these benefits make a night guard a very practical choice. Many patients feel a sense of relief knowing they have taken a simple step to protect their teeth. What Happens at the Dentist for a Custom Night Guard? A custom night guard doesn’t take much effort to get. Usually, the dentist will first look for signs of bruxism, flat spots, cracks, or tenderness in the jaw. Then, impressions of your teeth are taken, either with traditional trays or digital scans. These impressions go to a lab, where the night guard is shaped to match the curves and bite of your mouth perfectly. When it comes back, your dentist will double-check the fit and smooth out any spots that don’t feel right. All told, it usually takes two short visits. And if you’ve been waking up with headaches or a sore jaw, you may notice a difference within just a few nights of wearing the guard. Your dentist in Beverly Hills will also want you to bring the guard back to checkups once in a while to be sure it stays in good shape. Having a night guard made professionally means it will last longer, stay comfortable, and do its job properly, something that cheap store versions just can’t deliver. Caring for Your Custom Night Guard Taking care of a night guard is straightforward but important. Every morning, rinse it under cool water to remove saliva and plaque. Once or twice a week, gently brush it with a mild soap and a soft toothbrush to keep it fresh. Hot water is a no-go since it can warp the plastic. Keep brushing and flossing well, because even with a guard, strong teeth need regular care. Together, good hygiene and a night guard can keep your smile working the way it should for years to come. Conclusion Nighttime grinding may seem harmless, but over the years, it can really do a number on your teeth. Enamel gets thinner, dental work can break, and jaw pain becomes a daily annoyance. Getting a custom night guard is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It is carefully made for your bite, so it feels right and works properly. In Beverly Hills, where your smile is part of your confidence, protecting it with a night guard makes total sense. If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth or if you’re just not sure, talk with your dentist. A simple night guard could save you money and discomfort later and help you keep smiling with confidence. Sometimes, the smallest change makes the biggest difference, and this is one of those times.