Custom Night Guards in National City, CA: Goodbye to Teeth Grinding

Are you waking up with headaches, jaw soreness, or worn teeth? You may be grinding your teeth at night—known as sleep bruxism—and the damage can be serious. At Rachelle T. Flores, D.M.D., we specialize in providing custom night guards, helping you protect your teeth while sleeping. We are conveniently located just a 19-minute drive away from National City, CA, and led by Dr. Rachelle T. Flores, DMD, offering professional, affordable, and comfortable solutions for bruxism and TMJ symptoms.

What is a Custom Night Guard and Why You May Need One

Night guards—also called occlusal guards or bite guards—are custom-fitted dental appliances designed to prevent damage from teeth grinding and jaw clenching while you sleep. A custom night guard acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the pressure and reducing strain on the jaw joints and muscles.

If you’ve noticed flattened teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, or tension headaches in the morning, these are common signs you need a night guard. Many National City patients come to us unaware that they’re grinding their teeth until the effects become painful or visible.

Custom vs Over-the-Counter Night Guards: What’s the Best Choice?

When choosing between a custom vs over-the-counter night guard, consider both comfort and effectiveness. Store-bought guards are one-size-fits-all and often bulky, making them difficult to sleep with. On the other hand, a professionally made custom night guard is molded precisely to your bite for a snug, low-profile fit.

Patients from National City often tell us they had tried a drugstore night mouthpiece without success. Once they switch to a dentist-prescribed solution, they notice immediate relief from jaw pain and tension, better sleep, and fewer morning headaches.

The Night Guard Fitting Process: What to Expect

Getting a night guard fitting with Dr. Flores is simple, precise, and designed with your comfort in mind. Here’s what happens during your appointment:

1. We take digital impressions of your teeth for a perfect fit.
2. Your guard is crafted from durable material that’s long-lasting and easy to maintain.
3. Once ready, we ensure your bite guard aligns properly and feels comfortable.

This process typically takes two visits, and many National City patients find the process convenient and worthwhile. A well-fitted mouth guard for teeth grinding can drastically improve your quality of sleep.

Night Guard for TMJ and Sleep Bruxism Relief

Clenching and grinding your teeth not only damages enamel but can strain your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to chronic pain. A TMJ night guard can help reduce these symptoms, preventing long-term joint issues and promoting relief from jaw pain and tension.

Whether you’re dealing with sleep bruxism, TMJ, or both, Dr. Flores recommends a dentist-recommended bruxism treatment that starts with a night guard tailored to your needs. National City residents struggling with these symptoms finally find relief through proper diagnosis and the right solution.

Grinding vs Clenching: Which Guard is Right for You?

The type of night guard you need depends on whether you grind or clench your teeth—two habits that cause different types of damage. Grinding wears down enamel while clenching stresses the jaw and TMJ.

We offer sleep guard for jaw clenching as well as teeth grinding protectors to match your condition. Dr. Flores will evaluate your bite and symptoms to recommend the right type, including lower vs upper night guard options depending on your bite pattern and comfort.

Comfortable Night Guards for Better Sleep Quality

Sleep is essential for healing, mood, and energy. A poorly fitting night guard can do more harm than good. Our comfortable night guards for better sleep are low-profile, easy to wear, and made from materials that won’t irritate your gums or interfere with breathing.

Many patients in National City report that once they begin wearing a night guard every night, they experience deeper rest and wake up feeling refreshed—without jaw tightness or soreness.

How to Clean and Care for Your Night Guard

Proper maintenance extends the night guard lifespan and replacement needs. Here’s how to keep yours in top shape:

• Rinse and brush it gently with non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Store it in a ventilated case.
• Avoid hot water which can warp its shape.

Dr. Flores provides detailed instructions on how to clean your night guard so that it lasts and stays hygienic. Depending on usage, most guards need replacement every 1–3 years.

Insurance Coverage and Cost of Custom Night Guards

Many National City patients are surprised to learn that their insurance covers night guards under dental or medical plans, especially for bruxism or TMJ. At Rachelle T. Flores, D.M.D., we accept most insurance plans and will help you verify your coverage.

For patients without insurance, we offer flexible payment options and financing. The investment in a custom night guard can prevent thousands in dental repair costs later.

Pediatric Night Guards and Alternative Treatments

Children can also suffer from bruxism. We offer pediatric night guards for teeth grinding, designed with soft materials to protect growing smiles. If a night guard isn’t the right solution, Dr. Flores may recommend alternatives to night guards, such as physical therapy, stress management, or orthodontic evaluation.

FAQs About Night Guards