Preventive Dentistry
Custom Night Guards & Sports Guards in Los Angeles
Against grinding at night, and impact on the field.
Teeth are hard to damage and expensive to repair, and the two most common ways to break them are unconscious grinding and a stray elbow. Custom-fitted guards from Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry are made for maximum protection and comfort, which is what makes people actually wear them.
At night
Night guards, against bruxism
Waking with jaw pain or headaches, or noticing your teeth wearing flat? You may be grinding or clenching in your sleep — bruxism — and the difficulty with it is that it happens while you are unconscious, so the damage is usually well advanced before anyone connects it to a cause. Left alone it leads to tooth fractures, gum recession and eventually tooth loss. A night guard does not stop the grinding; it puts a replaceable surface between your teeth so the force lands on that instead of on enamel. Unlike a generic store-bought one, ours is made to your mouth, and that is what decides whether it protects properly and whether you keep wearing it past the first week.
- Prevents tooth damage Protects against grinding and clenching, reducing the risk of fractures and wear.
- Relieves jaw pain Helps the jaw muscles relax, easing tension and discomfort.
- Improves sleep quality Minimizes the disturbance bruxism causes, so the night is more restful.
- Durable High-quality materials built to withstand regular use and last.
On the field
Sports guards, against impact
Professional or recreational, a custom sports guard protects teeth and gums from injury. They are recommended for anyone in a contact sport — football, basketball, hockey, martial arts — where the risk of dental injury is high. Ours fit securely while still letting you breathe easily during activity, which over-the-counter options generally do not.
- Prevents dental injuries Shields the teeth from impact, reducing broken teeth, cut lips and other oral injuries.
- Comfortable fit Custom-designed to your mouth, so it stays put during intense activity.
- Breathable and durable Premium materials that allow easy breathing and last.
- Suits all ages Children, teens and adults — peace of mind for athletes and parents both.
How a custom guard is made
- Consultation and assessment Dr. Kourosh Yousefzadeh and Dr. Razmik Galustian assess what you need it for — bruxism or sport — and recommend the right type.
- Custom impressions Precise impressions of your teeth, which is what makes the fit exact.
- Fabrication Crafted in a dental lab from high-quality materials.
- Fitting and instructions We check it sits comfortably and show you how to look after it.
If you have sleep apnea
A custom-fitted night guard may also help manage the symptoms. See sleep apnea treatment.
Signs you may need a night guard
Signs of grinding include worn-down teeth, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches and disrupted sleep. A night guard can also help prevent or reduce symptoms of TMJ disorder by alleviating pressure on the jaw, and some night guards can help reduce snoring by positioning the jaw to keep airways open during sleep. If you grind your teeth during the day, you can wear a night guard then too. Children who grind their teeth can also benefit from a night guard, but it is essential to have one custom-fitted by a dentist.
When to wear a sports guard
A sports guard absorbs the impact of blows to the mouth, protecting your teeth, lips and gums from injury. It is recommended for any contact sport or activity where there is a risk of injury to the mouth.
Looking after your guard
- Daily cleaning Clean your night guard daily with a toothbrush and mild soap.
- Storage Keep it in a ventilated case when it is not in use.
- Materials Night guards are typically made from durable, biocompatible plastics that are comfortable to wear.
- Replacement Night guards should be replaced every few years, or sooner if they become worn or damaged.
The short answer
A night guard is a custom device worn over the teeth during sleep to protect them from grinding or clenching, and a sports guard is a custom device worn during contact sport to protect the teeth and gums from impact. Both are made from precise impressions of your own teeth, fabricated in a dental lab from high-quality materials, then checked for fit at a final appointment. A night guard puts a replaceable surface between the teeth so grinding force lands on it instead of on enamel, while a sports guard shields against broken teeth and cut lips.
Night Guards & Sports Guards FAQ
- What is a night guard?
- A night guard is a protective device worn over your teeth while you sleep, to prevent damage from grinding or clenching. It does not stop the grinding itself; it puts a replaceable surface between the teeth so the force lands on the guard instead of on enamel. Left alone, grinding can lead to tooth fractures, gum recession and eventually tooth loss. A custom guard is made to your mouth, which decides both how well it protects and whether you keep wearing it.
- How do I know if I need one?
- You may need a night guard if you wake with jaw pain or headaches, or notice your teeth wearing down. These are common signs of bruxism, which is grinding or clenching during sleep. Because it happens while you are unconscious, the damage is often well advanced before anyone connects it to a cause. An assessment at the consultation confirms whether a guard is the right step.
- What is the difference between a night guard and a sports guard?
- A night guard is worn during sleep to protect against teeth grinding, while a sports guard protects the teeth from impact during physical activity. The night guard takes the force of grinding and clenching so it does not land on enamel. The sports guard shields the teeth and gums from blows, reducing broken teeth, cut lips and other oral injuries. Both are custom-made from impressions of your teeth, and the consultation decides which type you need.
- How is a custom night guard made?
- A custom night guard is made from precise impressions of your teeth, which are used to create a guard that fits exactly. It starts with a consultation to assess what the guard is for and recommend the right type. The guard is then fabricated in a dental lab from high-quality materials. At the fitting, it is checked for comfort and you are shown how to look after it.
- Can a night guard help with snoring?
- Some night guards can reduce snoring by positioning the jaw so the airway stays open during sleep. This is a different design purpose from a guard that only protects against grinding. A custom-fitted night guard may also help manage the symptoms of sleep apnea. Whether it suits your situation is assessed at the consultation, and sleep apnea treatment is covered on its own page.
- How do I care for it?
- Clean your guard daily with a toothbrush and mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case when it is not in use. Regular cleaning keeps it hygienic, since it sits against your teeth and gums for long periods. Storing it in a case protects it from damage between uses. Care instructions are also given at the fitting appointment.
- How often should it be replaced?
- A night guard should be replaced every few years, or sooner if it becomes worn or damaged. Because it takes the force of grinding in place of your enamel, wear on the guard is expected over time. A guard that is worn through or cracked no longer protects properly. Bringing it to routine visits lets its condition be checked.
