Patient smiling in the dental chair while being reassured by a team member at Best Natural Smile
Do you grind your teeth at night? You may not even know it’s happening, but your teeth do. Bruxism (teeth grinding) and clenching are surprisingly common, and over time, they can cause serious damage to your smile. At Best Natural Smile, we offer custom-fitted night guards to help you sleep soundly and wake up without the jaw pain, headaches, or worn enamel that grinding leaves behind.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a custom oral appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It acts as a protective cushion between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of grinding and clenching so your enamel doesn’t bear the brunt. Unlike over-the-counter options, a night guard from our Santa Monica dental office is precision-crafted to fit your unique bite, making it far more comfortable and effective.

Signs You Might Need a Night Guard

Many patients don’t realize they grind their teeth until a dentist spots the telltale signs during an exam. You might benefit from a night guard if you experience any of the following:
Coral line-art heart-shaped tooth logo
Waking up with jaw soreness, facial pain, or tension headaches
Coral line-art tooth logo with soft curves
Tooth sensitivity that seems to be getting worse
Orange circle icon with white number 3
Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth
Orange circle icon with white number 3
Clicking or popping in the jaw joint (TMJ)

The Benefits of a Custom Night Guard

A professionally crafted night guard does more than just protect your teeth; it can genuinely improve your quality of life. Here’s what patients at Best Natural Smile often notice after wearing one consistently:

Before you begin, we’ll:

    • Reduced jaw pain and muscle tension — The guard repositions your jaw slightly, relieving stress on the muscles and joints you’ve been overworking all night.
    • Fewer morning headaches — Many grinding-related headaches disappear once the source of tension is addressed.
    • Protection for existing dental work — Crowns, veneers, and fillings are an investment. A night guard helps ensure they last.
    • Preserved enamel — Enamel doesn’t grow back. A night guard stops the slow erosion of enamel caused by nightly grinding before it becomes a serious issue.
    • Better sleep quality — Less tension means a more restful night for you (and your partner).
    Patient smiling in the dental chair while being reassured by a team member at Best Natural Smile

    Getting Your Night Guard at Best Natural Smile

    The process of getting a night guard is simple and comfortable. Using our advanced digital scanning technology — no more goopy impressions — we capture a precise image of your teeth and bite. Your custom night guard is crafted from durable, high-quality materials that fit securely and feel natural in your mouth.

    If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth or your jaw just hasn’t felt right lately, let’s take a look. Our team is here to help you protect your smile so it lasts a lifetime.

    Book your appointment online or call us at (310) 393-0465. Your best natural smile deserves a good night’s sleep.

    In their own words

    In their own words

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    1260 15th Street, Suite 1117
    Santa Monica, CA 90404

    Mon - Thu: 7:45AM - 4:30PM
    Fri: 8:00 - 4:00PM