A precision-fitted occlusal guard protects your teeth and gums from the wear and strain of bruxism, crafted and fitted by our board-certified periodontists on Wilshire Blvd.
Bruxism, the clinical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, often happens while you sleep, so many patients don't realize it's occurring until the damage shows up in the form of worn enamel, jaw soreness, or headaches. Misaligned bites, stress, and sleep habits are common triggers.
An occlusal guard, also called a night guard, is a custom oral appliance worn over your teeth during sleep. It does not stop the grinding behavior itself, but it creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of clenching so it doesn't wear down enamel, crack teeth, or transmit excess pressure into your gums and the bone that supports them.
A custom guard, molded precisely to your bite, fits more securely and distributes force more evenly than an over-the-counter, boil-and-bite version. It's also more durable and far more comfortable to wear night after night.
From evaluation to your first night of protected sleep, here's how we create your custom occlusal guard.
Your periodontist evaluates your bite, tooth wear, and gum health, and discusses your symptoms to confirm bruxism and rule out other causes.
A precise mold of your teeth is captured, either with a traditional impression or a digital scan, so your guard is built to your exact bite.
Your guard is fabricated to fit your teeth alone, matching your bite and occlusion for a secure, comfortable, night-after-night fit.
At your fitting appointment, we check comfort and occlusion and make any adjustments needed before you take your guard home.
Dr. Rana Shahi, Dr. Priscilla Young, and Dr. Ivan Yi are board-certified periodontists who evaluate how bruxism affects your gums and bone, not just your enamel.
Every guard is custom fitted to your bite for a level of comfort and protection an off-the-shelf appliance simply cannot match.
Conveniently located at 11859 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 550, serving Brentwood, Westwood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and all of West LA.
133+ five-star Google reviews and a 4.9 rating across 108+ Yelp reviews from patients who trust us with their periodontal health.
Jaw soreness, tightness, or fatigue when you wake up
Frequent morning headaches or dull, recurring ear pain
Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth, or increased tooth sensitivity
Gum recession or loose teeth that seem to be getting worse
A partner or family member has noticed you grinding at night
Grinding doesn't only wear down enamel. The repeated, excessive force can accelerate gum recession and put added strain on the bone that anchors your teeth, sometimes compounding existing periodontal issues.
If grinding has already contributed to recession or bone loss, a night guard is often paired with restorative care such as a gum graft, bone graft, or crown lengthening to protect and rebuild the supporting tissue around your teeth.
Your periodontist can evaluate whether grinding is affecting your gum health during your consultation.
Schedule a consultation to find out if a custom occlusal guard is right for you. We welcome patients from throughout Los Angeles and accept most major insurance plans.
An occlusal guard, also called a night guard, is a custom oral appliance worn over your teeth, usually while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth to absorb the force of clenching and grinding.
Not directly. An occlusal guard does not stop the grinding or clenching behavior itself, but it prevents your teeth from making direct contact, which significantly reduces wear, fractures, and the strain transmitted into your teeth and gums.
A custom guard is molded from an impression or digital scan of your own teeth, so it fits precisely, distributes force evenly, and stays comfortable for hours of wear. Boil-and-bite versions from the drugstore tend to fit loosely, wear out quickly, and can shift out of place overnight.
It starts with a consultation and exam to evaluate your bite and gum health, followed by impressions or a digital scan of your teeth. Your guard is then custom fabricated and you return for a fitting appointment where we check comfort and occlusion and make any needed adjustments.
Yes. The repeated, excessive force of grinding and clenching can accelerate gum recession and place added strain on the bone that supports your teeth, which is why our periodontists evaluate bruxism as part of your overall gum health, not just your bite.
With proper care, a custom guard typically lasts several years, though the exact lifespan depends on the severity of your grinding. We check the fit and condition of your guard at regular visits and recommend replacement if it becomes worn or your bite changes.
Common signs include waking up with jaw soreness or headaches, noticing worn or flattened teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, or a partner mentioning that you grind at night. If any of these sound familiar, a periodontal evaluation can confirm whether a guard is right for you.
Coverage varies by plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and walk you through your options before treatment, so call us at (310) 473-3800 and we'll confirm your coverage.
We'll confirm your visit within one business day.
