Night Guards

A custom night guard can help protect your teeth and jaw if you grind or clench while you sleep. At Excel Dental in Escondido, our dentists will check your teeth first, then talk through whether a custom night guard is right for you.

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What is a night guard?

A night guard is a custom-fit appliance worn over your teeth during sleep. It creates a protective barrier, so the force of grinding and clenching is spread out rather than hitting your teeth directly.

A custom guard is made from a digital scan of your own teeth, which is why it usually fits more snugly and comfortably than off-the-shelf options. Boil-and-bite guards are a middle option, and sports mouthguards are designed for athletic activity rather than nightly grinding. We will explain the differences at your visit.

Signs you may be grinding your teeth

Most people do not know they grind their teeth at night, because it happens while they sleep. Common signs include the following.

Jaw soreness and morning headaches

Waking up with a sore jaw, tight jaw muscles, or a headache is a common sign of nighttime clenching.

Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth

Teeth that look flat, feel rough, or show new chips or cracks may be wearing from grinding.

Ear or neck discomfort

Some people notice ear discomfort or a stiff neck. Jaw pain can have other causes, so an exam comes first.

Why grinding matters

Untreated grinding can wear down, crack, or loosen teeth over time. It can also strain the jaw joint and disrupt sleep. Grinding can damage dental work too, including crowns, fillings, and bridges, so protecting your teeth helps protect the work you already have.

Please do not wait. Teeth can start to shift quickly once a retainer is missing or broken, and a damaged retainer can irritate your gums and cheeks. Call us to schedule a visit for a replacement, and we will check the fit before making a new one.

How we make your custom night guard

Exam

We check your teeth, gums, and jaw to see whether grinding is behind what you are noticing.

Digital scan

We take a digital scan of your teeth to create a precise model of your bite.

Fitting

Your custom guard is made and fitted so we can check comfort and coverage.

Follow-up

We adjust the fit as needed and check it for wear at future visits.

Caring for your night guard

Keep your night guard clean and dry so it lasts. Rinse it in cool water each morning, brush it gently with soapy water, and let it air dry. Store it in a vented case, away from heat and pets. Hot water can warp the material, so avoid it.

Bring your guard to your checkups so we can look for wear and make sure the fit is still right.

Night guards and snoring or sleep apnea

A night guard for grinding is not a sleep apnea device. If you snore or suspect you have sleep apnea, please talk with your physician, who can help you find the right evaluation and treatment.

Not sure if you need one?

If you wake up sore, notice wear on your teeth, or wonder whether grinding is affecting you, a visit is the easiest way to find out. Book an exam, and we will look at your teeth, jaw, and bite together.

Insurance & Payment

Fair, Fixed Rate

At Excel Dental, we are primarily an out-of-network or “fee-for-service” dental-care provider. This allows us to charge a fair, fixed rate for procedures rather than having to apply extra fees required by third-party insurance companies.

Whatever your situation and budget, we are dedicated to providing you with straightforward estimates and helping you navigate any financial obstacles you may be facing.

We accept most dental insurance

However, we also accept most dental (PPO) insurance. If you have any concerns, you are always welcome into our dental office, and we can check your benefits for you!

Common Questions

Will a night guard stop me from grinding?

A night guard mainly protects your teeth and jaw from the force of grinding rather than stopping the habit itself. Pairing it with stress management and healthy habits can help ease the grinding.

Will my teeth shift with a night guard?

A well-fitted custom night guard should not move your teeth, while a poor fit can cause soreness and may lead to slight shifting over time. That is why we check the fit and adjust it when needed.

How long does a night guard last?

A custom night guard can last several years with good care, though some people need a replacement sooner. Store-bought guards tend to wear out faster, and we will check yours for cracks and wear at your visits.

Is a custom night guard better than one from the drugstore?

Custom guards are shaped to your exact teeth, which usually makes them more comfortable and protective. Over-the-counter options cost less up front but generally offer less protection.

Can a night guard help with jaw pain?

A custom guard can ease the strain grinding puts on your jaw muscles, so many people notice less soreness. Jaw pain can have other causes, though, so we will examine you before recommending one.

Find more FAQs & what to expect at your first appointment here!

Get ready for your most enjoyable appointment yet

Goodbye, anxiety & discomfort! At Excel Dental, you’ll experience

What Our Patients Say

I was referred by my husband and decided to book my annual cleaning with Excel Dental, and I have to say, they are AMAZING! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. The office is very clean and beautifully decorated, creating a calming environment right as you walk in. They go above and beyond to ensure your visit to the dentist is pleasant. They are sensory friendly, which made my experience even more comfortable. If you're looking for a dentist who truly cares, is honest, and makes you feel comfortable, I highly recommend her and her team! We will continue to book with Excel Dental! The best dental experience ever!!!

What Our Patients Say

I had a fantastic experience at Excel Dental, where I received a custom mouth guard and Vivera retainers. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the brand-new, beautifully designed facility--it's modern, stylish, and thoughtfully laid out to make patients feel at ease. The level of care and attention to detail throughout my visit was exceptional. The team was welcoming and highly professional. One of the standout features of the office was the flat-screen TVs mounted on the ceilings above each patient chair making appointments more enjoyable. After my appointment, I was guided to a "goodies room" stocked with a variety of CocoFloss flavors and other litto gifts--an unexpected and delightful touch that made the visit even more memorable. The entire space exudes a bright and cheerful energy, and it's clear that patient comfort is a top priority. I left feeling confident that my dental care was in excellent hands. If you're looking for a practice that combines top-tier dental expertise with a welcoming and thoughtfully designed environment, I highly recommend Excel Dental.

What Our Patients Say

I am a new patient and the entire process of requesting an appointment, filling out documentation online, and setting up an appointment time was super smooth. They are available to call, and also available to text to set up appointments (which is super convenient). Upon arriving, the check in process was easy and the team members were so polite. But wow, the office is absolutely beautiful. Everything looks newly done and very luxury, I love it! I was scheduled to do a routine cleaning and was helped by Dr Vivian Huynh. She did wonderful job, and I really liked her transparency when talking about my treatment. She discovered cavities during my cleaning, and was able to fill 3 cavities in the same day. I am very appreciative of her kindness!

What Our Patients Say

If you’re looking for a new dentist and you’ve stumbled on here, this is probably the right place for you! The office is immaculate. From the outside it looks like a typical building, but when you enter the doors… it’s a new world in there. This is my first time entering a dental office that’s so modern and aesthetically designed. I was welcomed in by the amazing staff and Dr. Vivian is the most patient and connected dentist I’ve met- thank you for being so thorough, Dr. Vivian! I’ve always had a fear of the dentist and she made the experience comfortable. I highly recommend this office to anyone reading this, already told my friends and family!

What Our Patients Say

The office is easy to locate, with plenty of parking right out front. Upon arrival, the front desk staff greeted me right away, and check-in was quick and seamless. I tend to get anxious at the dentist due to past experiences at other offices, but the team made me feel at ease. I was even given headphones to watch a movie of my choice, which really helped distract me and relax during the procedure. It was a great touch, as I could lay back and enjoy the movie projected on the ceiling. Dr. Vivian Huynh performed two cavity fillings on me, and I couldn’t believe how gentle she was – I actually started to doze off during the procedure! I didn’t feel any pain. Dr. Huynh was always checking in to make sure I was comfortable. She also showed me before-and-after pictures of my fillings, which gave me a much clearer understanding of my dental health and the work she did. The level of care I received at this office was a complete contrast to my previous experiences, and I’m genuinely happy with how everything went. I’ll definitely be returning and would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for excellent dental care!

Experience the Excel Dental Difference

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Dr. Vivian Huynh, DMD

Dr. Brian Luong, DMD

Dr. Tiffany Huynh, DMD

Dr. Jennifer Trang Xa, DDS 

Dentists that truly put you first!