Custom vs. store-bought night guards
Many drugstores sell “boil-and-bite” mouthguards, but they often feel bulky or slip out at night.
Here’s why custom night guards from Anchor Dental are different:
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Feature
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Custom Night Guard
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Store-Bought Guard
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Fit
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Precisely molded to your teeth
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Generic fit
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Comfort
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Slim, easy to breathe with
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Often bulky or loose
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Durability
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3–5 years with proper care
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3–6 months
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Function
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Reduces jaw tension and strain
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Limited protection
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Material
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High-grade, medical-quality resin
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Softer plastics that deform easily
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Custom guards also allow for natural speech and minimal saliva buildup, making them easy to wear nightly.
How we make your night guard
Creating a custom-fit night guard is quick, painless, and completed in just two short visits.
- Consultation and evaluation – We examine your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment to confirm signs of grinding or clenching.
- Digital impressions – We take precise digital scans of your teeth (no messy molds).
- Fabrication – Your night guard is created in a certified Bay Area dental lab using high-quality, durable resin.
- Fitting and adjustment – Once ready, we check the fit to make sure it’s comfortable and properly balanced for your bite.
You’ll leave with a guard that fits perfectly, stays secure, and provides immediate relief.
Types of night guards we offer
Depending on your needs, we may recommend:
- Soft night guards – flexible and ideal for mild grinding or first-time users
- Dual-laminate guards – soft on the inside, hard on the outside for moderate grinding
- Hard acrylic guards – durable, long-term protection for heavy grinders or TMJ patients
Each option is customized for comfort and function — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Caring for your night guard
Proper care helps extend the life of your appliance and maintain hygiene:
- Rinse your guard with cool water after each use
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (no toothpaste — it’s abrasive)
- Store it in a ventilated case to keep it dry
- Avoid hot water or leaving it in direct sunlight
- Bring it to your check-ups so we can clean and inspect it professionally
With regular use and care, a high-quality night guard typically lasts 3–5 years.
Additional therapy for bruxism
While a night guard protects your teeth, we also look at what’s causing the grinding.
We often combine the appliance with:
- Stress management techniques – since anxiety is a major trigger
- Bite adjustment to balance chewing forces
- TMJ exercises to relax jaw muscles
- Lifestyle guidance such as reducing caffeine or alcohol before bedtime
This combined approach addresses both symptom and source, giving longer-lasting relief.
Why early treatment matters
Bruxism may seem harmless, but its effects build quietly over time. A small crack or flattened cusp can lead to sensitivity, broken fillings, or gum inflammation.
The earlier we intervene, the easier it is to prevent lasting wear — and to preserve your natural bite alignment.
Patients who begin using a night guard early often avoid the need for extensive restorative treatments later.
Common questions about night guards
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs include jaw soreness in the morning, chipped teeth, or someone telling you they hear grinding at night.
Does wearing a night guard feel strange?
Custom guards are lightweight and slim. Most patients adjust to them within a few nights.
Can I talk while wearing it?
Yes, though it’s designed mainly for sleeping, not extended conversation.
Will a night guard stop my headaches?
In many cases, yes. By relaxing jaw muscles and reducing pressure, it helps prevent tension headaches.
Is a night guard covered by insurance?
Many dental plans include partial coverage for night guards prescribed for bruxism. We can check your benefits for you.
Local connection – West Portal and nearby neighborhoods
Many of our patients from West Portal, Inner Sunset, and Noe Valley come to us after noticing morning jaw soreness or enamel wear during cleanings.
Because we custom-design every night guard, you’ll get protection that fits comfortably and matches your specific bite.
Having a local dental team who understands your habits and tracks long-term changes makes ongoing prevention simple.
Why San Francisco patients choose Anchor Dental
- Digital scanning for perfect fit — no messy impressions
- Lightweight, durable materials made for nightly comfort
- Quick turnaround times from local Bay Area labs
- Comprehensive bruxism care including stress and TMJ evaluation
We design every night guard to feel natural — like part of your nightly routine, not an interruption.
Schedule a night guard consultation in San Francisco
If you wake up with jaw tension, tooth sensitivity, or morning headaches, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep.
A simple custom night guard can protect your smile, relieve pressure, and help you rest better.
