Who custom nightguards are for
If you often wake with jaw pain, earaches or headaches, or you catch yourself clenching or grinding, you may have bruxism. Many people do it in their sleep and never know until a dentist sees the wear on their teeth.
Left untreated, bruxism can crack or break teeth and even lead to tooth loss. A nightguard is a simple, non-invasive way to protect them.
How it works, step by step
- We examine your teeth and jaw for signs of grinding and wear.
- We take an impression of your teeth.
- Your nightguard is made from soft material to fit your teeth exactly.
- We check the fit and comfort and adjust it as needed.
What to expect at our Hanford office
A custom nightguard slips over the top or bottom arch and keeps your upper and lower teeth from touching. It takes most people a few nights to get used to wearing one. Because it is made from a mold of your teeth, it is thinner and more comfortable than a store-bought guard.
A nightguard protects your teeth. It does not always stop the clenching itself, so we will also talk about contributing factors such as stress, sleep and bite.
Benefits
- Protects enamel from wear and fractures
- Shields crowns, fillings and veneers from grinding forces
- May reduce morning jaw soreness and headaches
- Custom fit is more comfortable than over-the-counter guards
Aftercare
Rinse the guard after each use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and let it dry in its case.
Keep it away from heat, which can warp it, and from pets, which love to chew them. Bring it to your checkups so we can inspect it.
Cost and insurance
Coverage for nightguards varies widely among dental plans. We can check your benefits and give you the cost before anything is made.
Compared with the cost of repairing a cracked tooth or replacing a worn-down crown, a nightguard is usually a modest investment.
You can pay your bill online, and our new patient page explains what to bring to your first visit.
Your dentist: Daniel W. Unzicker, DDS
Dr. Daniel Unzicker, DDS, provides custom nightguards at our Hanford office. He is a general dentist who was born and raised in Hanford, graduated with high honors from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2012 and completed a general practice residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center.
Page last updated November 10, 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. If you have significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to the head or jaw, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
