Custom Night Guards in Marrero, LA

Most people who grind their teeth don’t know they do it. It happens during sleep, and the first evidence is usually something else entirely — a morning headache, a sore jaw, teeth that have started to look shorter, or a filling that keeps failing for no obvious reason.

Schedule Appointment Call 504-341-3120

A Barataria Dental dentist talking with a seated patient in the consultation room

Grinding and clenching generate forces far beyond normal chewing, applied for hours at a stretch. Over the years, that wears down enamel, fractures teeth, and stresses the jaw joint. A custom night guard puts a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth so those forces are absorbed by the appliance instead of your teeth.

Signs You Might Be Grinding

Jaw soreness or stiffness, particularly in the morning
Headaches that start at the temples
Teeth that look flattened, shortened, or worn at the edges
Increased tooth sensitivity
Chipped teeth or restorations that fail repeatedly
Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
A partner who mentions hearing you grind at night

Your dentist can often identify grinding before you notice any of this. The wear patterns on the teeth are distinctive, and we look for them at every comprehensive exam.

Custom-Fitted, Not Off the Shelf

A drugstore boil-and-bite guard is better than nothing, but not by a wide margin. It’s bulky, it fits approximately, it’s uncomfortable enough that most people abandon it, and a poorly fitting guard can actually alter your bite over time.

Ours are made from a digital scan of your teeth and fabricated by a dental laboratory. The fit is precise, the appliance is thinner and more comfortable, and it lasts substantially longer. Comfort matters more than it sounds like it should — a night guard only protects your teeth on the nights you actually wear it.

Hard, Soft, and Dual-Laminate

We offer all three, because different situations call for different appliances.

Hard acrylic guards are durable and well suited to heavy grinders. Soft guards are more cushioned and comfortable, generally a better fit for lighter clenching. Dual-laminate guards combine a soft interior surface against the teeth with a hard exterior that stands up to grinding forces.

Your dentist will recommend the type that matches the severity of your grinding and what you’ll find comfortable enough to wear consistently.

What a Night Guard Protects You From

Enamel wear that can’t be reversed once it’s gone
Cracked and fractured teeth, which often require crowns or root canals
Damage to existing restorations — crowns, veneers, bridges, and implant crowns
TMJ discomfort, including jaw pain, clicking, and grinding-related headaches

If you’ve invested in crowns or veneers, a night guard is straightforward insurance. Grinding is one of the most common reasons cosmetic and restorative work fails early. Learn about TMJ treatment →

Sports Mouthguards

We also make custom sports mouthguards. Like night guards, they’re built from a scan of your teeth, which means they fit better and stay in place better than a boil-and-bite version — and a mouthguard that fits is a mouthguard an athlete will actually keep in.

If you have a child in a contact sport, this is one of the more worthwhile things you can do for their teeth.

Why Choose Barataria Dental for Night Guards?

Custom-fabricated from a digital scan, not boiled and bitten at home
Hard, soft, and dual-laminate options matched to your grinding pattern
Both doctors have advanced training in TMJ and occlusion
Grinding assessed at every comprehensive exam, often before you’ve noticed it
Custom sports mouthguards available for athletes of all ages
Protection for existing dental work, including crowns and veneers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a night guard?

Your dentist can tell you. Wear patterns on the teeth are the clearest indicator, and we check for them at every comprehensive exam. Morning jaw soreness or headaches are also worth mentioning.

Is a custom night guard worth the cost over a drugstore one?

In our experience, yes. Custom guards fit better, feel less bulky, last much longer, and don’t risk shifting your bite the way an ill-fitting appliance can. And they’re worn far more consistently, which is ultimately what determines whether they help.

How long does a night guard last?

Typically several years, depending on how heavily you grind. Bring yours to your checkups and we’ll assess its condition.

Will it be uncomfortable to sleep in?

There’s an adjustment period of a few nights for most people. Because ours are custom-fitted and thinner than store-bought versions, most patients adapt quickly and stop noticing it.

Can a night guard help my jaw pain?

Often, yes. By preventing the teeth from grinding together and reducing strain on the joint, a night guard relieves TMJ-related discomfort for many patients. If your symptoms are more involved, we’ll evaluate you for TMJ treatment as well.

Learn about TMJ treatment →

How do I clean it?

Rinse it after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water — hot water can warp it. Store it dry in its case. We’ll go over care when you pick it up.

Waking up with a sore jaw?

Call 504-341-3120 to schedule an evaluation at our Marrero office. Custom night guards and sports mouthguards for the whole family.

Schedule Appointment Call 504-341-3120