Custom Night Guards in New Orleans
A precision-fitted appliance that protects your teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep, made by Reza Edalati, DDS, MS — a prosthodontist, the specialist for bite and jaw mechanics.
What are custom night guards?
Custom night guards are dental appliances that protect your teeth while you sleep, particularly if you grind (bruxism) or clench. The guard acts as a cushioning barrier that absorbs grinding forces, preventing tooth wear, cracks, jaw tension, morning headaches, and symptoms related to TMJ disorders.
What a night guard prevents
Why protection matters- Worn, flattened, and chipped tooth surfaces
- Cracked teeth and failing restorations
- Jaw tension and facial soreness
- Morning headaches caused by night-time clenching
- Aggravation of TMJ joint symptoms
Consider a night guard if you…
Common signs of grinding- Grind or clench your teeth during sleep
- Wake up with jaw pain, facial soreness, or headaches
- Have sensitive or worn-down teeth
- Have been told by a partner that you grind your teeth
- Experience clicking or popping in your jaw joint
- Have had dental work that needs protecting from grinding forces
Why a custom guard is different
A boil-and-bite guard from a drugstore is generic. A custom guard is made from a mold or digital scan of your own teeth.
| Feature | Custom guard | Store-bought |
|---|---|---|
| Fits your teeth precisely | Yes | No |
| Comfortable enough to wear nightly | Yes | No |
| Maximum protection | Yes | No |
| Durable materials | Yes | No |
| Correct bite alignment | Yes | No |
| Lasts several years | Yes | No |
Your night guard journey, step by step
A quick, simple process, typically completed in two comfortable appointments.
Consultation
Dr. Edalati evaluates your symptoms — jaw pain, worn teeth, headaches — and examines your bite and jaw movement, then recommends the right type of guard for your needs.
Impressions
A precise mold or digital 3D scan of your teeth is taken, so your guard fits exactly rather than approximately.
Lab fabrication
Your guard is crafted in a dental lab from durable acrylic or flexible plastic to exact specifications, typically taking one to two weeks.
Fitting & care
You return to try it on. Dr. Edalati checks the fit and adjusts for bite alignment and comfort, and you receive full care instructions.
Night guards that fit your budget
Cost depends on the type of guard and materials used. You receive upfront pricing with no hidden fees, many dental insurance plans contribute toward night guards, and CareCredit financing is available.
Why choose Dr. Edalati for your night guard?
Prosthodontist precision
Dr. Edalati is a prosthodontist, the specialist for bite, jaw, and dental restorations. A guard that sits correctly against your bite is the difference between relief and an appliance you stop wearing.
Made from your own teeth
Your guard is built from a precise mold or digital scan, not a generic tray, so it is comfortable enough to actually wear every night.
Protects existing dental work
If you have crowns, veneers, or implants, a properly fitted guard protects that investment from grinding forces.
Reza Edalati, DDS, MS
Dr. Edalati is a prosthodontist, the dental specialist the ADA recognizes for crowns, bridges, and complex restorations. He earned his DDS from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and completed his specialty in Prosthodontics at LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans.
He further completed an MSc in Esthetic & Restorative Dentistry at the University of Manchester. With over 20,000 patients treated and more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Edalati fits appliances that account for how your jaw actually moves, so they relieve symptoms rather than simply covering teeth.
- Night guards & TMJ appliances
- Dental implants & full mouth rehabilitation
- Prosthodontics — LSU School of Dentistry, New Orleans
- MSc Esthetic & Restorative Dentistry — University of Manchester
Night guard questions, answered
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs are waking with jaw pain or headaches, sensitive or visibly worn teeth, and a partner noticing the sound at night. An examination of your bite and tooth surfaces confirms it.
Why not just buy one from a drugstore?
A boil-and-bite guard is generic and rarely fits well, so it is uncomfortable, less protective, and often abandoned. A custom guard is made from a scan of your teeth and aligned to your bite.
How long does it take to get one?
Usually two appointments. Impressions or a digital scan are taken at the first, then the finished guard is fitted and adjusted about one to two weeks later.
Will it help my jaw pain and headaches?
Often, yes. By absorbing grinding forces and holding the bite in a better position, a properly fitted guard commonly reduces jaw tension, facial soreness, and morning headaches.
How much does a custom night guard cost?
It depends on the type and materials. You get upfront pricing at your consultation, many insurance plans contribute, and CareCredit financing is available.
