Wake Up Without the Jaw Pain
If you're grinding your teeth at night, a custom-fitted night guard from Brilliant Smiles can stop the damage before it turns into something more serious. Dr. Sonal Deshpande serves patients across Kenilworth, Summit, and New Providence with gentle, personalized care.
- Protection against nightly tooth grinding
- Custom-fitted at a single appointment
- Lasting relief from morning jaw soreness
Fitted to Your Bite
Every night guard is custom-fabricated from an impression of your own teeth — not a one-size-fits-all drugstore insert.
Gentle, Unhurried Appointments
Dr. Deshpande explains every step before she does it, so you always know what to expect.
Evening & Saturday Hours
Same-week appointments available, including early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays to fit your schedule.
Quick Facts
Essential information about this procedure
“Enamel doesn't grow back — catching grinding early is one of the most cost-effective things you can do for your long-term dental health.”
Why Grinding Your Teeth Is Worth Addressing
Most people who grind their teeth don't even know they're doing it. It happens while you sleep — and the signs tend to show up somewhere else first. Maybe it's a dull headache when you wake up, soreness in your jaw by mid-morning, or a partner mentioning that odd sound in the night.
Left unaddressed, teeth grinding (called bruxism) wears down your enamel over time. Enamel doesn't grow back. What starts as surface-level wear can eventually lead to cracked teeth, increased sensitivity, or restorations that could have been avoided entirely.
A custom night guard doesn't stop the grinding itself — it places a precisely fitted barrier between your upper and lower teeth so that the forces go into the guard instead of your enamel. Think of it as a shock absorber for your bite.
At Brilliant Smiles, Dr. Deshpande takes a few minutes to examine your teeth for early signs of wear before recommending a guard. If she spots something, she'll show you exactly what she's seeing and explain what it means — so you can make an informed decision, not a rushed one.
From Sore Mornings to Restful Nights
Here's exactly what the process looks like from your first call to sleeping comfortably.
Day 1
Your Evaluation Appointment
Dr. Deshpande examines your teeth for signs of grinding wear and listens to your symptoms. If a night guard makes sense, she takes a precise impression of your bite — the whole appointment takes under 45 minutes.
Days 2–10
Your Guard Is Fabricated
Your impressions go to a dental lab where a custom guard is made to fit the exact contours of your teeth — far more precise and comfortable than anything over-the-counter.
Week 2
Fitting & Adjustments
You come back for a short delivery appointment where Dr. Deshpande checks the fit and makes any minor adjustments so it feels right from night one.
Week 3+
Waking Up Without the Ache
Most patients notice a difference in jaw soreness and morning headaches within the first few weeks of consistent wear — your enamel is now protected every night.
Day 1
Your Evaluation Appointment
Dr. Deshpande examines your teeth for signs of grinding wear and listens to your symptoms. If a night guard makes sense, she takes a precise impression of your bite — the whole appointment takes under 45 minutes.
Days 2–10
Your Guard Is Fabricated
Your impressions go to a dental lab where a custom guard is made to fit the exact contours of your teeth — far more precise and comfortable than anything over-the-counter.
Week 2
Fitting & Adjustments
You come back for a short delivery appointment where Dr. Deshpande checks the fit and makes any minor adjustments so it feels right from night one.
Week 3+
Waking Up Without the Ache
Most patients notice a difference in jaw soreness and morning headaches within the first few weeks of consistent wear — your enamel is now protected every night.
How to Get Your Night Guard in 3 Steps
The whole process takes two short visits — Dr. Deshpande handles everything in between.
Book Your Fitting Appointment
Call or book online — same-week appointments are usually available, including evenings and Saturdays. Just let us know you're concerned about grinding.
We Take Care of the Rest
Dr. Deshpande examines your teeth, takes a comfortable impression, and sends it to the lab. Your custom guard is crafted to fit your exact bite — you don't have to do a thing.
Pick It Up and Sleep Better
A quick second visit to check the fit and you're done. Most patients wear their guard the very first night and notice a difference within weeks.
Patients Who Finally Stopped Waking Up in Pain
Hear from real patients in Kenilworth, Summit, and New Providence who came in skeptical and left relieved.
“Dr. Deshpande and her team made me feel completely at ease during my Invisalign consultation. I'm three months in and already seeing amazing results. The entire process has been smooth from start to finish.”
“I had been putting off getting a dental implant for years because I was nervous. Turns out the procedure was way easier than I expected. The implant looks and feels exactly like my real tooth. Highly recommend this practice.”
“The Zoom whitening was incredible — my teeth went from yellowed to bright white in about an hour. The staff was so friendly and professional. I've already recommended Brilliant Smiles to all my friends.”
Procedures That Complement Your Treatment
Dental Exam & X-Rays
Comprehensive exams with low-dose digital X-rays catch problems early when they're simplest and least costly to treat.
Learn more
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone can't reach.
Learn more
Sealants & Fluoride
Dental sealants and fluoride treatments provide an extra shield against cavities for kids and adults alike.
Learn moreQuestions We Hear About Night Guards Every Day
How do I know if I'm actually grinding my teeth at night?
Many people don't realize they're grinding until Dr. Deshpande spots the wear patterns on their teeth during a routine exam. Common signs you might notice yourself include waking up with a sore jaw or headaches, facial muscle tension, or a partner telling you they can hear grinding sounds. If any of that sounds familiar, it's worth bringing up at your next visit.
Will a night guard actually stop me from grinding?
A night guard doesn't stop the grinding itself — it creates a protective barrier so your teeth aren't taking the full force of it. Think of it as a cushion that absorbs the pressure and prevents the tooth wear, cracking, and jaw strain that grinding causes over time. For many patients, it also reduces morning jaw soreness significantly once they've adjusted to wearing it.
Is a custom night guard worth it compared to the ones at the pharmacy?
Store-bought guards are made from soft material and a generic mold — they're often too bulky to sleep comfortably in and don't fit precisely enough to be effective for most people. A custom guard from our office is made from an exact impression of your teeth, fits flush, and is fabricated from the appropriate material for your level of grinding. Most patients who've tried both say there's no comparison.
How long does it take to get used to wearing one?
Most patients adapt within a week or two — the first few nights can feel a little unusual, but it quickly becomes part of the routine. If the fit is causing any discomfort, Dr. Deshpande can make small adjustments at a follow-up visit. Starting with an accurate fit is the most important part of that adjustment going smoothly.
How long will a night guard last, and how do I take care of it?
A well-made custom night guard typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on how heavy your grinding is. Rinse it every morning, clean it gently with a toothbrush, and store it in its case when you're not wearing it. Dr. Deshpande checks the condition and fit at your regular exams so you'll know when it's time for a replacement before it stops doing its job.
A lot of my patients come in having no idea they grind at night — they just know their jaw hurts in the morning. Once I show them the wear on their teeth, everything clicks. A night guard is a small thing that prevents a much bigger problem down the road.
Dr. Sonal Deshpande, DDS
Brilliant Smiles · Kenilworth, NJ
Dr. Deshpande routinely checks for signs of bruxism as part of every exam — because the damage often starts quietly, long before any pain begins. Catching it early is one of the most straightforward ways to protect everything you've invested in your teeth.
Wake Up Without the Jaw Pain
Getting fitted for a custom night guard takes one short appointment — and same-week availability means you don't have to wait to start protecting your teeth.
Your fitting appointment includes a grinding evaluation, a professional bite impression, and a clear explanation of what Dr. Deshpande finds. When your guard is ready — usually within one to two weeks — you'll come back for a quick fit check. That's it. Two visits, and you're protected every night going forward.