Custom Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards provide exceptional protection for your teeth during sports activities and nighttime grinding. Unlike generic, store-bought options, our professionally designed mouthguards are precisely fitted to your unique dental structure, offering superior comfort, durability, and protection.

Types of Custom Mouthguards We Offer

We provide two primary types of custom mouthguards:

Athletic Mouthguards

Athletic mouthguards protect teeth during sports and physical activities.

These guards are especially important for contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, and soccer, but they're beneficial for any activity with a risk of falls or impacts to the face.

Night Guards (Bruxism Guards)

Night guards are designed to prevent damage from teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) during sleep. These conditions can lead to worn enamel, fractured teeth, jaw pain, and headaches if left untreated. A properly fitted night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth.

The Benefits of Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

While over-the-counter options might seem more convenient, custom mouthguards offer significant advantages:

• Perfect fit: Custom mouthguards are created from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring they stay securely in place.
• Superior comfort: The exact fit means less bulk and better comfort, increasing the likelihood you'll actually wear the guard consistently.
• Better protection: Custom guards distribute impact forces more evenly and provide more complete coverage.
• Durability: High-quality materials mean custom guards typically last longer than store-bought alternatives.
• Improved breathing and speech: The precise fit allows for easier breathing and clearer speech—particularly important for athletes.
• Hygienic design: Custom guards are made from high-grade, easy-to-clean materials that resist bacteria buildup.

For night guards specifically, the custom fit means less disruption to your sleep and a more effective barrier against the damaging forces of teeth grinding.

Our Custom Mouthguard Process

Creating your custom mouthguard typically involves two appointments:

First Appointment:

1. Consultation: We'll discuss your specific needs and determine the appropriate type of mouthguard.
2. Dental impressions: We take precise impressions of your teeth using comfortable, quick-setting materials.
3. Material selection: Based on your needs, we'll select the appropriate material thickness and specifications.

Second Appointment:

1. Fitting: You'll try on your completed mouthguard, and we'll make any necessary adjustments.
2. Care instructions: We'll provide guidance on cleaning, storing, and maintaining your mouthguard.
3. Follow-up plan: We'll discuss when to return for checks and potential replacement.

The entire process ensures you receive a mouthguard that provides optimal protection while feeling comfortable enough to wear consistently.

Athletic Mouthguards and Sports Safety

The American Dental Association reports that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries when not wearing a mouthguard. Consider these statistics:

• Approximately 15 million Americans suffer dental injuries annually
• Up to 40% of all dental injuries are sports-related
• The cost to treat a knocked-out tooth can range from $5,000 to $20,000 over a lifetime

A custom athletic mouthguard is a small investment compared to the potential cost of treating sports-related dental injuries. Many parents have their children fitted with custom mouthguards before sports seasons begin, protecting both their children's teeth and their investment in any orthodontic work.

Night Guards for Bruxism Relief

For patients who grind or clench their teeth, the benefits of a custom night guard extend beyond protecting tooth structure:

• Reduced muscle tension in the jaw and face
• Decreased headaches and facial pain
• Protection for dental work including crowns, veneers, and fillings
• Prevention of wear that can lead to sensitivity and cosmetic issues
• Better sleep with less disruption from grinding noise and tension

Many patients report significant relief from TMJ symptoms and morning headaches after consistently wearing their custom night guard.

Care and Maintenance of Your Custom Mouthguard

With proper care, your custom mouthguard can last for years:

• Rinse before and after each use with cool water or mouthwash
• Clean regularly with a soft toothbrush and mild soap
• Store in a ventilated case when not in use
• Keep away from hot water and heat sources that could warp the material
• Bring to dental appointments for evaluation of wear and fit

We recommend replacing athletic mouthguards every season for children and adolescents (as their mouths are still growing) and every 3-5 years for adults, depending on wear. Night guards typically need replacement every 3-5 years, depending on the severity of grinding.

Investing in a custom mouthguard today can save you from costly dental treatments and discomfort in the future. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about our custom mouthguard options.