A healthy smile is worth protecting. Whether you play contact sports or wake up with sore jaws from clenching, a custom mouthguard can help. It is made just for your teeth, so it fits well and feels comfortable. Custom mouthguards for sports help absorb hits and lower the risk of broken or chipped teeth. They can also help with teeth grinding at night, which can wear down enamel and cause jaw pain. If you want strong teeth protection that you will actually use, a custom fit is the best choice.
What is A Custom Mouthguard
A custom mouthguard is a protective oral device made to fit your mouth exactly. Your dentist uses a digital scan or a mold of your teeth to design it. Then a lab makes the guard from strong, safe material. Because it matches your bite and shape, it stays in place and feels natural.
There are three basic types of mouthguards:
- Stock guards: pre-made, one-size-fits-all. They are cheap, but often bulky and loose.
- Boil-and-bite guards: softened in hot water, then shaped at home. They fit better than stock, but can still be uneven and wear out faster.
- Custom mouthguards: made by your dentist from an exact model of your teeth. They offer the best fit, comfort, and protection.
Custom guards can be designed for different needs. Sports guards are made to absorb impacts and protect teeth, lips, and jaws during play. Night guards are designed for teeth grinding (also called bruxism). They help protect enamel, reduce jaw strain, and can lessen morning headaches. Some people need both: a sports guard for the field and a night guard for sleep.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
- Better protection: Custom mouthguards for sports help shield teeth from hits, falls, and collisions. They spread the force, lowering the risk of broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth and helping protect the jaw.
- Comfort and fit: A snug, custom fit means less slipping and rubbing. You are more likely to wear it, which means better teeth protection when you need it most.
- Easier breathing and speaking: Because it is not bulky, you can breathe and talk more easily during games or practice.
- Lasts longer: Custom materials are durable and resist chewing and tearing better than many store-bought guards.
- Protects dental work: If you have braces, crowns, veneers, or implants, a custom guard can be shaped to protect them too.
- Helps with teeth grinding: A custom night guard puts a barrier between your teeth, reducing wear on enamel. It can also ease jaw muscle strain and help reduce morning headaches and jaw soreness.
- Supports jaw joints: A balanced fit can lower pressure on the TMJ (jaw joint), which may help reduce popping, tightness, or pain.
- Saves money over time: Preventing dental injuries and enamel wear can reduce the need for fillings, crowns, root canals, or emergency visits.
- Cleaner and more hygienic: Smooth, custom surfaces are easier to clean. This helps reduce bacteria buildup and bad odors compared to rough, ill-fitting guards.
- Works for kids and adults: As children grow, guards can be remade to match new teeth and bite changes.
The Process of Getting A Mouthguard Fitted
- Step 1: Consultation. You will share your needs and habits. Do you play contact sports? Do you grind your teeth at night? Your dentist will recommend a sports guard, a night guard, or both.
- Step 2: Exam and planning. The dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite, and any dental work. For a night guard, they may look for signs of teeth grinding, like flat edges or tiny cracks.
- Step 3: Digital scan or impressions. A quick digital scan or a mold captures the exact shape of your teeth and bite. This creates a precise model for the lab.
- Step 4: Custom design. The dentist selects the right thickness and material. Sports guards are often a bit thicker for impact. Night guards can be soft, hard, or a mix, depending on your grinding strength and comfort.
- Step 5: Lab fabrication. Your guard is made to match your model. Edges are polished for comfort, and the bite surface is shaped so your jaws rest evenly.
- Step 6: Fitting visit. You try on the guard. The dentist checks the fit and makes fine adjustments so it feels secure, with even contact when you bite.
- Step 7: Wear instructions. For sports, wear your guard during practice and games. For teeth grinding, wear your night guard while you sleep. The dentist will show you how to place and remove it properly.
- Step 8: Care and cleaning. Rinse after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Let it air-dry in a vented case. Keep it away from heat. Bring it to checkups so your dentist can clean and inspect it.
- Step 9: Follow-up. If your bite changes, you get new dental work, or the guard shows wear, your dentist may adjust or replace it to keep your protection strong.
Custom Mouthguards for Sports
Sports are fun, but injuries happen fast. A ball, stick, or elbow can damage teeth in an instant. A custom sports mouthguard offers strong teeth protection with a slim feel. It helps prevent cuts to the lips and cheeks, reduces the risk of chipped or broken teeth, and can help cushion the jaw. Because it fits well, it will not distract you, so you can focus on your game.
Custom Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding and clenching can happen while you sleep and you may not even know it. Signs include worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, or morning headaches. A custom night guard protects teeth by creating a smooth barrier between the upper and lower teeth. It helps relax your jaw muscles and reduces strain on the joints. Over time, this can help protect your smile and make mornings feel better.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Good care helps your guard last longer and stay fresh. Rinse it before and after use. Brush it gently with cool water and a soft toothbrush—avoid hot water that can warp it. Let it dry completely before storing it in a clean, vented case. Do not leave it in a hot car or near heat. Bring it to dental visits for a quick check and cleaning.
When to Replace Your Mouthguard
With regular use, even a good guard will wear over time. Replace it if it feels loose, cracked, or rough, or if your bite changes. Growing kids and teens may need a new guard more often as their teeth and jaws develop. If you start a new sport or increase training, ask your dentist if you need a different thickness for extra impact protection.
Ready to Protect Your Smile?
If you need custom mouthguards for sports, relief from teeth grinding, or strong everyday teeth protection, a custom fit is the most comfortable and effective choice. Call us at 610-600-1559 to schedule a visit to discuss your needs, get a precise fit, and protect your smile with confidence. You may also use our online request appointment form and a member of our team will reach out to finalize the details.