Why a Custom-Fitted Guard Outperforms Over-the-Counter Options
Over-the-counter guards are bulky, one-size-fits-none, and often get tossed in a drawer because they're uncomfortable. A custom-fit guard from our General Dentistry team is built around your exact bite, so it stays put, feels natural, and actually gets worn.
Boil-and-bite guards from the drugstore shift around, make it hard to breathe or talk, and rarely fit right after the first use. A guard made from an impression of your own teeth solves all three problems at once, and it lasts far longer.
Sports Guards - Protection for Athletes of All Ages
Basketball, wrestling, football, soccer, even mountain biking: any activity with a real chance of a fall or collision is a good reason for a mouth guard. A custom sports guard cushions a hit to the face, spreads out the force, and protects both teeth and soft tissue. It's a small step that can save a young athlete from a chipped tooth or a trip to the emergency room.
Night Guards and Occlusal Guards - Relief for Grinding and Clenching
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you're probably not even aware you're doing it. A custom occlusal guard, often called a night guard, creates a smooth barrier between your upper and lower teeth so they can't grind against each other. Many patients tell us they wake up with less jaw soreness and fewer morning headaches within just a few weeks of wearing one.
What Happens If You Skip Protection?
Skipping a guard can be costly down the road. For athletes, an unprotected hit can mean a cracked or knocked-out tooth. For grinders, months or years of untreated clenching can wear down enamel, loosen fillings, and strain the jaw joint enough to cause ongoing pain. Both situations tend to lead to more involved, more expensive dental work later, work that a simple guard could have helped prevent.