A mouthguard is a small device that fits over your teeth to help protect them. You may have seen store-bought mouthguards at a sporting goods store. While those can help a little, they often feel bulky and may not stay in place.
A custom mouthguard is made just for your mouth. It is designed to fit your teeth closely, so it feels more natural and is easier to wear. Custom mouthguards can be made for many needs, including custom mouthguards for sports, teeth grinding, and teeth protection during daily life.
If you have ever chipped a tooth, woken up with a sore jaw, or worried about getting hit in the mouth during a game, a custom mouthguard may be a smart choice.
What is A Custom Mouthguard
A custom mouthguard is a dental appliance made from strong, flexible material. It is shaped to match your bite, so it fits securely and comfortably. Because it is made from your exact teeth shape, it usually stays in place better than a boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all mouthguard.
Custom mouthguards are often used for three main reasons:
Custom mouthguards for sports
These help protect your teeth, lips, and gums during contact or high-impact activities. This can include football, hockey, basketball, soccer, martial arts, skateboarding, and more. Even in sports that are not full contact, accidents can happen. A mouthguard can lower the risk of broken teeth and mouth injuries.
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Many people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. This can wear down enamel, crack teeth, and cause jaw pain or headaches. A custom night guard is a type of mouthguard made to help reduce damage from teeth grinding.
Teeth protection
Some patients need extra teeth protection for other reasons, like protecting dental work, helping with jaw discomfort, or reducing stress on teeth that already have wear. Your dentist can help you figure out what type of guard fits your needs.
A custom mouthguard is not meant to be shared with anyone else. Since it is made for your mouth only, it will not fit another person properly.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
A custom mouthguard can do more than simply cover your teeth. It can help protect your smile and make daily life more comfortable.
Here are some of the most common benefits:
- Better fit and comfort: A custom mouthguard is made from an impression or digital scan of your teeth. That helps it feel snug instead of loose or bulky.
- Helps protect teeth during sports: Custom mouthguards for sports are designed to cushion the force from a hit or fall. This can help prevent chips, fractures, and tooth loss.
- Helps reduce damage from teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard can act as a barrier so your teeth do not rub against each other.
- May help with jaw soreness: Grinding and clenching can strain the jaw joints and muscles. Wearing a guard at night may reduce that strain for some patients.
- Helps protect dental work: Crowns, veneers, and fillings can still be damaged by impact or heavy grinding. Teeth protection is one reason many patients choose a custom mouthguard.
- More durable than many store-bought options: Custom guards are made with strong materials designed for your specific use, whether that is sports or nighttime grinding.
A custom mouthguard can also be easier to breathe and speak with, especially compared to bulky store-bought guards. That matters during sports, where you may need to communicate clearly.
It is important to know that no mouthguard can prevent every injury. But wearing a well-made guard can lower the risk and reduce how severe an injury may be.
The Process of Getting A Mouthguard Fitted
Getting a custom mouthguard is usually simple and does not take long. The exact steps can vary based on your needs, but the process often looks like this.
Step 1: A dental visit and quick exam
Your dentist will talk with you about why you need a mouthguard. Is it for sports? Is it for teeth grinding? Is it for general teeth protection? This helps decide the right type and thickness of material. Your dentist may also check your teeth and gums to make sure everything is healthy before the mouthguard is made.
Step 2: Impressions or digital scans
Next, your dentist will capture the shape of your teeth. This may be done with a soft impression material or with a digital scan. Both methods create a model of your teeth and bite. This model is used to make the mouthguard fit correctly.
Step 3: The mouthguard is made
Your custom mouthguard is created based on your model. Many dental offices work with a dental lab that makes guards designed for comfort and strength. A sports guard may be made a bit differently than a night guard for teeth grinding, because the goals are different.
Step 4: Fitting appointment and adjustments
Once the mouthguard is ready, you will try it on. Your dentist will check how it fits and how your teeth come together. If needed, small adjustments can be made so it feels smooth and secure. You should not feel sharp edges or pressure points.
Step 5: Home care tips and follow-up
Your dentist will explain how to care for your mouthguard and when to replace it. If you grind your teeth, your dentist may also want to check the guard over time to see signs of wear.
Here are a few simple care tips to help your mouthguard last:
- Rinse it with cool water after each use
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap
- Let it dry before storing it in its case
- Keep it away from heat, like hot water or a car dashboard
- Bring it to dental checkups so your dentist can inspect the fit and wear
If your mouthguard starts to feel loose, looks cracked, or no longer fits well, schedule a visit. Changes in your teeth, dental work, or heavy grinding can affect how it fits.
Schedule Appointment
If you are ready to get a custom mouthguard, we are here to help. To schedule your visit, call 636-689-0540
You can also reach out through our online appointment request form anytime. Share whether you need custom mouthguards for sports, help with teeth grinding, or added teeth protection, and our team will help you take the next step.
