PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Mouth Guards
Custom protection for teeth during sports or for patients who clench and grind.
A guard bought off the shelf fits generically; a custom guard is designed from your own bite, which is part of why it protects more predictably and feels less bulky.
a smile made for you.
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Mouth Guards at Valencia Dental Office
A custom mouth guard is designed around your teeth and bite to provide protection for a specific purpose. Athletic guards help cushion the teeth during sports, while night guards may be used to protect teeth and restorations from damage related to clenching or grinding.
The right design depends entirely on why you need one — an athletic guard and a guard for nighttime grinding solve different problems.
GETTING YOUR GUARD
From Evaluation to a Finished Fit
- Discussing your needsWe talk through whether the guard is for sports, grinding, or another specific reason.
- Evaluating your biteYour teeth and bite are examined to inform the guard’s design.
- Taking a scan or impressionA digital scan or physical impression captures your exact tooth shape.
- Fit and adjustmentThe finished guard is checked for comfortable, secure fit and adjusted as needed.
TYPES OF GUARDS
Matching the Guard to Its Purpose
Not all mouth guards are designed to do the same job.
Athletic guards
Cushion the teeth and reduce injury risk during contact or collision sports.
Night guards
Protect teeth and restorations from wear related to clenching or grinding.
Appliance-specific designs
Some situations call for a guard designed around existing dental work.
WHY CUSTOM FIT MATTERS
Built Around Your Own Bite
- Digital scan or impressionYour guard starts from an accurate record of your teeth and bite, not a generic mold.
- Material selected for purposeAthletic guards and night guards are made from different materials suited to their specific demands.
- Comfortable to wearA custom fit means less bulk and less interference with speaking or breathing than a generic option.
- Adjusted as neededIf a guard feels off, it can be adjusted rather than replaced outright.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
When to Schedule a Visit
Athletes in contact or collision sports and patients showing tooth wear, fractures or other signs of bruxism may benefit. Jaw pain or sleep-related symptoms should be evaluated rather than assuming a standard night guard is the solution.
- You play a contact or collision sport without a properly fitted guard
- You wake up with jaw soreness or notice new tooth wear
- A generic store-bought guard feels bulky or doesn’t stay in place
- You have existing dental work you would like to protect
CARING FOR YOUR GUARD
Keeping It Clean and In Good Condition
Rinsing your guard after each use and storing it in a ventilated case helps prevent buildup and keeps the material in good condition.
Bring your guard to routine dental visits so it can be checked for wear and confirmed to still fit properly.
Mouth Guards FAQ
- What does mouth guards involve?
- A custom mouth guard is designed around your teeth and bite to provide protection for a specific purpose. Athletic guards help cushion the teeth during sports, while night guards may be used to protect teeth and restorations from damage related to clenching or grinding.
- How do I know whether this treatment is appropriate for me?
- Athletes in contact or collision sports and patients showing tooth wear, fractures or other signs of bruxism may benefit. Jaw pain or sleep-related symptoms should be evaluated rather than assuming a standard night guard is the solution.
- What should I expect from the treatment process?
- We evaluate your bite and the reason an appliance is needed, then take a digital scan or impression. The guard is fabricated to fit your teeth and adjusted as needed.
- How is a custom guard different from one I can buy at a store?
- A custom guard is made from your own dental impression or scan, which generally means a more secure, comfortable fit than a generic option.
- How do I know if I need an athletic guard or a night guard?
- This depends on the reason you need protection — playing contact sports calls for an athletic guard, while clenching or grinding calls for a night guard.
- How long does a custom guard typically last?
- This depends on the material and how it’s used; your dentist can check its condition at routine visits.
- Can a mouth guard help with jaw pain?
- Some patients find a properly designed guard helpful for grinding-related discomfort, though persistent jaw pain should be evaluated to determine the actual cause.
- Do I need a new guard if my teeth or dental work change?
- Yes, significant changes to your teeth or bite can affect fit, so let us know if that happens.
