A mouthguard is a small device that fits over your teeth. It helps keep your smile safe during everyday life and during active sports. At City Station Dental, we make custom mouthguards that are shaped to fit your mouth. This makes them more comfortable and more helpful than many store-bought guards.
What Is A Custom Mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is made just for you. It is not “one size fits all.” Instead, it matches the shape of your teeth and the way your top and bottom teeth come together. Because it fits well, it is easier to wear and it is more likely to stay in place.
There are a few common reasons people choose a custom mouthguard.
Custom Mouthguards for Sports
If you play contact sports or any sport where you could get hit in the face, a mouthguard helps protect your teeth and your jaw. Even sports that do not seem rough can cause accidents, like a fall or an elbow to the mouth.
Teeth Grinding
Many people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. This is often called bruxism. Over time, grinding can wear down teeth, cause cracks, and make your jaw feel sore. A custom night guard helps by placing a smooth barrier between your teeth.
Teeth Protection
A mouthguard can help protect crowns, veneers, fillings, braces, and natural teeth. It can also help lower the chance of a chipped tooth or a cut lip if you get hit.
Store-bought mouthguards can be helpful in some cases, but they often feel bulky or loose. Some people stop wearing them because they gag, hurt, or make it hard to breathe and talk. A custom mouthguard is made to fit better, so it usually feels more natural.
Benefits Of Custom Mouthguards
The main job of a mouthguard is to protect teeth. But a well-made guard can help in several ways, including:
- Better fit and comfort: A custom mouthguard is made from a model or scan of your teeth. That means it fits snugly around your teeth instead of floating around. A better fit usually means better comfort. When something is comfortable, you are more likely to use it the way you should.
- Strong, steady protection for sports: Custom mouthguards for sports are designed to handle impact. When you get hit, the mouthguard helps spread out the force. This can lower the risk of chipped teeth, broken teeth, and injuries to the lips and cheeks. It may also help support the jaw during a strong hit.
- Help for teeth grinding and jaw strain: If you grind your teeth at night, you may wake up with a tired jaw, headaches, or tooth pain. Grinding can flatten the chewing surfaces of your teeth and can even lead to cracks. A custom night guard helps protect teeth from rubbing against each other. It can also help your jaw muscles relax because your bite is cushioned.
- Helps protect dental work: If you have a crown or large filling, you may worry about damage during sports or from grinding. A custom guard helps shield both teeth and dental work. This can help you avoid unexpected dental visits and repairs.
- Easier to breathe and speak: Because custom mouthguards fit close to the teeth, many people find it easier to breathe, talk, and focus. This matters during sports, when you need to call out plays or keep your breathing steady. It also matters at night, when you want to sleep without feeling like you have a big object in your mouth.
- Long-lasting value: With good care, a custom mouthguard can last longer than many over-the-counter options. It is made from durable materials and it can be adjusted by City Station Dental if it feels tight or if your bite changes.
The Custom Mouthguard Process
Getting a custom mouthguard at City Station Dental is simple. The goal is to make sure it fits well and protects your teeth in the right way.
Step 1: Talk with our team about your needs
First, we ask a few questions. Do you need custom mouthguards for sports? If so, what sport do you play and how often? Do you grind your teeth at night or wake up with jaw pain? Have you had tooth damage before? This helps us choose the right type and thickness for your mouthguard.
Step 2: Check your teeth and gums
We take a careful look at your teeth, gums, and bite. If you have cavities, gum swelling, or a loose tooth, we may recommend fixing that first. A healthy mouth helps the mouthguard fit better and work better.
Step 3: Take an impression or digital scan
Next, we make a copy of your teeth. This can be done with a mold (impression) or with a digital scan, depending on what is best for you. This step is quick, and it gives us the exact shape we need for a custom fit.
Step 4: Make the mouthguard
Your mouthguard is made using your impression or scan. It is shaped to fit closely around your teeth. For a night guard used for teeth grinding, the goal is a smooth surface that helps reduce wear and protects enamel. For sports, the goal is strong teeth protection while still feeling comfortable.
Step 5: Fitting appointment and small adjustments
When your mouthguard is ready, you come in to try it on. We check how it fits and how it feels when you bite down. If needed, we make small adjustments so it sits properly and feels comfortable. This is an important step, because even a small rough edge can bother your gums or cheeks.
Step 6: Care instructions and follow-up
We show you how to care for your mouthguard, so it stays clean and lasts longer. In general, you should rinse it after use, brush it gently, and store it in its case so it can dry. Avoid hot water, because heat can warp the material. If your mouthguard starts to feel different, or if you notice cracks or wear, let us know. A guard that does not fit well cannot protect your teeth as well.
Request Your Appointment
If you want better teeth protection for sports or need help with teeth grinding at night, City Station Dental is here to help. A custom mouthguard is a simple step that can protect your smile and give you peace of mind.