GENERAL DENTISTRY
Mouthguards & Nightguards
Comprehensive Care for Every Smile
Mouthguards & Nightguards
Our Mouthguards & Nightguards Options
Protecting your teeth from sports injuries, grinding, and clenching.
Your teeth are strong, but they\'re not indestructible. Everyday activities like contact sports or nighttime grinding can wear them down or cause sudden injuries. At Glendale Dental Wellness, Dr. Ivan Chan offers custom-fitted mouthguards and nightguards that provide superior protection, comfort, and peace of mind. Unlike store-bought options, our guards are designed specifically for your bite, ensuring a secure fit that doesn\'t interfere with breathing, speaking, or sleeping.
Why Mouthguards Are Important for Athletes
Sports and recreational activities are among the leading causes of dental injuries. Whether you\'re playing football, basketball, soccer, or even enjoying activities like skateboarding, a blow to the mouth can lead to chipped teeth, fractures, or tooth loss.
While generic boil-and-bite guards from drugstores offer some protection, they often:
Custom-fitted guards eliminate these problems and provide superior protection.
- Don\'t fit properly, leading to slipping or shifting
- Interfere with breathing and speaking
- Are uncomfortable to wear, leading athletes to remove them
- Provide inconsistent protection
- Don\'t absorb impact evenly
Superior Protection
Custom guards are designed to fit your exact bite and jaw structure, distributing impact force evenly across all teeth. This prevents injuries that generic guards might miss.
Perfect Fit and Comfort
Because they\'re made specifically for your mouth, custom guards fit like a second skin. There\'s no shifting or gagging, making them comfortable to wear throughout your game or practice.
No Impact on Performance
Custom guards stay in place without interfering with breathing or speaking. Athletes can play their best without distraction.
Long-Lasting Durability
Custom guards are made from high-quality materials that withstand significant impact and last much longer than generic guards.
Cost-Effective
While custom guards cost more initially, they last longer and provide superior protection that can prevent expensive dental repairs from injuries.
Sports Mouthguards
For athletes of all ages and abilities. We can customize guards for:
We can add team colors and custom designs if desired.
- Football, basketball, soccer, and other team sports
- Individual sports like martial arts, boxing, or skateboarding
- Youth athletes developing permanent teeth
- Adult athletes who participate in recreational sports
- Competitive athletes requiring maximum protection
Nightguards (Bruxism Guards)
For patients who grind or clench their teeth at night. Nightguards:
- Protect teeth from wear caused by grinding
- Reduce jaw pain and tension headaches
- Allow muscles to relax during sleep
- Prevent future damage that would require expensive treatment
- Are custom-fitted for maximum comfort during sleep
Combination Guards
Some patients benefit from both sports guards and nightguards depending on their activities and needs. We can provide both to ensure complete protection.
Consultation and Assessment
We begin by discussing your specific needs:
This helps us design the ideal guard for you.
- What sport or activity do you participate in?
- Have you had previous dental injuries?
- Do you have any dental work (crowns, bridges, implants)?
- What level of protection do you need?
Impression and Fitting
We take a detailed impression of your teeth using digital scanning or traditional molds. This captures your exact bite and tooth position.
Custom Guard Creation
Your guard is custom-fabricated using high-quality materials that provide excellent cushioning and durability.
Final Fitting and Adjustment
When your guard is ready, we fit it in your mouth and make any needed adjustments to ensure:
- Perfect fit and comfort
- Proper retention and stability
- No interference with breathing or speaking
- Aesthetic appeal
Nightguards for Bruxism
Many patients unknowingly grind or clench their teeth at night. Over time, this wears down teeth and can lead to:
Signs You May Need a Nightguard
- Worn, flattened tooth surfaces
- Jaw pain or tension
- Headaches upon waking
- Earaches or facial pain
- Loose or cracked teeth
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Sensitive teeth
How Nightguards Help
A properly fitted nightguard:
Many patients report feeling relief after just one night of use.
- Creates a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth
- Distributes grinding forces evenly
- Reduces wear on natural teeth
- Relieves jaw tension and muscle pain
- Can reduce or eliminate morning headaches
- Allows better sleep quality
Types of Nightguards
We offer several styles:
Dr. Chan recommends the best type based on your grinding severity.
- Soft guards for mild grinding
- Hard guards for severe grinding
- Combination guards for the most protection
Caring for Your Guard
Proper care extends the life of your guard:
Daily Cleaning
- Rinse your guard after each use
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap
- Never use toothpaste, which can be abrasive
- Rinse thoroughly with water
Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Use the protective case provided
- Never leave in direct sunlight or hot environments
- Keep away from pets
Regular Checkups
- Bring your guard to dental visits for inspection
- We can repair minor damage
- If significantly damaged, we can remake it
- We assess whether adjustments are needed
When to Replace Your Guard
Your guard may need replacement if:
We\'ll let you know if your guard needs replacement at your regular visits.
- It no longer fits properly
- Cracks or tears develop
- Repeated repairs are needed
- Your bite has changed significantly
- It\'s more than 3-5 years old
Protecting Your Smile
Whether you\'re an athlete protecting against sudden injury or someone managing nighttime grinding, a custom-fitted guard is one of the smartest investments you can make for your oral health. Contact Glendale Dental Wellness today to discuss your needs. Dr. Ivan Chan will create a custom guard that protects your smile while keeping you comfortable and confident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do custom mouthguards last?
With proper care, custom mouthguards typically last 3-5 years. The lifespan depends on how often you use them and the intensity of the sport or grinding. We'll assess your guard at each dental visit and let you know if replacement is needed.
Can I use a custom guard if I have braces?
Yes! We can create custom guards that accommodate braces. We recommend waiting until after brackets are adjusted to take impressions, so the guard fits properly. Special athletic guards for braces are available that fit around brackets.
Will a mouthguard affect my speech?
A properly fitted custom guard should have minimal impact on speech. Unlike generic guards, custom guards are designed to fit snugly without protruding excessively. Some patients notice a slight adjustment period, but most adapt quickly.
Is it okay to wear my nightguard every night?
Yes, it's perfectly fine to wear your nightguard every night. In fact, we recommend it for patients with significant grinding or clenching. Regular use provides the best protection and pain relief.
Can I use my sports guard at night?
While you could technically wear a sports guard at night, nightguards are specifically designed for comfort during sleep. Sports guards are bulkier and designed for daytime impact protection. For best results, use each type for its intended purpose.
What's the difference between a soft and hard nightguard?
Soft guards are better for mild grinding and provide more comfort. Hard guards are better for severe grinding because they're more durable. Dr. Chan will recommend the best type based on your grinding severity.
How much do custom mouthguards cost?
Custom guard prices vary depending on the type and complexity. Sports guards and nightguards are typically in similar price ranges. Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage. We discuss cost and payment options at your consultation.
