What it is
A custom mouth guard is a tray made to fit your teeth exactly. A sports guard protects your teeth, lips, and jaw during contact sports. A night guard protects your teeth from grinding or clenching while you sleep. Because it is made from a mould or scan of your mouth, a custom guard usually fits better and feels more comfortable than a store-bought one.
Step 1
Before your visit
- Brush and floss before your visit so the impression or scan is accurate.
- Think about which sports you play, or whether you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth.
- If you wear braces or another appliance, mention it. The guard may need to allow for it.
Step 2
During the visit
- Your dentist checks your teeth and your bite.
- An impression or digital scan of your teeth is taken. It only takes a few minutes.
- The guard is made from that mould, often by a dental lab.
- At a fitting visit, the guard is tried in and adjusted until it sits comfortably.
Step 3
After and recovery
- Rinse the guard before and after each use, and brush it gently with cool water.
- Store it in a ventilated case, away from heat, which can warp it.
- Bring it to your checkups so the fit and wear can be checked.
- Replace it if it cracks, loosens, or no longer fits, and after major dental work.
Common questions
Why not buy one at a store?
Store-bought guards can help, but they are often bulky and loose. A custom guard fits closely, which makes it easier to breathe and speak, and more likely you will actually wear it.
Can children have mouth guards?
Yes. Children's mouths change as they grow, so their guards may need replacing more often.
How long does a mouth guard last?
It depends on how often you use it and how hard you play or grind. Your dentist can check it and tell you when it is time for a new one.