A mouth guard is a protective appliance that fits over your teeth to help reduce injury and prevent damage. At Diamond Dental Arts, we create custom mouth guards designed for comfort, secure fit, and reliable protection for sports, grinding, and clenching.
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A mouth guard is a comfortable barrier that sits over your teeth to help reduce injury and prevent damage. It can protect your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw during sports, and it can also help limit wear and pressure caused by nighttime grinding or clenching.
When force hits the mouth or when teeth press together repeatedly, teeth can chip, crack, or loosen. A properly fitted mouth guard helps absorb and distribute that force, which lowers the risk of fractures, jaw strain, and even tooth loss.
Many patients ask if an over the counter guard is enough. Store bought options can be convenient, but they often do not fit securely or comfortably. A loose or bulky guard can shift during use, reduce protection, and may even interfere with breathing or swallowing.
A custom mouth guard is made to match your exact bite. That means it stays in place, feels smoother, and provides stronger protection where you need it most. It is also easier to wear consistently, which matters for long term prevention.
Store bought guards are mass produced using a general shape so they can fit many mouths. This one size approach often leads to a poor fit, which can reduce comfort and protection. Common options include stock guards and boil and bite guards.
Boil and bite guards soften in hot water and are molded at home. They are usually less expensive, but the fit is rarely as accurate as a professional impression. Stock guards come pre formed and typically offer the least comfort and the least protection.
Custom mouth guards are made using measurements or impressions taken by a dental professional. They are crafted from durable thermoplastic material designed to hold its shape and withstand force. In many cases, a custom guard lasts significantly longer than store bought options and provides a better experience day to day.
If you participate in contact sports or activities with a risk of falls or collisions, a sports guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile. Oral injuries can happen at any age, so protection is important for children, teens, and adults.
Sports guards are commonly recommended for football, hockey, rugby, and basketball, but they can also be helpful for baseball, soccer, skateboarding, cycling, and other activities where impact can occur. A well fitting guard protects teeth and soft tissue and can reduce stress from a hard hit to the chin.
The right sports guard should feel secure but not tight, allow normal breathing, cover the teeth fully, and stay odor free with proper cleaning.
Many patients grind or clench at night without realizing it. Over time, this habit can lead to headaches, jaw soreness, TMD symptoms, tooth sensitivity, and worn enamel. It can also cause chips, cracks, or damage to crowns and fillings.
A night guard creates a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth. This helps reduce wear and can relieve tension from constant pressure. Once bruxism is identified, wearing a properly fitted night guard is one of the best ways to prevent further damage.
Some night guards sold over the counter may work briefly for occasional clenching, but they are not ideal as a long term solution. A custom night guard is designed to fit precisely, feel comfortable, and provide reliable protection night after night.
Keeping your mouth guard clean helps it last longer and keeps it comfortable to wear. Rinse it with cool water after use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, and allow it to dry completely before storing it in its case.
Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Bring your guard to dental visits so we can check the fit and condition. If you notice cracks, rough edges, or changes in fit, it may be time for an adjustment or replacement.
Questions or ready to schedule, call (941) 637-0101
