What Is a Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance made of durable, flexible material worn over the teeth to protect them from damage. At our Middlebury practice, we offer both night guards for patients who clench or grind their teeth (a condition called bruxism) and sports guards for children, teens, and adults involved in high-impact activities.
Unlike over-the-counter options, a professional dental mouth guard is customized for your bite, offering a better fit, improved comfort, and more effective protection.
Types of Mouth Guards We Offer
Night Guards for Bruxism
Chronic teeth grinding can lead to worn enamel, jaw pain, headaches, and cracked teeth. Our night guards are designed to be worn while sleeping and help prevent long-term damage to your bite. If you suffer from bruxism or wake up with tension in your jaw, a night guard may be the ideal solution.
Night guards also support treatment plans for conditions like TMJ disorders by reducing stress on the jaw joint.
Sports Mouth Guards
For athletes, especially those in contact sports, sports guards help reduce the risk of dental trauma such as chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth. We recommend custom guards over store-bought versions because they fit securely and allow easier breathing and speaking during play.
Why Choose a Custom Mouth Guard?
Custom-made mouth guards offer benefits that go beyond basic protection:
- Superior comfort and precise fit
- Long-lasting durability
- Prevention of dental emergencies caused by impact or grinding
- Reduced risk of costly restorative treatment
- Improved sleep quality for bruxism sufferers
If you're already using dental crowns or veneers, a guard can help protect these investments by minimizing wear and trauma.
Our Mouth Guard Process
Creating your custom guard involves just a couple of easy visits:
- Initial Consultation
We’ll assess your condition, discuss symptoms like jaw pain or sensitivity, and determine whether a night guard or sports guard is best for you. - Digital Impressions
We take high-precision digital scans or impressions of your teeth using our intraoral cameras to ensure an accurate fit. - Fabrication
Your custom guard is fabricated using high-quality materials tailored to your mouth’s anatomy. - Fitting & Follow-Up
Once ready, we’ll fit the appliance and make any needed adjustments. We also provide care instructions and maintenance tips.
Who Needs a Mouth Guard?
You may benefit from a mouth guard if you:
- Grind or clench your teeth at night
- Have frequent jaw pain or headaches
- Participate in contact sports
- Have had recent dental fillings or other restorations you want to protect
- Have cracked or worn-down teeth with no obvious cause
How to Care for Your Mouth Guard
To extend the life of your custom guard:
- Rinse it after each use
- Store it in a ventilated case
- Clean it regularly with mild soap and a toothbrush
- Bring it to your preventive dentistry checkups for evaluation
- Avoid exposure to high heat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use an over-the-counter guard instead?
OTC guards are not personalized and can feel bulky or ineffective. Custom guards from your dentist offer a significantly better fit and function.
How long does a mouth guard last?
With proper care, your custom guard can last several years. Night guards may require replacement sooner due to grinding forces.
Is the process painful?
Not at all. Digital scans are quick and comfortable. Fitting a mouth guard is a non-invasive process.
Will insurance cover my mouth guard?
In some cases, yes, especially for night guards used to treat medical conditions like bruxism or TMJ. Our team will help verify your coverage.