GENERAL DENTISTRY
Mouthguards & Nightguards
Custom Protection Against Sports Injuries, Grinding, and Clenching
Your teeth are strong, but they are not indestructible. Contact sports, nighttime grinding, and jaw clenching can wear them down or cause sudden injuries that require costly repairs. At Glendale Dental Wellness, Dr. Ivan Chan provides custom-fitted mouthguards and nightguards that offer superior protection, comfort, and durability compared to anything you can buy off the shelf.
Unlike generic boil-and-bite guards from the drugstore, our appliances are fabricated from precise digital impressions of your bite. They fit securely without shifting, allow normal breathing and speech, and last significantly longer. Whether you are an athlete protecting against impact or a patient managing bruxism, a custom guard is one of the smartest investments in your oral health.
Why Custom Guards Matter
Store-bought mouthguards offer some level of protection, but they come with significant drawbacks that reduce compliance and effectiveness:
- Poor fit — generic guards slip and shift because they are not molded to your exact bite
- Breathing interference — bulky material can obstruct airflow during sports or sleep
- Discomfort — many athletes and patients stop wearing them because they gag or feel awkward
- Inconsistent protection — uneven material thickness fails to distribute impact forces evenly
- Short lifespan — soft drugstore guards break down quickly and need frequent replacement
Custom-fitted guards eliminate every one of these problems. Dr. Chan takes digital impressions that capture your exact tooth position and jaw alignment, producing an appliance that fits like a second skin and stays in place throughout the night or game.
How Custom Guards Are Made
The process is quick and comfortable. Dr. Chan begins with a thorough evaluation of your bite, jaw alignment, and the specific activity or condition the guard will address. Digital or traditional impressions capture every detail of your teeth and gum line. Your guard is then lab-fabricated from high-quality, medical-grade materials and returned to our office within days. At a final fitting appointment, we verify the fit, make any needed adjustments, and send you home with a guard that is ready to use.
Guard Types We Offer
Dr. Chan matches each patient with the right appliance based on their activity level, symptoms, and long-term goals.
Sports Mouthguard
Designed for athletes of all ages and ability levels. Custom sports guards absorb and distribute impact force across all teeth, preventing chips, fractures, and tooth loss during contact sports like football, basketball, soccer, and martial arts.
Night Guard for Grinding
A slim, comfortable appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism. Available in soft, hard, or combination materials depending on grinding severity. Most patients report relief after the very first night.
TMJ Splint
A specialized appliance that repositions the jaw to relieve pressure on the temporomandibular joints. Often prescribed alongside TMJ/TMD treatment to reduce jaw pain, clicking, and morning headaches caused by clenching.
Snore Guard
An oral appliance that gently advances the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. Effective for mild to moderate snoring and often recommended as part of a broader sleep apnea treatment plan.
Pediatric Guards
Custom guards sized for growing mouths. Ideal for young athletes developing permanent teeth who participate in school or recreational sports. We can add team colors and custom designs for younger patients to encourage consistent wear.
Combination Guards
Some patients benefit from more than one type of appliance. Athletes who also grind at night, for example, need a sports guard and a separate nightguard. Dr. Chan can design both for complete around-the-clock protection.
Benefits of Custom-Fitted Guards
Every guard we create is designed around your unique anatomy, delivering advantages that off-the-shelf products simply cannot match.
Precision Fit
Fabricated from exact impressions of your teeth and bite, so the guard stays securely in place without shifting, gagging, or falling out during activity or sleep.
Superior Durability
Medical-grade materials withstand years of impact or grinding. Custom guards typically last 3-5 years compared to months for store-bought alternatives, making them more cost-effective over time.
Maximum Comfort
Slim, lightweight construction conforms to your mouth without excess bulk. You can breathe, speak, and sleep naturally, which means you will actually wear it consistently.
Complete Protection
Even material thickness distributes force across all teeth, reducing the risk of fractures, chips, and soft tissue injuries far more effectively than generic guards.
Preserves Dental Work
If you have crowns, bridges, or implants, a custom guard protects your investment from grinding damage and impact trauma.
Cost-Effective Long Term
While the upfront cost is higher, a single custom guard outlasts multiple store-bought replacements and can prevent emergency dental repairs that cost far more.
Care, Signs, and Smart Choices
Clean your guard with a soft toothbrush and mild soap after each wear. Avoid toothpaste, which is abrasive enough to scratch the surface and harbor bacteria.
Keep your guard in the protective case provided. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, hot cars, and pets who love to chew on them.
Dr. Chan inspects your guard at each checkup for wear, cracks, or fit changes. Minor issues can be repaired before they become problems.
If your guard no longer fits snugly, shows visible cracks, or your bite has changed, it is time for a new one. Most guards last 3-5 years with proper care.
Worn or flattened tooth surfaces, jaw pain on waking, morning headaches, sensitive teeth, or a partner who hears you grinding at night are all signals to schedule an evaluation.
Boil-and-bite guards are inexpensive but poorly fitting, bulky, and short-lived. Custom guards cost more upfront yet deliver better protection, comfort, and value over their longer lifespan.
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.
