7034 Hospital Drive, Dublin, OH 43016
Protecting Your Smile, on and off the Court
Mouthguards and night guards are oral appliances designed to protect your teeth and jaw from two very different, but equally damaging, sources of harm. Mouthguards are worn during sports and physical activity to cushion the teeth and jaw against impact, helping prevent chipped teeth, fractures and other injuries. Night guards, on the other hand, are worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding or clenching, a condition known as bruxism that many patients aren't even aware they have until damage starts to show.
While store bought versions of both exist, they rarely fit well and often provide only minimal protection. At Avery Dental Wellness, we create custom mouthguards and night guards designed specifically for the shape of your mouth, so they fit securely, feel more comfortable and actually do the job they're meant to do.
Ask About Custom Guards
Who Should Consider a Mouthguard or Night Guard?
Mouthguards may be recommended for:
- Athletes participating in contact sports like football, hockey or basketball
- Patients involved in activities with a risk of falls or facial impact, such as skateboarding or cycling
- Anyone with braces or other orthodontic appliances who needs added protection during physical activity
Night guards may be recommended for:
- Patients who wake up with jaw soreness, headaches or facial pain
- Patients whose partner notices grinding or clenching sounds during sleep
- Patients with visibly worn, flattened or chipped teeth from nighttime grinding
- Patients with existing dental work, such as crowns or veneers, that could be damaged by grinding
- Patients diagnosed with bruxism or TMJ related symptoms
Why Custom Fit Makes All the Difference
Off the shelf mouthguards and night guards are built to a generic shape, which means they often feel bulky, shift out of place or fail to cover teeth evenly. A custom guard is molded directly from an impression of your own teeth, resulting in a fit that stays securely in place, distributes pressure evenly and is far more comfortable to wear for extended periods, whether that's through an entire game or a full night of sleep.
Custom guards are also made from more durable materials than most store bought options, meaning they hold up better over time and provide more reliable protection where you need it most.
Getting Fitted for Your Custom Guard
Getting a custom mouthguard or night guard is a straightforward process that typically takes just a couple of visits from start to finish.
Initial Evaluation
Digital or Physical Impressions
Custom Fabrication
Fitting and Adjustments
Care Instructions
Follow-up Check
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards & Night Guards
Better Fit and Comfort
Molded to your exact bite, custom guards stay in place without shifting or needing constant readjustment.
Stronger Protection
Properly fitted guards distribute force more evenly across your teeth and jaw, reducing the risk of injury or damage.
Reduced Grinding Related Symptoms
Night guards help prevent the jaw pain, headaches and worn enamel that often result from chronic teeth grinding.
Protects Existing Dental Work
Guards help shield crowns, veneers and other restorations from the wear and tear of grinding or impact.
Improved Sleep Quality
Patients who grind their teeth often experience disrupted sleep, and a properly fitted night guard can help reduce that disruption.
Long Term Cost Savings
Preventing cracked teeth or worn enamel with a guard is far less expensive than treating the damage after it happens.
Protect Your Smile Before Damage Happens
Whether you're stepping onto the field or heading to bed, a custom guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your teeth from damage that's often preventable. Don't wait until a cracked tooth or worn enamel forces the issue.
Schedule Your Custom Guard Fitting