Why Custom vs. Store-Bought

Boil-and-bite guards from a sporting goods store offer a general fit. A custom guard is made from an impression of your specific teeth, which means it fits precisely, stays in place during contact, and does not need to be held in place by clenching.

A guard that fits correctly is also more comfortable to wear for a full practice or game, which means athletes actually use it. The protection is only as good as the compliance.

Who They're For

Mouth guards are appropriate for athletes of all ages. Contact and collision sports, football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, soccer, are the obvious candidates. But any sport where a fall or impact is possible poses risk to the teeth and jaw.

Guards can be made for both adults and children. For younger patients still in mixed dentition, the guard can be made to accommodate teeth that are still coming in.

The Process

Impressions of the teeth are taken at the first appointment. Those impressions go to a dental lab where the guard is fabricated to the exact contours of your teeth and bite.

The finished guard is delivered at a second appointment, where it is checked for fit and any minor adjustments are made. The process requires two visits and is straightforward.