Custom night guards and mouthguards help protect your teeth from sports injuries, clenching and grinding, and the effects of TMJ disorders. These personalized appliances reduce the risk of chipped teeth, jaw pain, and long-term wear by providing a precise, comfortable fit.
We offer athletic mouthguards as well as night guards for bruxism and TMJ-related discomfort, all tailored to support your long-term oral health.
Summary: Custom mouthguards and night guards protect teeth from physical impact, grinding, and TMJ-related strain. Athletic mouthguards reduce the risk of injury during sports, while night guards help prevent enamel wear, jaw pain, and long-term joint damage. Each appliance is custom-made for a precise, comfortable fit and long-term oral health support.
We offer custom athletic mouthguards and occlusal night guards at our dental office in Boulder, CO.
What Is a Custom Mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is a dental appliance created specifically to fit your mouth. It serves as a protective barrier against physical trauma or chronic grinding that can lead to a fractured tooth, jaw fractures, or long-term joint pain.
Unlike bulky generic boil-and-bite options, our guards are made using digital impressions for a precise, comfortable fit. Critically, they are precisely adjusted to ensure your new guard supports your TMJ instead of aggravating it.
Custom Athletic Mouthguards
Dental injuries are one of the most common risks in contact sports and many of them are preventable.
Athletic mouthguards help cushion the teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaw from impact, significantly lowering the risk of broken teeth and soft tissue injuries. A custom-made mouthguard fits securely in place and allows you to breathe and speak comfortably during activity.
Unlike generic options, a professionally made athletic mouthguard provides a snug, stable fit that stays in place when it matters most. Whether you are a student athlete, weekend warrior, or part of a competitive team, this small investment can help avoid major dental treatment down the road.
Custom Occlusal (Night) Guards
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sensitive teeth, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep, a condition known as bruxism. Over time, this can wear down your enamel, break teeth, and put strain on your jaw joint.
A custom night guard acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It cushions the jaw, reduces muscle tension, and helps prevent long-term damage from nighttime grinding or clenching. These appliances are also used in the treatment of TMJ-related symptoms by easing pressure on the joint.
Benefits of a custom night guard include:
- Protection for enamel and dental work
- Relief from facial tension and muscle fatigue
- Reduced risk of TMJ damage over time
- Prevention of chipped teeth or broken fillings
- Decreased risk of recession
With the right fit and consistent use, a custom night guard can make a significant difference in your comfort, sleep quality, and long-term oral health.
Did You Know? Athletes who wear mouthguards are up to 93% less likely to suffer dental injuries compared to those who do not. Mouthguards help prevent broken or knocked-out teeth, jaw fractures, cuts inside the mouth, and even joint injuries. In one large study, athletes who used mouthguards had far fewer injuries and dental referrals than non-users, showing just how effective this small device can be.
How Your Custom Mouthguard Is Made
We take digital impressions of your teeth to design a guard that fits your bite exactly. The process is quick, comfortable, and fully personalized.
Each mouthguard or night guard is:
- Molded to your unique bite for optimal comfort and stability
- Durable enough to handle nightly grinding or physical impact
- Designed to reduce the risk of dental trauma, soft tissue injuries, and jaw strain
Custom-fit guards are carefully crafted to feel comfortable while offering long-term protection for your teeth and jaw.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
To keep your guard fresh and effective:
- Rinse it with warm water after each use (never hot or boiling water)
- Store it in a ventilated case
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap
- Bring it to your routine dental visits so we can check its fit
With regular maintenance and proper storage, your guard will continue to serve as a reliable defense against dental injuries and discomfort.
Care Rooted in Prevention
Our goal is to help you protect your teeth and maintain long-term oral health with solutions that truly fit your needs. Whether you’re preventing injury on the field or minimizing damage from grinding and clenching, we take your dental health seriously and provide care that’s both thoughtful and personalized.
Key Takeaway: Custom mouthguards and night guards offer reliable protection against sports injuries, teeth grinding, and TMJ-related strain. With a precise fit and durable design, they help preserve your teeth, reduce discomfort, and support long-term oral health.
Insurance and Membership Options
We are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, Cigna DPPO Plus, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and we also accept patients with out-of-network benefits. For those without dental insurance, our in-house membership plan offers an affordable option for routine care.
Our office proudly serves Boulder and the surrounding communities of Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, and Erie.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St, Unit 300 Boulder, CO 80303.
FAQs
How do I know if I need a night guard?
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice worn-down teeth, you may benefit from a custom night guard. We can assess your bite and symptoms during a dental exam.
Can a night guard help with TMJ?
A properly fitted guard can reduce pressure on the jaw joint and muscles, relieving symptoms like facial pain, ear pain, and tension.
Are over-the-counter mouthguards effective?
Over-the-counter mouthguards can offer some basic protection, but they often fit poorly and may be uncomfortable to wear. A custom mouthguard is molded to your bite, which means it stays in place better, feels more comfortable, and provides significantly more effective protection against dental injuries and jaw stress.
How long does it take to get my guard?
Once your digital scan is taken, your mouthguard or night guard is typically ready in 1–2 weeks.
