A mouthguard may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in protecting your teeth, jaw, and long-term oral health. Whether you play sports, grind your teeth at night, or want to protect existing dental work, a properly fitted guard can help prevent damage before it happens. At Mountain View Dental Care, we provide custom mouthguards for patients in Spokane, WA designed for comfort, durability, and dependable protection.
Custom Mouthguards For Sports Protection
Sports-related dental injuries are more common than many people realize. A sudden impact can chip a tooth, loosen a tooth, or cause cuts to the lips and gums. A custom sports mouthguard is designed to absorb and distribute force, helping reduce the risk of broken teeth and soft tissue injuries.
Custom sports mouthguards are made to fit your teeth specifically, so they stay in place more securely than many generic options. This is especially important for athletes who need to breathe and speak comfortably while wearing a guard.
Sports mouthguards help protect against:
- Chipped or broken teeth: Reducing impact damage to enamel and tooth structure.
- Tooth displacement: Lowering the risk of loose or knocked-out teeth.
- Soft tissue injury: Helping prevent cuts to lips, cheeks, and gums.
- Jaw stress: Absorbing force that can strain the jaw joint.
Nightguards For Teeth Grinding & Clenching
Many patients grind or clench their teeth without realizing it. This habit, often called bruxism, commonly happens during sleep and can lead to worn enamel, chipped teeth, jaw soreness, headaches, and increased tooth sensitivity. Over time, grinding can also damage fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
A nightguard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, helping reduce wear and lessen pressure on the jaw. While a nightguard does not always stop grinding entirely, it can help protect teeth and reduce the damage associated with clenching.
Signs you may benefit from a nightguard include:
- Morning jaw soreness: Tightness or fatigue in the jaw when waking up.
- Frequent headaches: Especially in the morning or around the temples.
- Worn or chipped teeth: Flattened edges or small fractures.
- Sensitivity: Teeth that feel more reactive to temperature changes.
Differences Between Store-Bought & Custom Guards
Store-bought mouthguards can be convenient, but they are often bulkier and less precise. Many over-the-counter guards come in one-size-fits-most designs or “boil-and-bite” styles that attempt to mold to your teeth. While these may provide basic coverage, they may not fit securely or comfortably, and they can sometimes make breathing or speaking more difficult.
Custom guards are made from impressions or digital scans of your teeth, allowing the guard to fit closely and consistently. This helps improve comfort, increases durability, and provides more reliable protection where it matters most.
Custom guards often offer:
- Better fit: Designed for your exact tooth shape and bite.
- Improved comfort: Less bulk and fewer pressure points.
- More stability: Reduced slipping during sleep or athletic activity.
- Longer lifespan: Stronger materials and better wear resistance.
Protecting Teeth, Jaws, & Restorations
A mouthguard is not just for natural teeth. If you have crowns, bridges, bonding, or other restorations, a guard can help protect your investment. Grinding and clenching can place heavy force on restorations, increasing the risk of fractures or wear at the margins.
Mouthguards can also help protect the jaw joint by reducing stress during clenching. Some patients report reduced jaw tension and fewer bite-pressure symptoms when they consistently wear a properly fitted nightguard.
A mouthguard may help protect:
- Teeth: Reducing chips, fractures, and enamel wear.
- Restorations: Helping crowns and fillings last longer with less stress.
- Jaw joint: Lowering strain that contributes to soreness and tension.
- Bite stability: Supporting healthier contact patterns over time.
Comfort Fit & Durability Benefits
Comfort is one of the biggest reasons patients prefer custom guards. A guard that fits well is easier to wear consistently, and consistent wear is what helps deliver the most protection. Custom guards are designed to fit snugly without feeling overly bulky.
Durability also matters; a guard that is too thin may wear out quickly, while one that is too thick may feel uncomfortable. Custom design allows the thickness and material to be selected based on your needs—whether you are a heavy grinder, a recreational athlete, or someone looking for general protection.
Comfort and durability benefits include:
- Secure fit: A guard that stays in place without shifting.
- Easier breathing: A streamlined design that supports airflow.
- More consistent wear: Comfort that makes it easier to use regularly.
- Long-lasting protection: Materials designed for repeated use.
When Mouthguards Are Recommended
Mouthguards are recommended in a wide variety of situations. For athletes, a mouthguard is often a smart preventive choice, even if a sport does not require one. For patients who grind or clench, a nightguard may be recommended if we see signs of wear, cracks, or jaw stress during your exam.
Mouthguards may also be recommended during certain phases of dental treatment or for patients who want to protect restorations. The goal is always prevention—reducing the chances of emergencies, fractures, and discomfort.
A mouthguard may be recommended if you:
- Play sports: Especially contact or high-impact activities.
- Grind or clench: You have symptoms or signs of bruxism.
- Have restorations: You want to protect crowns, fillings, or cosmetic work.
- Experience jaw tension: You have soreness, tightness, or bite-related stress.
Caring For Your Mouthguard
Proper care helps your mouthguard stay clean, comfortable, and long-lasting. A guard should be rinsed after use and cleaned regularly with a gentle approach. It should also be stored in a protective case to prevent damage and reduce bacterial exposure.
We recommend bringing your mouthguard to dental visits so Dr. Cody can inspect it for wear and ensure it still fits properly. If you notice cracks, warping, or changes in fit, it may be time for an adjustment or replacement.
Mouthguard care tips include:
- Rinse after use: Rinsing with cool water after each wear.
- Clean regularly: Using gentle cleaning methods as recommended by our team.
- Store properly: Keeping it in a ventilated case when not in use.
- Avoid heat: Preventing warping by keeping it away from hot water or direct sunlight.
Choose Mountain View Dental Care
For Custom Mouthguards
A custom mouthguard is a simple step that can prevent costly, painful dental problems later. At Mountain View Dental Care, we help you and your family protect their teeth and jaw with custom-fit guards designed for comfort, durability, and reliable everyday protection. If you want to reduce grinding damage or keep your smile safer during sports, our team is here to help you choose the right mouthguard for your needs.