Protect Your Teeth With the Right Mouth Guard
Mouth guards provide an important layer of protection for teeth during activities that could cause dental injuries. A properly fitted guard can help cushion the teeth and surrounding oral structures from impact while also providing protection for patients who clench or grind their teeth.
At Valley Family Dentistry, we provide mouth guard solutions in Livermore, CA based on each patient’s dental needs and intended use. Whether you participate in contact sports, recreational activities, or need protection from nighttime teeth grinding, our team can help determine which type of mouth guard may be appropriate.
Schedule Your ConsultationWhy Consider a Custom Mouth Guard?
A custom mouth guard can provide targeted protection while fitting comfortably around your teeth. Whether you need protection during sports or from nighttime grinding, a professionally fitted appliance can support comfort, fit, and long-term oral health.
- Cushions teeth during sports and activities involving potential facial impacts, helping reduce the risk or severity of certain oral injuries.
- Creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth to minimize direct contact and excessive wear.
- Fits the unique contours of your mouth, helping the appliance stay securely in place during use.
- Provides added protection for crowns, bridges, veneers, and other restorations when recommended by your dental team.
Types of Mouth Guards We Offer
Mouth guards are available in different designs, materials, and levels of fit. The right option depends on the intended use, comfort needs, and level of protection required. Understanding these differences can help you choose an appliance that supports safe, comfortable wear.
Stock mouth guards are ready-made and have a universal fit, which may provide less comfort, stability, and protection. Boil-and-bite mouth guards are softened in warm water and molded to the teeth, offering a more adaptable fit and improved comfort. Customized mouth guards are professionally made from impressions of your teeth, providing a precise fit and personalized protection for specific dental or athletic needs.
Getting a Mouth Guard That Fits Properly
The process of getting a custom mouth guard begins with understanding how the appliance will be used and evaluating your oral health. Valley Family Dentistry can guide you through the process and explain how to care for the appliance after it is provided.
Discuss Your Protection Needs
The team will ask about your sport or activity, nighttime grinding, dental history, or other reason for seeking a mouth guard. This helps determine the type of protection you may need.
Evaluate Your Teeth and Bite
Your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work are evaluated to make sure the recommended mouth guard is appropriate. Any relevant dental concerns can be considered before the appliance is made.
Create a Custom Fit
When a custom appliance is recommended, dental impressions or digital information may be used to create a mouth guard designed around your individual teeth and oral structures.
Check the Completed Appliance
Once the mouth guard is ready, its fit and positioning are evaluated. Adjustments may be made when needed to improve comfort, stability, and function.
Learn How to Care for It
Proper cleaning and storage can help keep a mouth guard hygienic and extend its useful life. The team can provide instructions for cleaning, storing, and recognizing signs that the appliance may need to be replaced.
Tips to Care for Your Mouth Guard
Proper care can help keep your mouth guard clean, comfortable, and ready to provide protection when you need it. After each use, rinse the appliance with cool or lukewarm water and follow any cleaning instructions provided by your dental team. Avoid hot or boiling water, as excessive heat can change the shape of the mouth guard and affect its fit. Before storing it, allow the appliance to air dry completely to help reduce moisture buildup. Keep it in a clean, protective, ventilated case when not in use, and avoid placing heavy objects on top of it.
Check your mouth guard regularly for cracks, tears, thinning, rough edges, or changes in fit. A damaged or poorly fitting appliance may not provide the intended protection and should be evaluated by your dental team. Children and teenagers may need replacements as their teeth and jaws develop, while adults may need a new mouth guard when it becomes worn or no longer fits properly.
Give Your Teeth the Protection They Need
Whether you are dealing with nighttime grinding or gearing up for a new sports season, a custom mouth guard is a simple investment that protects your smile from damage that can be difficult and costly to reverse.
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions About Mouth Guards
Common signs include waking up with jaw soreness or headaches, noticing flattened or worn teeth, or participating in contact sports where impact injuries are a risk.
Yes. Custom mouth guards are molded to fit your teeth precisely, offering better comfort, a more secure fit, and stronger protection than generic, one size fits all options.
With proper care, a custom mouth guard typically lasts between three and five years, though heavy grinders may need replacement sooner due to wear.
Yes. A custom night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, reducing wear and easing jaw tension caused by grinding.
Most patients adjust quickly to a custom fitted guard since it is molded specifically to their teeth, making it far more comfortable than generic alternatives.
Yes, children participating in contact sports should wear a properly fitted mouth guard to protect their teeth and reduce the risk of injury during play.
Rinse your mouth guard with cool water after each use, clean it regularly with a soft toothbrush, and store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria buildup.
Coverage depends on your specific PPO plan and the reason the guard is needed, such as for bruxism or post-treatment protection. Our team can help verify your benefits.