Your teeth are built to last a lifetime, but they can’t protect themselves from everything. Nighttime grinding wears them down while you sleep. A stray elbow on the basketball court can chip or knock one out in an instant. In both cases, a simple, comfortable guard is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to prevent serious dental damage.
At K&E Family Dental, we make custom-fitted nightguards and mouthguards that are molded to the exact shape of your teeth. Unlike the generic boil-and-bite options from a drugstore, a custom guard fits precisely, stays in place, and feels comfortable enough that you’ll actually wear it.
Nightguards for Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching are more common than most people realize. Many patients don’t even know they grind because it happens during sleep. Over time, the damage adds up: worn-down enamel, cracked or chipped teeth, receding gums, and chronic jaw pain that can radiate into headaches, earaches, and neck tension.
A nightguard is a thin, durable appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth and creates a protective barrier between them. It absorbs the force of grinding and clenching so your teeth don’t have to.
Common signs that you may need a nightguard:
You wake up with jaw soreness, facial pain, or a dull headache, especially around the temples. Your partner tells you they can hear you grinding at night. You notice your teeth look flatter, shorter, or more worn than they used to. You’ve chipped or cracked a tooth without any obvious cause. Your jaw clicks, pops, or feels tight when you open your mouth. You experience increased tooth sensitivity without a cavity being present.
If any of these sound familiar, bring it up at your next appointment. We can examine your teeth for signs of wear and determine whether a nightguard would help.
How a custom nightguard is made:
The process is simple and takes two short visits. At the first appointment, we take an impression or digital scan of your teeth. That mold is sent to a dental lab, where your nightguard is fabricated from professional-grade material to fit your bite precisely. At the second visit, you pick up your guard, we check the fit, and make any adjustments so it’s comfortable from night one.
Types of nightguards we offer:
Soft nightguards are made from flexible material and are a good starting point for mild to moderate grinding. They’re the most comfortable option and easiest to adjust to.
Hard nightguards are made from rigid acrylic and are designed for heavy grinders and clenchers. They’re more durable and provide the most protection for patients with significant wear patterns.
Dual-laminate nightguards feature a soft inner layer for comfort and a hard outer layer for durability. These work well for moderate to heavy grinders who want a balance of protection and comfort.
Your dentist will recommend the right type based on the severity of your grinding, the condition of your teeth, and your comfort preferences.
Sports Mouthguards
A single blow to the face during a game can crack, chip, or completely knock out a tooth. It can also cause a concussion, jaw fracture, or soft tissue injury. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs and distributes the force of an impact, dramatically reducing the risk of dental injuries and related trauma.
The American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard for any sport that involves contact, falls, or flying objects. That includes football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, martial arts, skateboarding, mountain biking, and many others.
Why custom beats store-bought:
The boil-and-bite mouthguards you find at sporting goods stores provide some protection, but they’re bulky, fit loosely, and make it harder to breathe and speak. Most athletes, especially younger ones, end up not wearing them because they’re uncomfortable.
A custom sports mouthguard is molded from an impression of your actual teeth. It fits snugly, stays in place without clenching, and is thin enough to allow normal breathing and communication. Because it’s comfortable, you’ll actually keep it in for the entire game or practice.
Custom mouthguards for kids and teens:
Youth athletes are at especially high risk for dental injuries. Children and teenagers are still developing their permanent teeth, and a knocked-out or fractured permanent tooth at age 12 means a lifetime of restorative dental work. A custom mouthguard is one of the simplest investments you can make to protect your child’s smile.
If your child plays a contact sport or any activity with a risk of facial impact, ask us about a custom mouthguard at their next checkup. We can have one ready before the season starts.
Custom Guards vs. Over-the-Counter Options
You can buy a nightguard or mouthguard online or at a pharmacy for $20 to $40. So why would you invest in a custom one from your dentist? The difference comes down to fit, protection, and whether you’ll actually use it.
Fit. A store-bought guard uses a one-size-fits-most approach. Even boil-and-bite versions only approximate the shape of your teeth. A custom guard is made from a precise impression of your mouth, so it fits like it was made for you, because it was.
Protection. Over-the-counter nightguards are typically made from softer, thinner materials that wear out quickly and may not provide enough cushioning for heavy grinders. Custom nightguards use professional-grade materials calibrated to the severity of your grinding. For sports mouthguards, the difference in impact absorption between a generic guard and a custom one can mean the difference between a close call and a dental emergency.
Comfort and compliance. A guard only works if you wear it. Bulky, ill-fitting guards end up in a drawer. Custom guards are trimmed, polished, and adjusted until they feel natural. Patients consistently report that custom guards are more comfortable, which means they actually wear them consistently.
Longevity. A store-bought guard may last a few months. A well-made custom nightguard typically lasts two to five years with proper care, and custom sports mouthguards last one to several seasons depending on the sport and level of contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about Nightguards and Mouthguards