In plain English
What a custom mouthguard involves
A custom mouthguard is an appliance made in a dental lab from an impression or scan of your own teeth. The name covers two different devices with two different jobs. A night guard is for people who grind or clench. It is a thin, usually hard, plate that covers the biting surfaces of one arch, so the force of grinding wears down the guard instead of enamel, fillings and crowns, and the jaw muscles get some relief. A sports guard is thicker and made of a softer, shock-absorbing material that wraps the upper teeth and gum to cushion a blow. What custom fabrication buys in both cases is fit. The guard clips onto your teeth and stays there without being held by clenching, which makes it thinner, easier to breathe and speak with, and more likely to be worn. A night guard does not stop grinding. It limits the damage grinding does.
- 01
Assessment
The dentist looks for the signs that point to grinding, such as flattened or chipped edges and tender jaw muscles, or asks about your sport and level of contact. This decides the type, thickness and material of the guard.
- 02
Impressions or scan
An impression or digital scan is taken of your teeth, often both arches, along with a record of how they meet. Accuracy here is what makes the guard snap into place later.
- 03
Made in the dental lab
A technician forms the guard over a model of your teeth. Night guards are typically processed in hard acrylic or a layered material. Sports guards are pressure-formed from resilient sheets, sometimes in more than one layer.
- 04
Fitting
At the second visit the guard is seated and checked for grip and comfort. Tight spots are relieved. For a night guard, the dentist marks where the opposing teeth touch it and adjusts until the contact is even.
- 05
Care and use instructions
You are shown how to insert and remove it, told when to wear it, and how to clean and store it. Cool water, a brush and a ventilated case are the basics. Heat will warp it.
- 06
Checks at later visits
Bring the guard to routine checkups. The dentist looks at the wear marks on it, which reveal how hard and where you grind, and judges when it needs adjusting or replacing.
Who it is usually for
A custom guard is usually recommended for people who play contact or collision sports, or sports with sticks, balls or falls, and for people who grind or clench their teeth, which often shows up as worn enamel, morning jaw ache or a partner hearing the noise. Dentists also suggest one to protect crowns, veneers and implants, and as part of managing jaw joint problems. The alternatives are store-bought guards that you mold at home, which cost much less and fit less precisely. For a child whose teeth are still changing, or someone in braces, a dentist may advise a different design. Ask your dentist which type matches the problem you are trying to solve.
Fig. 2 — What to expect
What to Expect During Custom Mouthguard
- 01First visit: impressions taken of your teeth
- 02Mouthguard custom-made in dental lab
- 03Second visit: fitting and adjustments
- 04Instructions for care and use
Before you agree to it
Questions to ask about your custom mouthguard
Questions about my custom mouthguard
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Table 1 — Common reasons
When You Might Need Custom Mouthguard
- AProtecting teeth during sports
- BPreventing teeth grinding (bruxism)
- CTMJ disorder treatment
- DProtecting dental work
Table 2 — Recovery after Custom Mouthguard
Recovery After Custom Mouthguard
When can you resume normal activities? Here's a quick guide:
| Activity | Wait |
|---|---|
| Use a Straw | Immediately |
| Eat Normally | Immediately |
| Smoke | No restriction |
| Drink Alcohol | No restriction |
| Drive | Immediately |
| Exercise | Immediately |
Table 3 — Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Mouthguard
Will a night guard stop me grinding my teeth?
No. It protects your teeth and dental work from the effects of grinding and can ease the load on jaw muscles, but the habit itself usually continues. Grinding has several possible contributors, including stress and disturbed sleep. If your symptoms are significant, your dentist may ask about those and suggest speaking with your doctor.
Is a night guard worn on the top or bottom teeth?
Either. The dentist chooses based on your bite, which teeth are missing or restored, and what you are likely to tolerate. Only one arch is covered. Sports guards are almost always made for the upper teeth, since those take the brunt of a blow to the face.
How do I look after a custom mouthguard?
Rinse it in cool water after each use, brush it gently, let it dry and keep it in a ventilated case. Hot water, a hot car and the dishwasher can distort it. Keep it away from pets, which are known to chew them. If it cracks or no longer fits snugly, take it to your dentist.
How long does a custom mouthguard take?
A custom mouthguard typically takes 20-30 minutes and requires 2 visits. The exact duration depends on the complexity of your case and whether any complications arise.
How much does a custom mouthguard cost?
A custom mouthguard typically costs between $300 and $800, with an average of $500. With dental insurance that covers it, out-of-pocket cost is often around $100–$300, depending on your plan, deductible and annual maximum. Factors affecting cost include your location, the dentist's experience, and case complexity.
Does a custom mouthguard hurt?
During the procedure, you shouldn't feel pain because local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Pain level during recovery is typically rated 1/5. Some discomfort, sensitivity, or soreness is normal for a few days after the procedure and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Medical disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.