Two Very Different Jobs, Two Very Different Guards
A sports guard is built from thicker, shock-absorbing material to cushion impact to the teeth, lips, and jaw. A night guard, also called an occlusal guard, is a firmer, thinner appliance designed to keep upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other while you sleep.
A night guard will not absorb a hit the way it should, and a bulky sports guard is unhelpful for nighttime clenching. Our Scottsdale dental team makes sure you get the right appliance for the job.
Custom Versus Store-Bought
Boil-and-bite guards are better than nothing, but they tend to be bulky, shift around, wear out quickly, and make breathing and talking harder.
A custom guard is made from a precise digital scan of your mouth. It stays put, uses less material, and holds up far longer. For night guards the difference matters even more, since a poorly fitting appliance can change how your teeth meet.
Guard Options At Toothology
Athletic Mouth Guards
Made for basketball, football, hockey, martial arts, and any activity where a stray elbow or fall can happen. We can adjust thickness for your sport and add color for team spirit.
Night Guards
For patients who clench or grind, a custom occlusal guard shields enamel, reduces stress on dental work, and can ease morning jaw soreness. Persistent jaw pain or clicking may call for a TMJ treatment evaluation.
Appliance Checks
We look at your guard at regular visits for cracks, thinning, and fit changes so it keeps doing its job.
Fitted With A 3Shape Digital Scan
No trays of goopy impression material. Our 3Shape intraoral scanner captures a detailed digital model of your teeth in minutes, and that model is used to fabricate a guard that fits closely and comfortably. If impressions have triggered your gag reflex before, this is a welcome change.
What To Expect When Getting A Custom Mouth Guard
Exam
We check your teeth, gums, bite, and any existing dental work so the guard is designed around your current mouth.
Scan
A quick 3Shape digital scan replaces messy impressions and gives the lab an exact model to work from.
Fitting
When your guard arrives, we try it in, confirm the fit, and make any small adjustments so it feels natural.
Follow-Up
We check the guard at your regular visits and adjust or replace it as your teeth or dental work change.
Using And Caring For Your Guard
- Rinse it with cool water before and after each use
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, not toothpaste, which can scratch the surface
- Let it dry fully before storing it in its ventilated case
- Keep it away from heat, hot cars, and curious dogs
- Bring it to your dental visits so we can check it
If you have crowns, veneers, implants, or orthodontic work, tell us so the guard can be designed around it. New restorations or bite changes may mean it is time for a new guard. Detailed care instructions are on our occlusal guard post-op care page.
Sports Protection Is One Layer, Not The Whole Plan
A mouth guard reduces the risk of dental injury but cannot prevent every problem. Helmets and smart play matter too. After a hit to the mouth:
- Check for loose, chipped, or displaced teeth
- Look for cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums that will not stop bleeding
- Note any jaw pain, trouble closing the mouth, or a bite that feels different
- Save any tooth fragments in milk or saliva
- Call (480) 949-5858 for emergency dentistry if anything seems off
Guards For Kids And Teens
Growing mouths change fast, so a child's sports guard usually needs replacing every season or two. We fit young athletes as part of our pediatric dentistry care and make sure guards are comfortable enough that kids will actually wear them.
Questions, Answered
Custom Mouth Guards FAQs
Can I Wear My Night Guard For Sports?
No. Night guards are hard and thin and are not built to absorb impact. Use a proper athletic guard for any contact activity.
Why Choose A Custom Guard Over A Store-Bought One?
Custom guards fit precisely, stay in place, allow easier breathing and speech, and last longer. For night guards, a custom fit also avoids bite changes a generic appliance can cause.
How Often Should A Mouth Guard Be Replaced?
Replace it when it shows cracks, thinning, or no longer fits snugly. Adults often get several years from a night guard; young athletes may need a new sports guard every season.
How Do I Clean My Mouth Guard?
Rinse after each use, brush gently with mild soap, and air dry before storing. Avoid hot water and harsh cleaners, which can warp the material.
Will A Night Guard Stop My Grinding?
A night guard protects your teeth from the effects of grinding, but it does not stop the habit itself. If jaw pain or headaches continue, we will look at other contributing factors.
Do Kids Need Custom Mouth Guards?
Any child in a contact or collision sport benefits from a well-fitting guard. Custom guards are more comfortable, which means they are more likely to stay in during play.