Mouth Guards | Long Lake Family Dentistry

Protect Your Smile Before Damage Happens

Your teeth are irreplaceable — and while modern dentistry can do remarkable things to restore damaged teeth, nothing compares to preventing the damage in the first place. At Long Lake Family Dentistry, we provide two types of custom-fitted mouth guards: sports guards for athletes of all ages, and night guards for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep. Both are crafted from professional-grade materials using precise impressions of your own teeth, resulting in a fit that is dramatically more comfortable, effective, and durable than anything available over the counter.

Custom mouth guard fitting at Long Lake Family Dentistry

Our custom-fitted mouth guards provide superior protection and comfort compared to generic store-bought options.

Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are a poor substitute for a professionally made appliance. They are bulky, uncomfortable, interfere with breathing and speaking, and often fail to stay in place during activity — which means they offer far less protection when it matters most. A custom guard from our office fits precisely over your unique dental arch, stays securely in place, and is made from materials calibrated to absorb and distribute impact or grinding forces effectively.

Two Types of Custom Guards We Provide

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Sports Mouth Guards

Essential for contact and collision sports including hockey, football, rugby, basketball, martial arts, and more. Protects teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaw from impact injuries. Recommended for athletes of all ages.

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Night Guards (Occlusal Splints)

For patients who grind (brux) or clench their teeth during sleep. Protects enamel from wear, reduces jaw muscle tension and TMJ pain, and prevents cracked and fractured teeth caused by chronic grinding.

Signs You May Need a Night Guard

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Waking with jaw pain or headaches

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Flattened, chipped, or worn tooth surfaces

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Earache or facial muscle soreness

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Partner reports grinding sounds at night

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Cracked or fractured teeth without injury

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Increased tooth sensitivity to temperature

Getting Your Custom Guard — What to Expect

Consultation & Assessment

We assess your teeth, bite, and discuss your specific needs — whether that's a sport you play or grinding symptoms you've noticed. We'll recommend the most appropriate guard type and material thickness.

Dental Impressions

Precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth are taken. These are sent to a professional dental lab where your guard is custom-fabricated to match your exact dental anatomy.

Fitting & Adjustments

When your guard is ready (typically 1–2 weeks), you return for a fitting. We check the fit, comfort, and bite — and make any minor adjustments needed to ensure it feels perfect.

Care Instructions

We walk you through how to clean and store your guard to maximize its lifespan. With proper care, a custom guard typically lasts 2–5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why not just buy a boil-and-bite guard from the pharmacy? +

Store-bought guards are one-size-fits-all and typically bulky, loose, and uncomfortable. They can actually interfere with breathing and speech, and provide inconsistent protection. A custom guard fits precisely, stays in place, and is made from materials calibrated to the forces specific to your situation.

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night? +

Common signs include waking with jaw soreness, headaches at the temples, worn or flattened teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, and a partner reporting grinding sounds while you sleep. Your dentist can also identify signs of bruxism during a routine check-up by examining your tooth surfaces.

Are mouth guards covered by dental insurance? +

Coverage varies by plan. Night guards for bruxism are often partially covered under restorative or preventive benefits. Sports guards may or may not be covered. We recommend calling your insurer ahead of time, and our team is happy to help you understand and maximize your benefits.

My child plays sports — at what age should they have a guard? +

As soon as a child begins participating in contact or collision sports. Even young children with primary teeth benefit from protection, and custom guards can be made for kids. As their teeth change, the guard will need to be updated — typically every 1–2 years for growing children.

How long does a custom mouth guard last? +

With proper care, adult sports and night guards typically last 2–5 years. Night guards used by heavy grinders may wear through faster. We check the condition of your guard at each visit and will advise you when a replacement is warranted.

Custom Mouth Guards