Custom Mouth Guards in Sherman Oaks
Just as you wouldn’t ride a bike without a helmet or play sports without protective gear, your teeth deserve the same level of care. Whether you’re an active athlete in Sherman Oaks or struggling with nighttime teeth grinding, a professionally crafted mouth guard offers critical protection for your smile.
At our Sherman Oaks dental office, we create custom-fitted mouth guards tailored precisely to your unique dental anatomy. Unlike store-bought guards, these customized devices deliver unmatched comfort, superior protection, and long-lasting durability.
Why Custom Mouth Guards Matter
Far too many people wait until they break a tooth, chip a restoration, or develop painful jaw problems before considering a protective appliance. A custom-made mouth guard acts as a powerful barrier against both sports injuries and nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism).
At our Sherman Oaks practice, we offer two main categories of protective mouth guards:
- Sports Mouth Guards: Designed to distribute impact forces and shield your teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw from athletic or recreational injuries.
- Night Guards: Created for nighttime use to guard against tooth wear from clenching or grinding while reducing tension in the jaw muscles.
Do You Need a Mouth Guard?
You don’t have to wait for visible damage to protect your teeth. Many patients don’t even realize they have progressive dental wear until the harm is advanced. You might benefit from a mouth guard if you experience:
- Jaw soreness or stiffness in the morning
- Teeth that look worn, shortened, or chipped
- Frequent breakage of dental fillings or crowns
- Popping, clicking, or locking in the jaw
- Regular participation in high-contact or high-impact sports
Benefits of a Custom Mouth Guard
While generic, one-size-fits-all mouth guards may seem convenient, a professionally designed guard offers significant advantages:
Personalized Comfort
Seamless Fit
Long-Term Durability
Protection for TMJ & Jaw Health
What to Expect During the Process
Making your custom mouth guard is a quick, simple process that generally takes two easy appointments:
- Consultation & Evaluation
We’ll discuss whether you need a guard for sports, nighttime clenching, or both. We’ll also assess any jaw tension, tooth wear, or grinding habits you may have. - Digital Scans or Impressions
We use advanced scanning technology or traditional impressions to capture a highly accurate map of your teeth and bite. - Custom Fabrication
Your measurements are sent to a specialized dental lab, where skilled technicians craft your guard using safe, durable materials. - Fitting & Final Adjustments
When your guard is ready, we’ll make sure it fits perfectly, check your bite, and make any minor tweaks for maximum comfort. - Care Instructions
Our team will walk you through cleaning and storing your guard to extend its life and maintain its effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most guards are ready within 10 to 14 days of your impressions
With proper care, a custom mouth guard can last between 3 and 10 years. If you grind heavily, you may need to replace it more frequently.
