Night Guards
For patients who clench or grind during sleep. A night guard can help protect teeth from wear and reduce pressure from the habit.
Mouthguards
Night guards and sports guards made around fit, comfort, and protection.
Custom mouthguards can protect teeth during sports and help patients who grind or clench at night. GFID can evaluate tooth wear, jaw soreness, bite pressure, guard fit, and whether a night guard or sports guard is the right next step.
Video
A quick visual for custom athletic mouthguards.
Custom guards are made to fit the patient instead of relying on a loose one-size-fits-all appliance. This video gives patients a simple look at how a custom athletic guard can protect teeth and stay in place more comfortably.
Types
Which guard fits the problem?
Sports Guards
For athletes who need better protection than a loose over-the-counter guard. Custom fit matters when a guard needs to stay in place during practice or games.
TMJ-Related Pain Conversations
Pain in front of the ear or on the side of the face can sometimes be related to grinding or clenching. The doctor can evaluate what may be contributing before recommending an appliance.
Grinding + Clenching
What bruxism means in plain English.
Many patients grind or clench their teeth. When this happens at night or during sleep, it is often called nocturnal clenching or bruxing. Bruxing means grinding the teeth, not just holding them tightly together.
GFID can make an occlusal bite guard from hard thermoplastic material and adjust it so the teeth touch the guard evenly.
Visit Flow
What to expect.
Evaluation
The doctor checks tooth wear, bite, symptoms, and whether a guard is appropriate.
Scan or impression
The office may use a digital scan or impression so the guard can be made to fit your teeth accurately.
Fabrication
The guard is made for your mouth instead of being a one-size-fits-all appliance.
Adjustment
The dentist adjusts the guard so the bite feels balanced and comfortable.
Follow-up
If symptoms change or the guard feels off, the office can evaluate and adjust it.
Questions
Ask the Dentist
Common mouthguard questions.
What can be done if I grind my teeth at night?
The doctor can evaluate whether an occlusal bite guard is appropriate. The appliance is made of hard thermoplastic material and adjusted so each tooth touches the guard evenly.
Can a mouthguard help TMJ pain?
Some pain in front of the ear or on the side of the face can be related to grinding or clenching. The doctor should evaluate the symptoms before deciding whether a guard may help.
Is a custom sports guard different from a store-bought guard?
A custom guard is made to fit your teeth. That can improve comfort, retention, breathing, and protection compared with a loose over-the-counter guard.
Do I need a scan or impression?
Usually yes. The office needs an accurate record of your teeth to make a custom guard. A digital scan may be used when appropriate.
Should kids or teen athletes use a custom guard?
Many athletes benefit from a better-fitting guard, especially in contact sports. The doctor can advise based on age, sport, braces or aligners, and dental development.