If you play sports, grind your teeth at night, or just want extra teeth protection, a custom mouthguard can make a big difference. At Smiles By Paul Lee in Houston, TX, we make mouthguards that are designed to fit your exact smile. That means they feel better, stay in place, and help protect your teeth when it matters most.
Store-bought mouthguards may look similar, but they often feel bulky, slide around, or make it hard to breathe or talk. A custom mouthguard made by Dr. Paul Lee in Houston, TX, is made from a mold or scan of your teeth, so it fits closely and comfortably. It provides optimal coverage and comfort while you sleep or play sports. The guard minimizes damage from teeth grinding or clenching, helping protect you from potential long-term dental issues. You can breathe and speak easily while staying active.
What Is a Custom Mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is a protective dental appliance made just for you. It covers your teeth and helps reduce damage from impact or pressure. Because it matches your tooth shape, it fits snugly and doesn’t require constant biting to stay in place.
- Custom mouthguards for sports: If you play contact sports (like football, basketball, hockey, or martial arts) or even non-contact sports (like baseball, skateboarding, or gymnastics), a mouthguard helps protect your teeth, lips, and jaw. A hit to the mouth can cause broken teeth, cuts, or even tooth loss. A mouthguard acts like a cushion between your teeth and the impact force.
- Custom mouthguards for teeth grinding: Many people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. This is called bruxism. Grinding can wear teeth down, cause chips or cracks, and lead to jaw soreness or headaches. A custom night guard helps protect the tooth surfaces by creating a barrier between your top and bottom teeth.
- Custom mouthguards for teeth protection: Some patients want protection for specific reasons, like protecting dental work (such as crowns or veneers), reducing stress on the jaw, or helping avoid tooth damage during heavy clenching. Dr. Lee can recommend the right style based on your needs.
The Process of Getting a Mouthguard Fitted
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
Impressions or Digital Scan
Custom Fabrication
We then make your mouthguard using durable dental materials. For sports mouthguards, we may recommend a thicker design in areas that need more impact protection. For teeth grinding, the guard is designed to handle strong bite forces while keeping a smooth surface for your teeth to glide against.
Fitting Appointment and Adjustments
When your mouthguard is ready, you come back to try it on. We check how it fits along the teeth and gums and how it feels when you close your bite. If needed, we make small adjustments so it sits just right: snug, comfortable, and not irritating. Dr. Lee will also explore other solutions if you grind your teeth due to alignment issues. Our orthodontic options will get your teeth back into proper alignment, stopping this damaging habit from harming your smile.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
We will show you how to keep it clean and in good shape. In general, rinse it after use, brush it gently, and store it in its case. Also, bring it to your regular dental visits so we can check the fit and wear over time.
Replacement When Needed
Mouthguards can wear out, especially night guards for heavy grinders or sports guards used often. Kids and teens may also need replacements as their teeth move and grow. If your guard feels loose, looks worn, or has cracks, it is time to have it checked.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
- Better fit and comfort: Because it matches your exact tooth shape, it feels more natural than a boil-and-bite guard.
- Stronger, more reliable protection: Custom materials and the right thickness help reduce damage from sports impacts or grinding pressure.
- Stays in place: A snug fit means less slipping and less need to clench to keep it in place.
- Easier breathing and speaking: Many patients find custom guards less bulky, which helps during sports.
- Helps prevent tooth wear and damage: Night guards can reduce chipping and flattening caused by grinding.
- May reduce jaw strain: By creating a smooth surface between teeth, a guard can help reduce stress on the jaw joints and muscles.
- Sleep Better at Night: Custom guards promote a relaxed jaw position while keeping your airway open.
For many people, a mouthguard is a simple step that can help avoid big dental problems later. Repairing broken teeth or replacing a knocked-out tooth can be costly and stressful. Protection up front is often the easier path.
