Night Guards
A thin, custom guard you wear while you sleep to protect teeth from grinding and clenching.
About night guardsPreventive care
Sports mouth guards in Herriman
A hit to the face during a game can chip or knock out a tooth. A custom mouth guard helps protect your teeth, lips and jaw so you or your child can play with more confidence.
What is a sports mouth guard?
A sports mouth guard is a soft, flexible tray that covers your teeth while you play. It spreads out the force of a blow so less of it lands on one tooth. A custom guard is made from a scan of your mouth, so it fits snugly and stays put.
- Made to fit your teeth, not a one-size tray
- Helps lower the risk of chipped, cracked or lost teeth
- Can be made for kids, teens and adults
Who should wear a mouth guard
Anyone who plays a sport where a ball, stick, elbow or fall could hit the mouth can benefit. That includes:
- Football, hockey, lacrosse and soccer players
- Baseball and softball players
- Basketball and volleyball players
- Kids in martial arts, wrestling or gymnastics
- Skaters, bikers and skiers
A guard matters even more if you wear braces or have crowns, bridges or other dental work. Growing kids may need a new guard as their teeth change. Your dentist looks at your bite and the sport you play to pick the right thickness.
A sports guard is different from a night guard. A night guard is thinner and made to protect teeth from grinding while you sleep. If you need both, ask us at your visit.
How your mouth guard is made
- Quick check. Your dentist looks at your teeth and gums and asks about the sports you play.
- Digital scan. We take a 3D scan of your teeth. There is no goopy impression tray.
- Making the guard. Your guard is formed from a tough, flexible plastic shaped to your scan.
- Fitting. You try it on. We check that it feels secure, lets you breathe and talk, and does not rub your gums. Small changes can be made if needed.
Custom or store-bought?
Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are better than nothing. But they are often bulky, loose or hard to talk in, so many players stop wearing them. A custom guard is thinner where it can be and thicker where it needs to be, so it is easier to keep in.
Caring for your mouth guard
- Rinse it with cool water before and after each use.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Do not use hot water, which can warp it.
- Keep it in a vented case so it can dry out.
- Keep it out of a hot car and away from pets.
- Bring it to your checkups so we can look for wear.
Replace your guard if it has holes, tears or no longer fits snugly.
Cost and insurance
Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.
FAQ
Questions about mouth guards
How often should I replace my mouth guard?
Adults can often use a guard for a season or longer if it stays in good shape. Kids and teens may need a new one more often because their teeth and jaws are still growing.
Can my child wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes. Braces make a guard even more helpful because brackets can cut the lips during a hit. Your dentist will make sure the guard leaves room for the braces and for teeth that are moving.
Will a mouth guard make it hard to talk or breathe?
A well-fitted custom guard should let you breathe and call out to teammates. Most people get used to it after a few practices.
What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out during a game?
Pick the tooth up by the top, not the root. Rinse it gently and try to put it back in its socket, or keep it in milk. Call us right away, since quick care gives the tooth the most chance to be saved.
Does insurance cover sports mouth guards?
Some plans cover part of the cost and some do not. We can check your plan and tell you what to expect before we make your guard.
Related care
You may also want to know about
Oral Trauma
Care for teeth and gums hurt in falls, sports and accidents, plus first aid you can do now.
About oral traumaEmergency Dental Care
Help for urgent tooth problems, with steps to take at home until we can see you.
About emergency dental careQuestions?
Call to book your visit
Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.