Custom Mouth Guards in South Lake Union, Seattle
Protect Your Teeth, Sleep Better, Play Harder
A Night Guard Can Save Your Smile and Your Mornings
Many adults grind or clench their teeth at night without knowing it. Over time, that nightly pressure can crack teeth, wear down enamel, damage existing crowns and veneers, and cause sore jaws and morning headaches. A custom night guard is the simplest and most effective way to protect your teeth and your existing dental work while you sleep.
Signs you may benefit from a night guard:
- Sore jaw, jaw clicking, or jaw fatigue in the morning
- Tension headaches that start at the temples or behind the eyes
- Worn, chipped, or flattened biting edges on your teeth
- Sensitivity to cold or pressure on multiple teeth
- A partner who notices you grinding at night
- Existing crowns, veneers, or implants you want to protect long-term
Why a custom night guard is worth it
- Fits only your teeth, so it stays put through the night
- Made from impressions or digital scans, never a one-size-fits-all blank
- Lasts years (boil-and-bite drugstore guards often last weeks)
- Materials chosen for your specific grinding pattern
- Reduces wear on your teeth and protects your dental work
Mouth Guards for Adults and Kids in Contact Sports
Whether you play hockey, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, martial arts, or any contact sport (or your kid does) a custom athletic mouth guard is a serious upgrade over the generic guards sold at sporting goods stores. Custom guards fit better, breathe better, and protect more reliably against the kind of front-tooth injury that requires emergency dental work and often a lifetime of restorations.
Especially important for:
- Kids and teens playing youth or school sports
- Adults playing recreational hockey, basketball, soccer, or martial arts
- Patients with existing veneers, bonding, or front-tooth crowns
- Patients with prior dental trauma
How the Process Works
Step 1: Quick exam and scan
Your dentist takes a quick look to confirm your bite and any grinding patterns, then takes a digital scan (no goopy impressions) of your teeth.
Step 2: Custom fabrication
Your scan is sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom guard is made from materials chosen for your situation.
Step 3: Fitting visit
You return for a short fitting visit where your dentist adjusts the guard so it feels comfortable and protective.
Step 4: Care and replacement
Bring your guard to your routine cleanings so we can check the fit and condition. A well-cared-for night guard typically lasts five years or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a custom mouth guard cost?
Cost depends on the type of guard and the materials used. We provide a clear estimate before fabrication, and we will tell you what your insurance is likely to cover.
Does insurance cover night guards?
Many PPO dental plans cover a portion of custom night guards when they are prescribed for grinding or TMJ-related issues. Coverage varies, and we verify your specific benefits before treatment.
How long does a custom night guard last?
A well-made and well-cared-for night guard typically lasts five years or more, though hard grinders may need replacement sooner.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse it after every use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste, which can scratch it), and store it dry. Bring it to your routine cleanings and we will check the fit and condition.
Are custom guards really worth it over the drugstore versions?
Yes. Custom guards fit only your teeth, last years instead of weeks, protect more reliably, and are far more comfortable to actually sleep or play with. The cost difference pays for itself quickly.
Can my kid get a custom athletic mouth guard?
Yes. Custom athletic guards are excellent for kids and teens in contact sports, including soccer, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and martial arts.
Will a night guard help my morning headaches?
Often, yes. Many patients with jaw tension and morning headaches see significant improvement within a few weeks of wearing a properly made night guard.
Can I get a mouth guard appointment on a Saturday?
Yes. We are open Saturdays from 8am to 2pm for impressions, fittings, and follow-up visits.
