Restorative Dentistry

Mouthguards

IN EVERETT, WA

Custom-fitted protection for sport and for nighttime grinding.

Custom versus over-the-counter

Stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards from a sporting goods store are better than nothing, but they are bulky, they interfere with breathing and speech, and they are frequently spat out mid-game — which protects nobody.

A custom guard is made from an impression of your own teeth. It is thinner where it can be, thicker where protection is actually needed, and it stays put without being clenched in place.

For grinding, fit matters even more than in sport. A guard that does not fit precisely can shift your bite or, worse, encourage harder clenching. This is genuinely not the place for an off-the-shelf product, particularly if you have crowns, veneers or implants to protect — replacing one fractured crown costs more than the guard that would have prevented it.

Signs you need a guard

  • Waking with a sore jaw, tight temples, or headaches that ease as the morning goes on.
  • Teeth worn flat, chipped edges, or restorations that keep fracturing.
  • A partner who has heard you grinding at night.
  • Playing any contact or collision sport — or any sport with a ball, a stick, or a hard floor.

What to expect

Two short visits — one for impressions, one to fit.

  1. 1 Impressions Precise impressions of your teeth and a check of how your bite comes together.
  2. 2 Fabrication Your guard is made to fit your teeth exactly, in a thickness appropriate to its purpose.
  3. 3 Fitting We check comfort and bite, adjust as needed, and show you how to care for it.

Looking after a guard

Rinse it after each use and brush it gently with cool water — hot water distorts the material. Store it dry in its case, away from pets, and bring it to your check-ups so we can inspect it for wear. If you are grinding through guards quickly, that itself is worth investigating.

Common questions about mouthguards

How much does a custom mouthguard cost compared with a store-bought one?
More upfront, and far less than what it protects. A single fractured molar or a broken front tooth costs a multiple of the guard. Sports guards are sometimes covered for children; nightguards are often partially covered where grinding is documented. We can check your benefits.
How long does a nightguard last?
Commonly three to five years, less if you grind heavily — the wear on the guard is wear that would otherwise have been on your teeth. Bring it to your check-ups and we will assess it.
How do I clean it?
Rinse it after each use and brush it gently with cool water and a little soap. Never use hot water, which distorts the material. Store it dry in its case, out of reach of pets — dogs find them irresistible.
Do I need a guard if I only clench, not grind?
Often yes. Clenching produces sustained force without the noise, and it causes jaw muscle pain, headaches and tooth wear just as grinding does. The absence of noise is why it usually goes undiagnosed for longer.
Can I wear a guard with braces or implants?
Yes, and it is often specifically recommended to protect that work. The design differs, so tell us what you have before it is made.

Questions about mouthguards?

We'll walk you through the options, the costs, and what to expect.

Madison Street Dental Clinic serves Everett and the surrounding communities of Marysville, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Lynnwood and Bothell.

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