Two Types of Mouth Guards. One Trusted Source.
Not all mouth guards serve the same purpose. Clear Essence provides two distinct types, each designed for a specific need.
Sports Mouth Guards: For Athletes of All Ages and Levels
A blow to the face during a contact sport can chip, crack, or knock out a tooth in an instant. Dental injuries are among the most common sports injuries in both children and adults, and the majority of them are preventable with proper protection.
A custom athletic mouth guard from Clear Essence covers your upper teeth and absorbs and distributes the force of an impact before it reaches your teeth, jaw, and surrounding bone. The result is a level of protection that a store-bought boil-and-bite guard simply cannot provide, both because of the quality of the material and because of the precision of the fit.
Custom athletic guards are recommended for any sport that involves physical contact, a moving ball or object, or a risk of falling. This includes football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, wrestling, martial arts, lacrosse, and more.
Who needs a sports mouth guard? Any child or adult who participates in contact or collision sports. Families near Lindbergh Schools whose kids play organized sports, adults in recreational leagues throughout the Watson Road Corridor, and athletes of any age and level are all appropriate candidates. The investment in a custom guard is a fraction of the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged tooth.
Nightguards: For Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding, clinically referred to as bruxism, is more common than most people realize. Many patients who grind their teeth do so during sleep and have no idea it is happening until the damage has already accumulated or until a sleep partner mentions the noise.
Grinding places an enormous amount of force on your teeth, far more than normal chewing produces. Over time, that force wears down enamel, flattens and chips tooth surfaces, causes sensitivity, creates microfractures that lead to larger breaks, and puts significant stress on the jaw joint.
A custom nightguard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It absorbs the grinding force so your teeth take none of the impact and allows your jaw muscles to rest in a more relaxed position through the night.
Signs you may be grinding your teeth:
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- You wake up with jaw soreness, stiffness, or pain
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- You have frequent morning headaches, particularly at the temples
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- Your teeth are visibly flattened, chipped, or shorter than they used to be
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- You have increased tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause
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- Your sleep partner has heard grinding sounds during the night
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- You notice yourself clenching your jaw during the day under stress
If any of these are familiar, bring it up at your next appointment. The team will examine your teeth for signs of grinding wear and discuss whether a custom nightguard is the right solution.
Why a Custom Mouth Guard Is Worth It
Walk into any pharmacy or sporting goods store and you will find a wall of mouth guards at various price points. Most of them fall into two categories: pre-formed guards that fit nobody’s mouth particularly well, and boil-and-bite guards that offer a rough approximation of a custom fit.
Here is why neither compares to what you get from Clear Essence:
Fit. A custom mouth guard is made from a precise impression of your teeth. It fits your bite exactly. Store-bought guards are made for a generic average that does not match how your teeth actually sit. A guard that does not fit correctly shifts around during use, reduces protection, and is uncomfortable enough that most people eventually stop wearing it.
Thickness and Material. Professional-grade mouth guard materials used in a dental office are denser, more durable, and more effective at absorbing impact and grinding force than the materials used in retail guards. The thickness is also calibrated appropriately for the purpose, whether that is impact protection for sports or cushioning for nighttime grinding.
Comfort and Compliance. The most effective mouth guard is the one that actually gets worn. A custom guard is comfortable enough to wear consistently, whether that means sleeping in it every night or keeping it in throughout an entire practice and game. Store-bought guards that feel bulky or loose get left behind.
Longevity. A well-made custom mouth guard lasts significantly longer than a retail option, making it a better value over time despite the higher upfront cost.
How to Get a Custom Mouth Guard at Clear Essence
Getting a custom mouth guard from Clear Essence Family Dentistry is a straightforward process that takes very little of the patient’s time.
Step 1 — Your Appointment Patients can call the office to schedule a mouth guard appointment and let the team know whether they need an athletic guard, a nightguard, or an evaluation to determine which option is appropriate.
Step 2 — Your Exam For nightguard patients, the Clear Essence Family Dentistry team examines the teeth for signs of grinding wear and evaluates the jaw and bite before proceeding. This helps ensure the guard is designed appropriately for the patient’s specific situation. For athletic guard patients, a brief exam confirms fit requirements and addresses any existing dental concerns.
Step 3 — Impressions Precise impressions or scans of the teeth are taken at the office. These records are the foundation of the custom guard and are what separate a truly custom fit from anything available over the counter.
Step 4 — Fabrication The mouth guard is fabricated based on the patient’s impressions and the specifications outlined by the Clear Essence Family Dentistry team.
Step 5 — Fitting When the guard is ready, the patient returns to the office for a fitting. The team checks the fit, makes any necessary adjustments, and reviews how to wear and care for the mouth guard properly.
That is the entire process. Most patients are surprised by how simple it is.
How to Take Care of Your Mouth Guard
A custom mouth guard is an investment worth protecting. With proper care, it will last considerably longer and continue to perform the way it is supposed to.
Rinse it after every use. Rinse your mouth guard with cool water or a mild mouth rinse after each use. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material.
Brush it gently. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to clean your guard regularly. Toothpaste is too abrasive for most guard materials and can create microscopic scratches that harbor bacteria over time.
Store it in its case. Keep your guard in the ventilated case it comes with when it is not in use. Leaving it out exposes it to bacteria and increases the chance of damage or loss.
Keep it away from heat. Do not leave your mouth guard in a hot car, near a heater, or anywhere it can be exposed to temperatures that would distort its shape.
Bring it to your dental appointments. The team can check your guard for wear and fit at your regular exams. Guards do not last forever and will need to be replaced when the material wears down or when changes in your bite affect the fit.
For children’s athletic guards. Children’s mouths change as they grow and permanent teeth continue to come in. Athletic guards for younger patients may need to be replaced more frequently than adult guards to maintain proper fit and protection.
Custom Mouth Guards for Sunset Hills and South St. Louis County
Clear Essence Family Dentistry is located on Sunset Office Dr. in Sunset Hills, a convenient stop for families and athletes throughout South St. Louis County. We see patients from Kirkwood, Crestwood, Sappington, Fenton, Webster Groves, Valley Park, Meacham Park, and communities near Lindbergh Schools and the Watson Road Corridor.
Whether your child plays sports through Lindbergh Schools or a local club league, or you have been waking up with jaw pain and headaches for longer than you want to admit, a custom mouth guard from Clear Essence Family Dentistry can be a practical, durable solution. It is designed to help prevent dental injuries, protect against grinding damage, and support long-term oral health.
The Clear Essence Family Dentistry team will provide a straightforward assessment of what is needed and why. No unnecessary add-ons. No pressure. Just an honest recommendation and a guard that fits properly.
Common Questions About Mouth Guards
How is a custom mouth guard different from a boil-and-bite guard?
A boil-and-bite guard is softened in hot water and pressed against your teeth for a rough impression. The fit is approximate at best. A custom guard is made from precise professional impressions of your actual bite and fabricated from higher-quality materials in a dental lab. The fit, comfort, and protective value are significantly better.
How long does a custom mouth guard last?
Athletic guards for adults typically last one to three years depending on use and care. Nightguards vary based on the severity of grinding but generally last two to five years with proper maintenance. The team will monitor wear at your regular exams and advise when replacement is appropriate.
Can my child get a custom athletic mouth guard?
Yes. Custom athletic guards are available for children as well as adults. Keep in mind that younger children whose permanent teeth are still coming in may need their guard replaced more frequently as their bite changes.
My child’s league requires a mouth guard. Will a custom guard satisfy that requirement?
In virtually all cases, yes. A custom guard exceeds the protection standard required by any youth or adult sports league. If you have a specific question about your league’s requirements, bring it to your appointment and we can address it directly.
Does insurance cover mouth guards?
Coverage varies by plan. Nightguards for bruxism are covered at least partially by many dental insurance plans. Athletic guards are less commonly covered. Call us and we can help you understand your options before you come in.
I already have a nightguard from another dentist. Can you check if it still fits properly?
Yes. Bring it to your next appointment and the team will assess the fit and condition. If it is still doing its job, great. If it needs to be replaced, they will tell you why.
How do I know if I grind my teeth if I do it in my sleep?
The most common signs are waking up with jaw soreness or headaches, increased tooth sensitivity, and visible wear or flattening of your tooth surfaces. The team checks for grinding wear as part of every comprehensive exam. If they see evidence of it, he will bring it to your attention and discuss your options.
Get Your Custom Mouth Guard in Sunset Hills Today
Whether you are protecting a young athlete from a sports injury or finally doing something about jaw pain and worn-down teeth, Clear Essence Family Dentistry offers custom mouth guard solutions designed around each patient’s needs.
Call (314) 887-1447 or request an appointment online. The Clear Essence Family Dentistry team will provide a straightforward assessment and a custom guard designed to fit properly and work effectively.
Accepting new patients from Sunset Hills, Kirkwood, Crestwood, Sappington, Fenton, Webster Groves, Valley Park, Meacham Park, and throughout South St. Louis County.
