Mouth Guards in Woodhaven
Waking up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel tender for no clear reason usually points to something happening overnight. Taking a hard elbow during a weekend hockey game or a hit on the football field can do damage in a single second. Both situations have the same practical answer: a custom mouth guard made to fit your teeth. At our office on Allen Rd. in Woodhaven, we make these appliances in our own on-site dental lab, which means a better fit, faster turnaround, and easy adjustments when you need them.
A mouth guard is a custom-fitted appliance that covers your teeth and absorbs force. We offer two kinds, and they are built differently because they solve different problems.
Night guards are for grinding and clenching, also called bruxism. Many people have no idea they do it until they notice worn-down enamel, chipped edges, jaw soreness, or morning headaches. A night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth so the grinding force wears on the appliance instead of your enamel, your fillings, or your crowns. It also gives tired jaw muscles a more comfortable resting position.
Sports guards are for impact. They cushion a blow to the mouth and help shield teeth, lips, and soft tissue during contact and collision sports. Because they are made from an impression of your own teeth, a custom sports guard stays put without being clenched, so you can breathe and talk more easily than you can with a boil-and-bite guard from a store shelf. For Woodhaven families with kids in school and rec league sports, this is one of the simplest protective steps you can take — and since we treat patients from age one through adulthood, we can fit the whole household.
You may be a good candidate for a night guard if you wake with jaw tightness, notice flattened or chipped tooth edges, have a partner who hears grinding, or have invested in crowns, veneers, bonding, or implants that you want to protect. Stress-related clenching is common in adults, and teenagers grind too. During a routine exam, our general dentists often spot the wear patterns before patients feel symptoms.
Sports guards make sense for anyone playing a sport where contact with another player, the ground, or equipment is possible. That includes athletes who wear braces — and with a board-certified orthodontist on our team, we see plenty of patients in treatment who need that extra layer of protection. If you grind at night and play sports, you need two separate appliances, because a night guard is not built to take impact and a sports guard is not designed for all-night wear.
- A custom fit taken from impressions of your own teeth, not a one-size tray
- Appliances made and adjusted in our on-site lab
- Protection for existing dental work like crowns, fillings, and bonding
- Options for children, teens, and adults under one roof
- Comfort menu available at every visit: blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones, Netflix, and refreshments
What the Process Looks Like
It starts with an exam and a conversation. We look at your bite, your wear patterns, and any existing restorations, and we ask about symptoms, sleep, and the sports you play. We also offer a complimentary consultation if you simply want to talk through whether a guard is right for you before committing.
Next, we take impressions of your teeth. Those go to our in-house lab, where your guard is fabricated to your bite. Having the lab in the same building is a real advantage — if a guard needs trimming, thinning, or a pressure point relieved, we can handle it without shipping anything out. At your fitting appointment, we check the bite, make adjustments, and show you how to insert and remove it comfortably.
Caring for Your Guard
Rinse it after every use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, and let it dry fully before storing it in its ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, since hot water and hot cars can warp the material. Bring it to your cleaning and exam visits so we can inspect it for wear and check the fit against any new dental work.
Insurance, Membership, and Financing
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and offer a complimentary benefits check so you know your coverage before treatment. We also welcome self-pay patients and accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
If you do not have insurance, our in-house membership plan is $199 a year for adults and $99 for patients 17 and under, with no deductibles, no waiting period, and no annual maximum. It covers exams, X-rays, two cleanings, and two fluoride treatments at 100%, plus 20% to 50% off other treatment. CareCredit financing is also available. Se habla español — call our Woodhaven office to get started.