Custom Mouthguards in Palatka
A mouthguard only works if it fits. A custom mouthguard is made from a mold of your own teeth, so it stays where it belongs, protects what it is supposed to protect, and is comfortable enough that you will actually wear it.
We take the impression here at our office on St. Johns Avenue, a local dental lab builds the guard on that mold, and you come back to have it checked and fitted. Two short visits, and the guard is yours. New patients are always welcome — call (386) 385-3700 to get fitted.
How a Custom Mouthguard Is Made
- We take an impression. A quick, comfortable mold of your upper teeth — and your lower teeth too, if you are being fitted for a night guard.
- A local dental lab builds your guard. The lab makes the guard on your mold, in the thickness and material that suits your sport or your grinding pattern. Nothing about it is one-size.
- You come back for the fit. We check the fit, adjust the edges, and make sure you can talk and breathe comfortably in it before you take it home.
No boiling, no biting down on hot plastic, no guessing.
Sports Mouthguards for Any Age and Any Sport
Football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, soccer, skateboarding, martial arts — anywhere a stray elbow, a ball, or a fall can reach your mouth. A properly fitted guard does more than save a front tooth:
- It cushions the teeth and spreads out the force of a hit instead of letting it land on one tooth
- It keeps teeth from cutting the lips, cheeks, and tongue on impact
- It helps protect the jaw and the jaw joints
- It stays in place, so you can still talk and breathe
- It can be made to work around braces
The American Dental Association is direct about the difference: there is a significant difference in quality and protection between a dentist-fitted, custom-made mouthguard and a store-bought one. Store-bought and boil-and-bite guards are often ill-fitting, and a guard that does not fit well is a guard that gets left in the gym bag.
Mouthguards and Braces
Yes — we fit mouthguards for patients in braces. A guard made for braces is built differently, with room for the brackets and wires, so it protects your lips and cheeks from the hardware as well as protecting your teeth from impact.
If you or your child is in orthodontic treatment and playing a contact sport, a guard is not optional. Tell us you are in braces when you call and we will fit around them.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you may be waking up with a sore jaw, tight temples, or headaches — or you may be flattening and chipping your teeth without knowing it.
A night guard is a custom-fitted guard worn while you sleep that keeps your upper and lower teeth from wearing each other down. Grinding damage is slow and permanent, and a guard costs a great deal less than the crowns that eventually replace worn-down teeth. If we spot wear on your teeth at a routine exam, we will tell you.
What a Guard Costs, and How to Pay
Cost depends on the type of guard and the material, so the accurate number comes from a visit. What we can tell you up front:
- We accept most dental insurance. Some plans cover a portion of a night guard, especially where there is documented grinding damage. Sports guards are less often covered. Our front desk will check your plan before you commit to anything.
- CareCredit financing is available. You can apply or learn more through CareCredit.
- Cherry financing is also available. Ask our front desk and we will send you the application link.
Call (386) 385-3700 and we will give you a straight answer on cost and coverage before you schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
It depends on wear and, for kids and teens, on growth. A guard for a growing mouth may need replacing every season or two as teeth shift and jaws grow. An adult guard that is cared for lasts considerably longer. We check the fit at your regular visits.
Can I just buy a mouthguard at the sporting goods store?
You can, and one is better than none. But the American Dental Association points to a real difference in both quality and protection between a store-bought guard and a dentist-fitted custom one, and boil-and-bite guards are often ill-fitting. A guard that does not fit is a guard that does not get worn.
Does a mouthguard prevent concussions?
No, and be careful of anyone who tells you otherwise. A mouthguard protects your teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw. Current clinical guidance is clear that mouthguards are not recommended for preventing concussion, because the evidence does not support it. Wear a guard for your mouth and a helmet for your head.
Will a mouthguard work with braces?
Yes. It is made with room for the brackets and wires, and it protects your lips and cheeks from the hardware. Tell us you are in braces when you call.
How many visits does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
Two. One visit to take the impression, and one to fit the finished guard.
Where can I get a custom mouthguard near me in Palatka?
Island Dentists fits custom sports mouthguards and night guards at 1023 St. Johns Avenue in Palatka. Call (386) 385-3700 to get fitted.
What if a tooth gets knocked out anyway?
Call us right away at (386) 385-3700 — a knocked-out permanent tooth is time-sensitive. See our emergency dental care page for what to do in the first few minutes.
Ready to get fitted for a custom mouthguard? Call Island Dentists at (386) 385-3700 or contact us online to schedule. New patients are always welcome.