Mouth Guards in Uptown Chicago, IL

A mouth guard is a protective dental appliance that shields your teeth from damage caused by injury, grinding, or oral habits. Mouth guards help prevent oral injuries and protect the soft tissues—such as gums, cheeks, lips, and tongue—during physical activity.

For any athlete, a custom mouth guard is important for protecting their teeth and soft tissues, offering a personalized fit and optimal comfort for their specific needs.

Types of Mouth Guards Available in Chicago

There are several types of mouthguards available in Chicago, each designed to meet different needs and provide varying levels of protection and comfort.

Custom-Fitted Night Guards

Professionally created from dental impressions to address bruxism (teeth grinding), these customized mouthguards are designed to achieve a customized fit and perfect fit that matches the unique shape of your mouth and fits your teeth perfectly. This ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness. These dental guards can be tailored to fit the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both (upper and lower teeth), with the shape specifically customized for each individual. Available in soft, dual-laminate, and hard acrylic materials, they absorb grinding force and prevent enamel wear, jaw pain, and misalignment. They typically last 1–5+ years.

Athletic/Sports Custom Mouthguards

Providing maximum protection during sports like football, hockey, and boxing, these sports mouthguards act as a protective barrier for athletes during sports activities and martial arts, helping to absorb impact force, prevent broken or knocked-out teeth. They are essential for those who play contact sports, offering superior protection for both adults and children.

Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards

Boil and bite mouthguards, sometimes called bite mouthguards, are softened in hot water and then shaped to fit your teeth more comfortably. While affordable, these over the counter mouthguards typically don’t fit properly, require frequent replacement, and provide inadequate protection for serious grinding or contact sports. Custom mouthguards provide enhanced protection, increased comfort, and greater durability compared to over-the-counter options.

TMJ & Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards

TMJ & Sleep Apnea mouth guards are specialized devices that treat underlying conditions by reducing jaw pressure and repositioning the jaw to keep airways open during sleep.

Benefits of Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards

Superior Protection

Prevents tooth wear and tooth damage, shielding your teeth from serious damage caused by bruxism and nighttime teeth grinding.

Customized Fit

They provide precise fit, extended lifespan, and superior comfort compared to OTC options

Enhanced Comfort

For TMJ and sleep apnea, they actively treat underlying conditions and improve overall quality of life.

How to Choose the Right Mouth Guard

Assess your primary use (sports, bruxism, or treatment), frequency of use, and budget. Custom mouthguards are worth the investment for regular use, contact sports, or complex dental situations. Soft guards suit mild grinding, dual-laminate balances comfort and durability, and hard acrylic provides maximum protection for severe cases. Consult with a Chicago dentist who has experience with your specific need.

To ensure your mouthguard continues to fit well and functions properly, schedule regular dental check ups.

Care & Maintenance

  • Rinse your guard thoroughly before and after each use to remove debris and bacteria.
  • Clean your guard daily with mild toothpaste and a soft brush. For gentle cleaning, you can also use mild soap.
  • Disinfect weekly in denture solution.
  • Store in a ventilated container away from heat and sunlight to prevent bacterial growth and maintain hygiene.
  • Avoid exposing your mouthguard to high temperatures, as this can cause warping or damage.
  • Replace when you see cracks, wear, or fit issues develop. Soft guards typically need replacement every 6–12 months; dual-laminate every 2–3 years; hard acrylic every 3–5+ years.

Do I Need a Mouth Guard For Sports?

Yes, for any contact sport or activity with fall risk.

How Long Do Mouth Guards Take To Make?

Typically 1–3 weeks from impression to completion.

Are Mouth Guards Covered By Insurance?

Many plans cover 50% of custom night guard costs; check your specific plan.

Can You Sleep With a Mouth Guard Every Night?

Yes—nightly use is recommended for maximum protection.

Protect Your Smile Today

Professional mouth guard protection is one of the most cost-effective investments in long-term oral health. Schedule a consultation with our Chicago dentist at (224) 350-5469 to discuss your specific situation, understand your options, and find the perfect mouth guard solution.

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