How Custom Mouth Guards Help Prevent Damage Year-Round
From sports injuries to nightly tooth grinding, your teeth face more wear than you might expect. Custom mouth guards are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your smile, especially when they're made by your dentist.
At Marlborough Dental Centre, we offer custom-fit sport and night guards to support the needs of both children and adults. Our patients include hockey players, gymnasts, and martial artists looking to avoid chipped or knocked-out teeth. We also see patients dealing with nighttime clenching or bruxism that can lead to enamel wear, jaw pain, and chronic headaches.
Unlike boil-and-bite options from a drugstore, our guards are made using a precise impression of your bite. The result is a much more comfortable, durable, and effective appliance that won’t shift during use.
Why Mouth Guards Matter for Winter Sports in Calgary
In Calgary, winter means hockey, skiing, snowboarding, and other high-impact sports. Dental injuries like broken teeth, lip lacerations, and jaw trauma are common in contact and solo sports, and they’re preventable.
- Cushion impact during falls or collisions
- Reduce risk of lip and soft tissue injury
- Help prevent concussion by absorbing force
- Stay secure during movement and speech
Because they are moulded to fit your unique bite, custom guards don’t dislodge easily and allow better breathing and speaking during play — a major benefit for young athletes.
Night Guards for Bruxism and Jaw Pain
Do you wake up with jaw stiffness or headaches? You might be grinding your teeth at night without even realizing it.
Bruxism can cause:
- Enamel erosion
- Tooth sensitivity
- Cracked fillings or crowns
- TMJ dysfunction
Night guards work by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This protects your enamel and relaxes the muscles responsible for clenching. Over time, night guards can help reduce symptoms and protect costly dental work.
We offer soft, hard, and dual-laminate guards depending on your needs. During your consultation, we’ll assess the extent of wear or clenching and recommend the right appliance.
Who Should Wear a Custom Mouth Guard?
While athletes are the most obvious candidates, custom guards are beneficial for:
- Children in team sports (ages 6–18)
- Adults with orthodontic work who grind at night
- Patients undergoing cosmetic or restorative dental work
- People with jaw tension, TMJ symptoms, or worn-down teeth
Many people also benefit from mouth guards during high-stress periods. Clenching and grinding often increase with work pressure, sleep disturbances, or major life changes.
If you're unsure whether you need a guard, our team can examine signs of wear on your teeth or symptoms related to TMJ and offer guidance.
How We Make Your Custom Guard
Fitting a custom mouth guard is quick and painless:
- Consultation and Impressions – We take a mould of your bite using digital or traditional methods.
- Lab Fabrication – Your guard is created by a dental lab for a precise fit.
- Fitting Appointment – We ensure the guard fits comfortably and securely.
- Care Instructions – We teach you how to clean and store your guard properly.
With proper care, a mouth guard can last several seasons or years depending on usage.
Protect Your Smile in 2026 and Beyond
Custom mouth guards are more than just sports gear; they’re year-round protection for your teeth, jaw, and overall comfort. Whether you’re gearing up for the hockey season or trying to ease nighttime grinding, a professionally made guard can prevent costly issues before they start.
Contact Marlborough Dental Centre to book your consultation and start 2026 with proactive protection for your smile. We proudly serve families throughout NE Calgary, including Marlborough, Mayland Heights, and surrounding communities.
FAQs
Q: Why Are Custom Mouth Guards Better Than Over-The-Counter Ones?
A: Custom guards are made to fit your exact bite, offering more comfort, protection, and durability.
Q: Can Kids Wear Mouth Guards With Braces?
A: Yes, custom guards can be made to fit around orthodontic appliances for safe sports play.
Q: How Do I Know if I’m Grinding My Teeth At Night?
A: Common signs include jaw pain, morning headaches, and worn or flattened teeth.
