A single hit to the face during a soccer game, a night of unconscious grinding, or a collision on the basketball court can fracture a tooth in an instant, and without protection, that damage may be permanent. Whether you’re an athlete looking to safeguard your smile on the field or someone waking up with jaw pain and worn-down enamel, a properly fitted mouthguard may be one of the most important investments you make for your oral health.
At Lifetime Smiles Bellevue, our highly skilled and passionate team has been providing trusted dental care to the Bellevue community for over 35 years. Under the leadership of Dr. Michael Beke, DMD, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards as part of our commitment to preventive dentistry, because protecting your teeth before a problem occurs is always better than treating one after the fact.
A mouthguard is a protective oral appliance worn over the teeth to cushion impact, prevent fractures, and shield the soft tissues of the mouth. According to the American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy resource, mouthguards help minimize the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face, and jaw.
They are not just for contact sport athletes. Many patients who come to us for general dentistry care are surprised to learn they may also benefit from a mouthguard.
You may be a good candidate for a custom mouthguard if you do one or more of the following:
A brief conversation with our team during your next visit can help determine whether a mouthguard is the right fit for your lifestyle and dental health.
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection or comfort. There are three main categories available, and understanding the difference helps you make the right choice for your needs.
Sports mouthguards are designed to absorb the force of impact during athletic activity. They typically cover the upper teeth and protect against tooth fractures, soft tissue lacerations, and jaw injuries. Over-the-counter options like stock and boil-and-bite guards may offer some protection, but they often lack the precise fit needed for consistent wear and optimal coverage. A custom-fabricated sports guard made from impressions of your teeth provides a significantly better fit, improved comfort, and more reliable protection.
Night guards, also called occlusal guards, are designed for patients who grind or clench their teeth while sleeping. Unlike sports guards, night guards are thinner and smoother, designed to evenly distribute pressure across the bite. Over time, untreated bruxism can lead to enamel erosion, cracked teeth, jaw pain, and even tooth loss. A professionally made night guard may help reduce the severity of these effects by creating a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
A Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is a custom oral appliance that gently holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep, helping to keep the airway open and reduce nighttime breathing disruptions. Unlike sports guards or night guards, a MAD is not worn to protect the teeth directly. It is designed to support patients who have been evaluated by a physician or sleep specialist and are looking for a professionally fitted appliance as part of their care. We provide custom-fabricated MADs designed precisely for your bite and jaw anatomy, prioritizing the fit and comfort that make an appliance effective over the long term.
Store-bought options are widely available, but the difference in quality between an off-the-shelf guard and one made specifically for your mouth is significant. Custom mouthguards are fabricated using precise impressions of your teeth, resulting in a device that fits securely, stays in place during use, and does not interfere with breathing or speaking.
Patients who have worn both often report that custom guards are far more comfortable and are more likely to be worn consistently. A mouthguard only protects you when you wear it. Our team takes the time to ensure each guard fits correctly and that patients understand how to care for it so it lasts.
When it comes to protecting your smile, experience and attention to detail matter. Dr. Beke’s background as a dentist with the 82nd Airborne Division gave him firsthand experience managing dental trauma in high-impact environments. His Academy of General Dentistry Fellowship and ongoing commitment to continuing education mean our patients receive care grounded in the latest research and best practices.
We also take a whole-mouth approach to your care. When you visit us for a mouthguard fitting, we assess your bite, evaluate any existing wear or damage, and ensure the appliance we provide truly addresses your needs. For patients with family dentistry needs, we can fit mouthguards for children and adults alike, making it easy to protect every member of the household in one place.
Protecting your smile starts with a single appointment, and our team makes the process simple and straightforward. Whether you’re looking for a sports guard for an active lifestyle or a night guard to address grinding symptoms, a custom-fitted appliance from Lifetime Smiles Bellevue is designed to fit your mouth, your needs, and your life. If a dental injury does occur, our emergency dentistry services are here to help you get the care you need quickly.
To get started, reach out to us to request an appointment. We look forward to helping you keep your smile protected for years to come.
Lifetime Smiles offers dental services including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, sedation dentistry and emergency dentistry. Contact our office in Bellevue, WA to schedule your appointment today!
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