Why You Need a Custom Mouth Guard

Why You Need a Custom Mouth Guard

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets—and it deserves protection both on and off the field. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who grinds their teeth at night, a custom mouth guard can make a world of difference in maintaining your oral health and preventing serious dental injuries.

At Girgis & Ito Orthodontics, we offer high-quality, professionally fitted mouth guards designed to provide superior comfort, durability, and protection. Our goal is to help you safeguard your smile with a personalized solution tailored to your lifestyle and needs.

What Is a Mouth Guard?

A mouth guard is a protective dental appliance worn over your teeth to reduce the risk of injury. It acts as a cushion, absorbing and dispersing impact forces that might otherwise cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, or damage to dental work such as braces or crowns.

There are three main types of mouth guards:

Stock Mouth Guards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear, but often bulky and uncomfortable.

Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards: Available at most sporting goods stores, these offer a slightly better fit than stock versions, but still lack precision.

Custom Mouth Guards: Made by dental professionals, these are designed specifically for your teeth and jaw, offering the best fit, comfort, and protection.

At Girgis & Ito Orthodontics, we focus exclusively on custom mouth guards because we believe your smile deserves nothing less than the best.

Who Should Wear a Mouth Guard?

Mouth guards are not just for professional athletes. They are essential for anyone at risk of oral trauma or tooth grinding. You might benefit from a mouth guard if you:

Participate in contact sports like football, hockey, boxing, or basketball

Enjoy recreational activities such as skateboarding, mountain biking, or martial arts

Suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), especially at night

Wear orthodontic appliances that need extra protection from impact

A properly fitted mouth guard can help prevent chipped or broken teeth, soft tissue injuries, jaw fractures, and even concussions.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards

Many people are tempted to purchase boil-and-bite or stock mouth guards because they’re convenient and inexpensive. However, they come with significant drawbacks: poor fit, limited durability, and lower protection levels.

In contrast, custom mouth guards created by our orthodontists are molded specifically to your teeth and bite. They’re thinner, more comfortable, and less likely to interfere with breathing or speaking. This means you're more likely to wear them consistently—and keep your smile safe.

If you have braces or other orthodontic appliances, a custom fit becomes even more important. An improperly fitted mouth guard can damage your orthodontic work or fail to protect it adequately. That’s why choosing a qualified orthodontist in Woodridge, IL like Girgis & Ito Orthodontics is so important when it comes to protecting your smile.

The Mouth Guard Process at Girgis & Ito Orthodontics

Getting a custom mouth guard is a simple, painless process. During your appointment, we’ll take a precise impression of your teeth, which we use to create a mouth guard tailored to your mouth shape and bite. Once it’s ready, we’ll have you try it on to ensure a perfect fit and make any adjustments if needed.

Whether you're getting a mouth guard for sports or for nighttime grinding, we’ll guide you through how to use and care for it. With proper maintenance, a custom mouth guard can last for several seasons or years, depending on usage.

As an orthodontist near me, we also understand the unique needs of patients with braces and other appliances. We’ll make sure your mouth guard offers enough coverage and cushioning to protect both your teeth and orthodontic work.

Protect Your Teeth—One Game or Night at a Time

Accidents happen, but the damage doesn’t have to. Investing in a custom mouth guard now can save you from pain, costly repairs, and long-term dental problems down the road.

At Girgis & Ito Orthodontics, we’re here to help you protect your smile, whether you’re out on the field or getting a restful night’s sleep. Our team has the training and experience to craft a comfortable, effective mouth guard that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Don’t leave your smile unprotected. Schedule a consultation with Girgis & Ito Orthodontics today to learn how a custom mouth guard can help safeguard your teeth and orthodontic treatment. Let us help you take the next step in protecting what matters most—your smile.