Generic mouthguards barely do the job
Boil-and-bite trays loosen, distort, and end up in the drawer. A custom mouthguard is taken from a digital scan of your teeth and made to fit only you, so it stays put, lets you breathe and speak, and protects everything underneath.
Night guards for grinders and clenchers
If you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or worn-down teeth, you're likely grinding at night. A custom night guard absorbs the force, protects enamel, and quiets symptoms, usually within a few weeks of consistent wear.
Sports mouthguards that fit your bite
Whether your kid plays contact sports or you're back in pickup basketball, a custom sports guard cushions impact, lets you breathe and call plays, and is dramatically more effective than a stock guard. Available in single or multi-color.
Sports guard vs. nightguard, different jobs
These look similar but do different things. Sports mouthguards absorb impact and protect against tooth fracture during contact. They're thicker, softer, and cover both jaws when possible. Nightguards address grinding (bruxism), they're harder, thinner, and prevent your teeth from wearing each other down during sleep.
You can't substitute one for the other. A sports guard worn at night doesn't protect well from heavy grinding pressure and may even encourage clenching. A nightguard worn in sports doesn't absorb impact well. If you need both, we make both, usually a year apart since the timing for each is different.
How long should a mouthguard last
Custom sports mouthguards for adults last 2–3 years with regular use. Sports guards for kids and teens last 12–18 months because of arch growth. Custom nightguards for grinding last 3–5 years for most adults. Boil-and-bite guards rarely last past 6 months before the fit degrades.
Replace any guard immediately if you notice cracks, thinning, tears, or a loose fit. A guard that doesn't fit properly can shift teeth or worsen jaw strain, defeating its whole purpose. We're happy to inspect any existing guard during your next visit at no charge.
What to expect, step by step
Here's exactly what happens at a custom mouthguards appointment at Cusp Dental, from the moment you walk in to the followup.
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Type evaluation
We discuss the guard's purpose, sports protection, nighttime grinding, TMJ, and recommend the right material and thickness. Different uses need different designs.
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Impressions or 3D scan
A digital scan or traditional impression captures the exact shape of your upper (and sometimes lower) teeth, plus the bite registration if needed.
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Lab fabrication
The guard is fabricated over 10–14 days. Sports guards use EVA-based materials; nightguards typically use harder acrylic for grinding protection.
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Fitting
The finished guard is fitted, adjusted for comfort, and polished. We confirm a snug fit that stays in place without being painful.
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Care instructions
We send you home with a hard-shell case, cleaning instructions, and clear guidance on when to replace (typically 2–3 years for adults, 12–18 months for kids in sports).
Pricing & insurance
We don't post per-service pricing here because every case is different. Call us at (916) 451-4856 for a personalized estimate. We verify your insurance benefits at no charge and give you a written all-in estimate before any treatment begins.
- Insurance
- Nightguards for documented bruxism are sometimes covered at 50% by PPO plans. Sports mouthguards are typically not covered.
- Financing
- Mouthguards are usually one-visit and affordable enough that financing isn't typical. We accept HSA/FSA cards.
Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are cheaper but offer significantly less protection and comfort. The custom-fit difference is substantial, store guards have around 50% the impact absorption of custom guards in independent testing.
Common questions about custom mouthguards
How is a custom guard better than a store-bought one?
A custom guard fits the exact contour of your teeth, distributes force evenly, and stays in place during sleep or play. Stock guards loosen quickly and many wearers stop using them, which defeats the purpose.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
Night guards typically last 3–5 years before showing wear from grinding. Sports guards last 1–2 seasons depending on how aggressively they're used. Kids' guards are replaced as their teeth come in.
Will my insurance cover it?
Many PPO plans cover night guards as a treatment for bruxism. Sports guards are usually a flat out-of-pocket fee. We'll verify benefits and quote you before any work begins.
Ready to book your custom mouthguards appointment?
We're in-network with most major PPO plans, verify your benefits at no cost, and never push treatment you don't need. Call us or book online, same-day visits are usually available.
