Occlusal & Sports Mouthguards in Baton Rouge, LA
What Are Occlusal and Sports Mouthguards?
Occlusal and sports mouthguards are custom-made dental appliances designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding, clenching, or athletic injury. While both types of guards serve protective purposes, they are used in very different contexts. Occlusal guards (also called nightguards) help patients manage bruxism—unconscious teeth grinding or jaw clenching—typically during sleep. Sports mouthguards, on the other hand, are worn during athletic activities to cushion the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues from sudden impacts.
At Model Dentistry, we create high-quality, customized guards that offer a secure, comfortable fit and long-lasting protection. Whether you're looking to prevent nighttime enamel wear or reduce the risk of sports-related dental trauma, our team has you covered.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
While over-the-counter mouthguards may be accessible and inexpensive, they often lack the precision and durability required for effective long-term use. A professionally fabricated mouthguard offers several advantages:
- Designed to match the contours of your bite and dental anatomy
- Provides better comfort, making you more likely to wear it consistently
- Made from durable, medical-grade materials that last longer
- Allows for better breathing and speaking than bulky boil-and-bite models
- Reduces risk of shifting teeth, irritation, or jaw discomfort
Our custom guards are crafted using precise impressions of your mouth, ensuring optimal protection and a secure fit. Patients looking for long-term comfort—especially those with frequent grinding or active lifestyles—typically find professional appliances a better investment than generic options.
Occlusal Guards: Nighttime Protection for Teeth and Jaw
Occlusal guards are most commonly recommended for patients with bruxism, a condition where teeth are ground or clenched during sleep. This often leads to:
- Worn-down enamel
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Jaw tension or pain
- Morning headaches
- TMJ discomfort
Our occlusal guards are custom-made to prevent direct tooth-to-tooth contact while also redistributing the pressure of clenching. For some patients, these guards also help manage symptoms related to temporomandibular joint issues and are often part of our broader approach to TMJ treatment.
If you're waking up with sore jaw muscles or unexplained tooth damage, a custom occlusal guard from Model Dentistry can help you sleep easier—and protect your long-term oral health.
Sports Mouthguards: Protection for Active Lifestyles
Sports mouthguards are essential for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Whether you play contact sports like football or basketball, or non-contact activities like gymnastics or mountain biking, your smile is at risk for sudden injury.
Common dental injuries during sports include:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Lip and cheek lacerations
- Knocked-out teeth
- Jaw fractures
Our custom sports guards offer advanced cushioning and a secure fit that keeps the appliance in place throughout play. Unlike store-bought versions that can feel bulky or obstruct breathing, our guards are slim yet protective—allowing for full speech and air flow.
We recommend sports mouthguards for children, teens, and adults who participate in:
- Football
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Baseball
- Martial arts
- Skateboarding
- Gymnastics
- Basketball
A well-fitting mouthguard is a small investment that can prevent serious injury and expensive restorative procedures later.
Why Choose Model Dentistry for Your Custom Mouthguard?
At Model Dentistry, we’ve helped countless patients across Baton Rouge, Central, Zachary, and Denham Springs protect their smiles—both during sleep and on the field. Our practice prioritizes prevention, comfort, and customization for every appliance we create.
Here’s why local families trust our team:
- Tailored Protection – Every guard is custom-fitted to your teeth and jaw using precise digital impressions.
- Experience You Can Trust – Our doctors, including Dr. Lucy Raborn and Dr. Ryan Wise, bring years of experience treating bruxism and sports-related dental issues.
- Modern Materials – We use durable, BPA-free materials that withstand clenching, grinding, and high-impact sports.
- Preventive Focus – Your custom mouthguard complements other preventive services like dental cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and fluoride treatments.
- Convenient Location – Our Central Baton Rouge office at 10954 Joor Road serves patients from Baker to Denham Springs.
We also ensure that your guard fits well over time with ongoing evaluations at your regular checkups. If your bite changes or you complete orthodontic treatment, we can adjust or remake your guard as needed.
Occlusal & Sports Mouthguards FAQs
How long do custom mouthguards last?
With proper care, a professionally made occlusal or sports mouthguard can last several years. However, athletes in contact sports may need more frequent replacements due to wear.
Can children wear custom sports guards?
Yes. We regularly make sports mouthguards for children and teens. As they grow and their teeth shift, we’ll update the fit to ensure continued protection.
What if I grind my teeth during the day?
While most bruxism occurs at night, we can also fabricate daytime guards for patients with high-stress habits or jaw clenching during the day.
Will insurance cover my mouthguard?
Some insurance plans may cover occlusal guards for bruxism-related conditions. Sports mouthguards are typically not covered, but we’ll review your benefits and discuss costs before treatment.
How do I clean my mouthguard?
Rinse your mouthguard after each use with cool water, and clean it regularly with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid using hot water, as it may warp the material.
Protect Your Smile With a Custom Mouthguard
Your teeth deserve protection—whether you're sleeping, training, or competing. At Model Dentistry, we create custom occlusal and sports mouthguards that fit comfortably, perform effectively, and help you maintain a healthier smile.
Call (225) 263-4704 or request a visit online to get fitted for your custom mouthguard in Baton Rouge today.
