Custom Mouth Guards & Occlusal Guards in Highlands Ranch
If you wake up with a sore jaw, catch yourself clenching during the day, or want to protect your teeth on the field, mouth guards Highlands Ranch patients trust are available right here at Mountain West Family Dentistry. We offer custom-fitted night guards, occlusal guards, and sports guards — all under one roof, with new patients always welcome. We work with major insurance plans including Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental, and Humana, and our early-morning appointments on Wednesdays through Fridays make it easy to fit care into a busy schedule.
Types of Mouth Guards We Offer in Highlands Ranch
Our orthodontics & alignment services include three types of protective guards, each designed for a specific need. Here's how to find the right fit.
Night Guards & Occlusal Guards for Teeth Grinding
A night guard — sometimes called an occlusal guard — is a custom-made appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It creates a cushioned barrier that helps absorb the force of grinding and prevents tooth surfaces from wearing against each other. If you've been told your enamel is wearing down or you're waking up with jaw tension, this is often the first recommendation.
Bruxism Treatment: Protecting Your Teeth from Grinding Damage
Bruxism is the clinical term for habitual teeth grinding or clenching, and it's more common than most people realize — stress, sleep patterns, and bite alignment can all play a role. Left unaddressed, bruxism can lead to cracked teeth, increased sensitivity, and jaw discomfort over time. A custom occlusal guard is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to manage it, helping protect your teeth from further damage while you work on the underlying triggers.
Custom Sports Guards for Active Patients
An off-the-shelf boil-and-bite guard might offer some protection, but a custom sports guard is designed to fit your teeth precisely — which means it stays in place, doesn't interfere with breathing or speaking, and provides more reliable impact absorption. We fit sports guards for adults and children playing contact sports, recreational leagues, and everything in between.
Why Custom Guards Outperform Store-Bought Options
Better Fit, Better Protection, Better Sleep
Store-bought guards are made for a generic mouth. A custom guard is made for yours. The difference shows up in comfort, durability, and how well it actually stays in place. Patients who've tried both consistently describe custom guards as less bulky, easier to wear through the night, and far less likely to end up on the nightstand by morning. For athletes, a secure fit means you're not distracted by a guard that shifts — you're focused on the game.
What to Expect When Getting a Mouth Guard at Our Office
The process is straightforward and typically takes two appointments. At the first visit, we take a digital impression of your teeth using our iTero scanner — no messy putty, no uncomfortable trays. That scan is used to fabricate your guard to exact specifications. At your second visit, we check the fit and make any minor adjustments so it feels right from the first night.
Digital Impressions for a Precise Fit
The iTero digital impression system captures a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth in minutes. This level of precision helps ensure your guard fits snugly without pressure points, which makes a real difference in whether you'll actually wear it consistently. It's one of the details that separates a guard you'll use from one that sits in a drawer.
Mouth Guards vs. Sleep Apnea Appliances — Which Do You Need?
Mouth guards and sleep apnea appliances can look similar, but they serve different purposes. A night guard or occlusal guard is designed to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching — it doesn't change your airway or address breathing during sleep. A sleep apnea appliance, by contrast, is designed to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open for patients with obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring.
If you're unsure which applies to you, the distinction matters: using a standard night guard when sleep apnea is the real issue won't address the underlying problem. Our team can help evaluate your symptoms and point you in the right direction. Learn more about our sleep apnea treatment options if you have questions about airway-related concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouth Guards
New Patients
How do I know if I need a night guard?
Common signs include waking up with a sore jaw, dull headaches near your temples, tooth sensitivity, or a partner telling you they hear grinding at night. If your teeth look flatter or more worn than they used to, that's another signal worth discussing. A quick exam at our office can confirm whether a night guard is the right step for you.
Does insurance cover custom mouth guards?
Coverage varies by plan and by the type of guard. We work with major insurance plans including Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental, and Humana, and our team will check your benefits before treatment so you know what to expect. Visit our Insurance & Financing page for more details, or call us and we'll look into it together.
How long does a custom mouth guard last?
Most custom night guards and occlusal guards are designed to last two to five years with proper care, though heavy grinders may wear through one sooner. Sports guards typically last one to three seasons depending on use. We'll let you know at your regular checkups if it's time for a replacement.
Can I get a mouth guard for my child?
Yes — custom sports guards are especially important for children and teens playing contact sports, and we fit them for patients of all ages. If your child also grinds their teeth, we can evaluate whether a night guard is appropriate. Our pediatric dentistry team is experienced with young patients and makes the process comfortable and straightforward.
