Occlusal & Sports Mouthguards in Fort Collins, CO
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Custom Mouthguards Designed for Protection and Comfort
Whether you're grinding your teeth at night or playing high-impact sports, protecting your smile from injury is essential. At Ray Dental, we create fully customized occlusal and sports mouthguards that offer superior fit, durability, and protection compared to store-bought options. These appliances are tailored to your unique bite and lifestyle—providing peace of mind during sleep or physical activity.
We proudly serve individuals and families throughout Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Timnath, and Greeley with personalized, preventive solutions that safeguard long-term oral health.
What Are Occlusal and Sports Mouthguards?
Though often grouped together, occlusal guards and sports mouthguards serve different purposes:
- Occlusal guards, sometimes called night guards, are worn during sleep to prevent damage from bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching. These appliances cushion the teeth and relieve strain on the jaw and temporomandibular joint.
- Sports mouthguards are designed for athletes of all ages to protect the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw from trauma during contact sports or recreational activities.
Both types are custom-fitted for optimal performance and comfort using digital impressions and advanced materials.
Who Needs a Mouthguard?
You may benefit from a custom mouthguard if you:
- Grind or clench your teeth at night
- Wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity
- Play contact or high-impact sports (football, hockey, basketball, martial arts, etc.)
- Participate in recreational activities with a risk of falls or facial injury (skateboarding, biking, etc.)
- Wear braces or clear aligners and need added protection during sports
- Have recently had restorative dental work and want to avoid damage
Unlike over-the-counter options, our mouthguards are fabricated based on your exact bite and tooth alignment, ensuring better protection and greater comfort.
Our Custom Mouthguard Process
At Ray Dental, we follow a streamlined process to create high-quality mouthguards that meet your specific needs:
- Consultation – We’ll discuss your symptoms or activity level to determine whether an occlusal or sports guard is right for you.
- Digital Impressions – Using precise, comfortable scanning technology, we capture a 3D model of your teeth and bite.
- Fabrication – Your custom mouthguard is crafted in a dental lab using medical-grade materials known for strength and flexibility.
- Fitting & Instructions – Once ready, we ensure a perfect fit and provide care instructions to extend the life of your appliance.
With proper maintenance, most custom mouthguards last significantly longer than generic options and offer far better protection.
Protection That Extends Beyond the Smile
Bruxism and sports injuries don’t just threaten your teeth—they can impact your jaw joints, soft tissues, and even posture. Investing in a well-made mouthguard helps:
- Prevent worn, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Reduce jaw pain and protect against TMJ/TMD issues
- Avoid concussions or soft tissue trauma during sports
- Minimize the need for future dental restorations
- Improve sleep quality for patients with clenching or grinding habits
Our custom appliances provide a level of precision and comfort you won’t find in one-size-fits-all guards.
All treatment is led by Dr. Veronica Ray, whose comprehensive approach to preventive care ensures every mouthguard is designed with function, comfort, and long-term wellness in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between an occlusal guard and a sports mouthguard?
Occlusal guards are worn at night to prevent damage from grinding or clenching. Sports mouthguards are used during physical activity to prevent trauma to the teeth and jaw. Both are custom-fitted for your needs.
Are custom mouthguards really better than store-bought?
Yes. Custom mouthguards fit your bite precisely, which makes them more effective, more comfortable, and safer. Store-bought guards often fit poorly and may not provide adequate protection.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain?
Absolutely. A well-fitted occlusal guard can relieve pressure on the jaw and prevent grinding-related damage, often reducing pain and symptoms associated with bruxism and TMD.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
With proper care, most custom guards last several years. We’ll show you how to clean and store your appliance to extend its lifespan.
Can kids get custom sports mouthguards?
Yes. Children and teens who play contact sports can benefit greatly from professionally fitted mouthguards, especially if they wear braces or have developing teeth.
Still have questions?
Schedule a Custom Mouthguard Consultation in Fort Collins
Whether you’re looking to stop grinding your teeth or protect your smile on the field, a custom mouthguard offers superior safety and comfort. At Ray Dental, we’re here to help you find the right solution—designed just for you.
Call (970) 206-0045 or book your consultation online to get started with a custom occlusal or sports mouthguard in Fort Collins.
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