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CHARLOTTE & POTTERVILLE, MI • PREVENTIVE & FAMILY CARE

Custom Sports Mouth Guards and Night Guards in Charlotte, MI

If you play sports, grind your teeth at night, or both, a custom sports mouth guard in Charlotte, MI can protect your smile from real damage. Store-bought guards are bulky, and they rarely fit right. A guard made just for your teeth stays in place and actually does its job. Whether you're an athlete who needs impact protection or an adult waking up with jaw pain and headaches from clenching, we can help. Gentle Dental accepts Delta Dental, and we welcome new patients at both our Charlotte and Potterville offices. A custom guard now can save you from cracked teeth, worn enamel, and costly repairs later.

Delta Dental accepted · CareCredit financing · Two locations · New patients welcome

Custom sports guards and night guards at Gentle Dental

CUSTOM MADE

Guards fitted to your mouth, not a boil-and-bite

01

Why a Custom-Fit Guard Outperforms a Store-Bought Mouthguard

Boil-and-bite guards from the sporting goods store might seem like an easy fix, but they slip, they’re thick, and they don’t protect the way a dentist-made guard does. A custom guard is molded to your exact bite, so it stays comfortable and secure whether you’re on the field or asleep. It’s one more piece of a complete approach to preventive care for your whole family.

Sports Guards for Athletes and Active Families

Young athletes need real protection, not a guess-and-check fit. A custom athletic mouthguard from Gentle Dental cushions the teeth, lips, and jaw during contact sports like football, hockey, wrestling, and basketball. It’s thinner than the store-bought kind, so kids and teens can breathe and talk normally during a game. Parents in Charlotte and Potterville trust us to fit guards for growing mouths, and we build them to last through a full season. If your child is due for a children’s dentistry visit before the season starts, we can often take care of both at once.

Night Guards for Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching (Bruxism)

If a previous dentist told you that you grind your teeth and you never followed through on getting a guard, you’re not alone. A night guard in Michigan is one of the simplest ways to stop the damage caused by grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism. Many patients don’t realize they’re doing it until they notice worn-down teeth, a sore jaw in the morning, or frequent headaches. A custom teeth grinding guard in Charlotte, MI cushions your bite overnight so your teeth and jaw joints get a real break from the pressure.

02

The Benefits of Getting Your Guard at Gentle Dental

A guard made just for you fits better, lasts longer, and actually gets worn, which is the whole point. Custom guards spread out biting force evenly, so you’re less likely to crack a tooth or wear down your enamel over time. This kind of protection works alongside other preventive steps, like dental sealants, to help your family avoid bigger dental problems down the road. We accept Delta Dental and offer insurance and financing options to help make your guard affordable. Preventing damage now is almost always simpler, and less expensive, than fixing a cracked or worn tooth later.

03

What to Expect at Your Guard Fitting Appointment

Your fitting appointment is quick and comfortable, no need to worry about a long or complicated visit. We’ll look at your teeth and bite, talk through whether you need a sports guard, a night guard, or both, and take an impression or digital scan of your mouth. Your guard is then custom-made to match your bite exactly. Once it’s ready, you’ll come back for a short visit so we can check the fit and make any small adjustments. Many patients pair this appointment with a regular dental exam and cleaning to save an extra trip.

04

How to Care for Your Mouthguard

Rinse your guard with cool water before and after each use, and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, since it can warp the shape and ruin the fit. Store it in its case when you’re not wearing it, away from pets and direct sunlight. Bring it along to your regular preventive visits so we can check it for wear and make sure it still fits the way it should.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports and Occlusal Guards

How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?

Most patients need two short visits. The first is for an exam and impression or digital scan, and the second is a quick fitting once your guard is ready. The process is custom-built for your bite, so it isn’t rushed, but it’s not a long wait either.

Will my dental insurance cover a night guard or sports guard?

Coverage depends on your specific plan. We accept Delta Dental and can help you understand your benefits before treatment starts. Our team can also walk you through financing options if you need them.

What is the difference between a sports guard and a night guard?

A sports guard is built to absorb impact during physical activity and protect your teeth, lips, and jaw from a hit or fall. A night guard is thinner and designed to cushion your bite while you sleep, protecting your teeth from the pressure of grinding and clenching. Both are custom-fit, but they’re built for very different jobs.

How do I know if I need a night guard for teeth grinding?

Common signs include waking up with a sore jaw, headaches in the morning, or noticing your teeth look flatter or more worn than before. A partner may also mention hearing you grind your teeth at night. If any of this sounds familiar, we can check your bite and let you know if a night guard makes sense for you.

Schedule Your Visit

Protect Your Smile Before the Next Game or the Next Grind

Our team at Gentle Dental is ready to fit you, or your young athlete, with a custom guard built for real protection.