Protect Your Smile and Oral Health with Customized Mouthguards

Although at-home oral hygiene alongside regular dental exams is good for a healthy mouth, sometimes you need more than standard care to protect your smile. Wilmington Smiles offers customized mouthguards to guard your teeth and gums against sports injuries and teeth grinding. If you want to include a mouthguard in your dental care regimen, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Garrett.

Our mouthguard options

When you need a mouthguard, you can count on Wilmington Smiles for durable, effective appliances. These are the mouthguard solutions you can find in our office.

  • TMJ mouthguard: Some patients wake up with unexplained headaches and jaw soreness or feel tired despite many hours of sleep. Usually, these discomforts are caused by TMJ-related pain, often caused by nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). A nightguard fits over your teeth to prevent the upper and lower teeth from meeting, reducing strain on the jaw muscles and joints. 
  • Athletic sportsguard: Whether an amateur, weekend warrior, or professional athlete, you can suffer injuries to your teeth, gums, and other oral structures during sports. However, sports injuries shouldn’t stop you from participating in the game you love. Our office offers custom-fitted athletic mouthguards to protect your smile from sports-related injuries. While sportguards can benefit anyone, they are a must-have for contact and high-risk sports like boxing, skating, rugby, skiing, football, etc. 

While you can buy a generic mouthguard off the shelf, you won’t get the protection you need. In fact, an ill-fitting mouthguard may cause more harm than good. Our office provides customized dental guards after taking impressions of your teeth and gums. Our mouthguards snugly fit in your mouth, offering maximum comfort and protection. 

Benefits of personalized mouthguards

Your smile is unique, and so should be your treatment. Instead of generic mouthguards, we offer customized appliances only created to fit your smile. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide numerous benefits, including.

  • Superior protection from injuries, whether from bruxism or sports 
  • Maximum comfort to allow normal breathing and talking when in the mouth
  • They are created from high-quality materials for durability
  • Our quality materials are made from plastic free from BPA and other toxic substances

Protect your smile today with our premium mouthguards

When you need a mouthguard in Wilmington, NC, feel free to contact us anytime by dialing (910) 208-6721. Choosing our office means you’ll leave feeling confident that your mouthguard is designed to protect your oral health and safeguard your smile.

Custom Mouthguards FAQs

What types of custom mouthguards do you offer at Wilmington Smiles?

We provide two main types:

  • Nightguards (TMJ guards) to prevent tooth damage and alleviate jaw joint discomfort caused by bruxism (teeth grinding).
  • Athletic sports guards, ideal for contact or high-impact sports like football, hockey, rugby, boxing, and more, arecustomized to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw during play.

Why should I choose a custom mouthguard over an over-the-counter option?

Custom mouthguards offer superior benefits:

  • Perfect fit & comfort—molded precisely to your teeth ensures you can breathe and speak naturally.
  • Enhanced protection: Studies show that custom guards significantly reduce concussion risk compared to store-bought versions (3.6% vs. 8.3% concussion rates).
  • Better durability—made from high-grade materials (BPA-free plastic), they’re more robust and long-lasting.

How is a custom mouthguard created?

  • We begin by taking detailed impressions (or digital scans) of your teeth and gums.
  • The impressions are sent to a laboratory, where experts craft a custom-fit mouthguard tailored to your bite and intended use.
  • At your follow-up appointment, we evaluate the fit and make any necessary adjustments before you take it home.

How long will a custom mouthguard last?

With proper care, custom guards can last several years—often 3–5 years—depending on wear patterns, grinding intensity, and fit changes over time.

 We recommend you bring your mouthguard to regular dental checkups so we can inspect and adjust it if needed.

Can’t I buy a boil-and-bite guard for sports or nighttime grinding?

You could, but there are key drawbacks:

  • Ill-fitting protection—boil-and-bite guards often don’t match your bite properly.
  • Durability compromises—they’re made of thin plastic that can wear out quickly when chewed or clenched.
  • Potential risks—a poor fit can lead to jaw misalignment, tissue damage, or even choking hazards.

How do I care for my custom mouthguard?

  • Clean daily: rinse with cool water after use, brush gently with toothbrush/toothpaste, and air dry.
  • Store safely: Use a ventilated case to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Avoid heat: never expose it to hot water or direct sunlight to avoid warping.
  • Inspect monthly: check for cracks, holes, or fit issues—bring it in if you notice damage or discomfort.

What problems can a custom mouthguard help with?

  • Bruxism/TMJ pain: reduces jaw tension, often alleviating morning headaches or jaw soreness.
  • Sports safety protects from chipped, fractured, or knocked-out teeth and helps prevent soft tissue injuries.
  • Sleep quality: A smooth, tailored fit helps avoid breathing interference or gagging during sleep.