In a busy place like Sherman Oaks, life doesn’t slow down for dental problems. Between early morning workouts and weekend sports leagues, teeth take more of a beating than most people realize. Late-night work in LA’s entertainment industry adds even more strain. That’s where custom mouthguards come in, designed to fit your life, your habits, and even your comfort level.
Why Mouthguards Are More Than Just Sports Gear
When most people think about mouthguards, they picture athletes, basketball players charging down the court at the Sherman Oaks Recreation Center or skateboarders practicing tricks along Ventura Boulevard. And yes, sports-related dental injuries are one of the most common reasons people get them.
But sports aren’t the only culprit. Nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is incredibly common, and most people don’t even realize they’re doing it until they wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or chipped teeth. Stress, long hours, and even certain medications can all contribute. A custom mouthguard, worn while sleeping, can prevent years of wear and expensive dental repair.
Benefits of a Custom Mouth Guard
- Better fit: A custom mouth guard uses impressions of your teeth, so it sits snugly and comfortably in your mouth.
- Improved comfort: You’re more likely to wear it every night or during every game if it feels natural.
- Higher protection: A lab-made guard is designed to absorb shock and reduce injuries more effectively.
- Durability: A dentist-made guard can last years if cared for properly, saving you money in the long run.
People who grind their teeth at night especially benefit from the superior fit, since bulky boil-and-bite mouth guards from the store can slip around and feel awkward.
Who Needs a Mouth Guard?
If you play contact sports like football, basketball, boxing, martial arts, or hockey, a mouth guard should be as essential as a helmet. Sports injuries are a leading cause of tooth trauma, and one hit can mean months of dental repair.
If you have any of these signs, you might also need a mouth guard for nighttime:
- You wake up with headaches or a sore jaw
- You notice chips or cracks in your teeth
- Your partner hears you grinding or clenching
- You have increased tooth sensitivity
How Does the Custom Mouth Guard Process Work?
- Consultation: Our team will talk with you about your sports activities, symptoms of grinding, and any dental problems you have had.
- Dental impressions: They will take precise molds of your teeth, capturing every ridge and curve.
- Lab fabrication: A dental lab uses those impressions to create a guard that is shaped just for you.
- Fitting and adjustments: When the guard comes back, your dentist checks the fit and makes any fine-tuning needed.
- Instructions: We’ll show you how to clean, store, and use it so it lasts as long as possible.
Why Choose a Sherman Oaks Dentist?
When you opt for our service, you benefit from a team that understands what families in the area need. Whether you have a child starting youth sports or you struggle with grinding after a stressful workday, your local dentist can create a guard designed around your lifestyle.
You also have the bonus of easy follow-up visits if something feels off or needs an adjustment. That personalized, ongoing support makes a huge difference compared to grabbing a mouth guard from a big-box store and hoping for the best.
Why Sherman Oaks Residents Benefit More
Our community is active. From the joggers at Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park to weekend softball teams, dental injuries are a real risk. And with the added stress of city life, bruxism cases are on the rise. For locals, mouthguards aren’t a luxury, they’re a smart, preventive investment.
Final Word
A dental injury can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to fix, not to mention the pain and downtime. A custom mouthguard is a simple, affordable way to protect your smile whether you’re on the field, in the gym, or asleep in bed.
If you’re in Sherman Oaks and haven’t thought about it before, now’s the time to talk to your dentist. Your future self, and your smile, will thank you.
