Custom Mouthguards in Mililani, HI

While mouthguards that you find at the store can work well enough, custom mouthguards tend to feel better on the teeth, which means patients are much more likely to wear them. Whether you grind your teeth at night or your child needs an athletic mouthguard for practices and games, our team is here to help! Contact our office today to learn more about our mouthguard services and schedule a consultation.

What’s the difference between a store-bought mouthguard and a custom mouthguard?

Store-bought mouthguards can be purchased in a store or online, and they are usually one-size fits all. Custom mouthguards made by a dentist require the patient to have impressions of their teeth taken. These impressions are then used to design a durable mouthguard that fits perfectly over their teeth. A quick follow-up visit is required to have the patient try on the mouthguard, ensure that it fits properly, and take it home. Our team can also make any necessary adjustments to the mouthguard so that it’s comfortable and functional.

closeup of a mouthguard and a toothbrush

How can I care for my mouthguard?

Keeping a mouthguard clean is an important part of ensuring that it lasts for a long time. Every time you take out your mouthguard, you should rinse it off with warm (not hot) water if possible before placing it back in the case. Mouthguards can be cleaned with household products like toothpaste, dish soap, white vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide, or you can buy special mouthguard cleaning solutions if you’d like. It should always be stored in a safe, dry space, ideally in its case, so that it is less likely to get lost or damaged.

woman sitting up in bed, holding her jaw in pain

How do I know that I need a mouthguard?

When it comes to athletic mouthguards, patients often know they will need one as soon as they sign up for an aggressive contact sport like football, soccer, or wrestling. With nightguards, it can be a little more tricky. If someone in your household mentions that they’ve heard you grind your teeth or you frequently wake up with a sore jaw or headaches, a custom nightguard may be able to help. Dr. Kim and Dr. Wee can also tell by examining a patient’s teeth and gums if they are frequently clenching and grinding their teeth, and they can make a personalized recommendation for you.