Why Sports Guards & Night Appliances
Custom-fitted dental appliances protect teeth from grinding, clenching, and athletic impact. Unlike drugstore options, professionally made guards fit precisely, stay comfortable, and provide superior protection—preventing costly damage to teeth, restorations, and jaw joints while you sleep or play.
Why You Need This Service
Teeth grinding causes significant damage over time, while sports injuries happen instantly. Custom appliances prevent fractures, wear, jaw pain, and expensive repairs—protecting your smile investment.
How It Works
Our Custom Appliance Process
Why Choose Bristles Dental for Custom Appliances?
Our lab-quality custom guards fit comfortably and protect effectively, crafted with precision at our Parksville clinic for superior comfort and long-term durability.
What Sets Us Apart
✓ Precision Custom Fabrication
We create appliances from exact impressions of your teeth, ensuring perfect fit, maximum comfort, and optimal protection. No bulky, ill-fitting drugstore guards here.
✓ Premium Materials
We use high-quality, durable materials that withstand grinding forces and athletic impact while remaining comfortable for extended wear. Superior materials mean longer-lasting protection consistently.
✓ Expert Fitting & Adjustment
Our experienced team ensures your appliance fits perfectly before you leave. We make necessary adjustments until it’s comfortable, stays secure, and protects effectively every time.
✓ Comprehensive Care Guidance
We provide detailed instructions on cleaning, storage, and maintenance to maximize your appliance’s lifespan. Plus, we monitor wear patterns at regular checkups for timely replacements.
have a question?
Common Inquiries
How much do custom guards cost?
Costs vary by appliance type. Custom guards are more expensive initially than drugstore versions but last significantly longer and provide superior protection—making them cost-effective investments.
How long do custom appliances last?
With proper care, night guards last 2-5 years, sports guards 3-5 years depending on usage intensity. We’ll monitor wear during regular checkups at our Parksville clinic.
Will my insurance cover custom appliances?
Many plans cover night guards for diagnosed bruxism and sports guards for patients under 18. We’ll verify benefits and help maximize your coverage when possible.
Are custom guards uncomfortable?
No. Properly fitted custom appliances are surprisingly comfortable—most patients adjust within days. We ensure perfect fit before you leave our clinic with adjustments as needed.
Can I talk or breathe normally with a mouthguard?
Yes. Custom appliances are designed for natural breathing and speech. Unlike bulky drugstore guards, professional appliances allow comfortable communication and proper airflow throughout use.
Do I need to replace my guard regularly?
Eventually, yes. Wear patterns develop over time, reducing protection effectiveness. We’ll inspect your appliance at checkups and recommend replacement when protection is compromised significantly.
Can kids use the same sports guard for all sports?
Generally yes, if properly fitted and maintained. However, high-impact sports may wear guards faster. We recommend bringing guards to appointments for wear assessment at Bristles Dental.