Dental Guards in Wheaton, IL
Whether you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports on the weekend, a custom dental guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile from serious damage. At 20/32 Dental Co. in Wheaton, IL, Dr. de la Fuente creates custom-fitted night guards and sports mouthguards that are comfortable, durable, and far more effective than anything you can buy off the shelf. We provide dental guards for patients from Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and across DuPage County.
What Are Dental Guards?
Dental guards are custom oral appliances made from professional-grade materials and molded to fit the exact contours of your teeth. They create a protective barrier that absorbs and distributes force, preventing damage to your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues.
There are two primary types: night guards for patients who clench or grind their teeth during sleep (a condition called bruxism), and sports mouthguards for athletes who need impact protection during physical activity. Both types are fabricated from impressions of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit.
Types of Dental Guards We Offer
Custom Night Guards
Teeth grinding places enormous pressure on your teeth, often without you realizing it. Over time, bruxism can cause cracked teeth, worn enamel, jaw pain, headaches, and the need for costly restorations like crowns or fillings. A custom night guard cushions the biting surfaces and prevents your upper and lower teeth from making damaging contact while you sleep.
Custom Sports Mouthguards
Athletes in contact and high-impact sports are at significant risk for dental injuries. A custom sports mouthguard provides a snug, comfortable fit that stays in place during activity. It protects your teeth from fractures, absorbs shock to the jaw, and reduces the risk of soft-tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue.
Why Custom Guards Are Worth It
Superior Fit
Custom guards are made from impressions of your teeth, so they fit precisely and comfortably. You are far more likely to wear them consistently compared to bulky, ill-fitting store-bought options.
Better Protection
Professional-grade materials provide more effective shock absorption and durability than generic guards.
Longer Lifespan
With proper care, custom guards last significantly longer than over-the-counter alternatives, making them a better investment over time.
Prevent Expensive Dental Work
The cost of a custom guard is a fraction of what you would spend repairing cracked, chipped, or broken teeth. Prevention is always the more affordable option.
The Fitting Process
Step 1: Evaluation
Dr. de la Fuente examines your teeth and discusses your needs, whether it is night-time grinding protection or sports impact protection.
Step 2: Impressions
We take precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a guard that fits your mouth exactly.
Step 3: Custom Fabrication
Your guard is fabricated from high-quality materials designed for durability and comfort.
Step 4: Fitting and Adjustments
When your guard is ready, we check the fit and make any adjustments to ensure it is comfortable and stays securely in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Guards
A night guard is designed to prevent damage from teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep. A sports mouthguard is built to absorb impact and protect your teeth, lips, and jaw during physical activity. Both are custom-fitted for maximum comfort and protection.
With proper care, a custom dental guard typically lasts 2 to 5 years. Heavy grinders may need replacements sooner. Dr. de la Fuente will check your guard at each visit and recommend a replacement when needed.
Yes. Custom guards are molded to fit your teeth precisely, providing superior comfort, protection, and durability compared to generic boil-and-bite guards from the store.
Common signs of bruxism include waking up with jaw pain or headaches, worn or flattened tooth surfaces, tooth sensitivity, and a partner hearing grinding sounds at night. Dr. de la Fuente can identify signs of grinding during your exam.
Protect Your Smile — Day and Night
A custom dental guard is a small investment that prevents big problems. Schedule your fitting at our Wheaton, IL office today.
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