Protect Your Smile From Injury

Protecting your smile is just as important as straightening it. At Nick Romanides DMD, we provide custom mouthguards designed to fit your unique bite and give you the best possible protection for your teeth, gums, and jaw. Whether you’re an athlete, a nighttime grinder, or a parent looking out for your child’s smile, custom mouthguards are one of the smartest investments you can make in your oral health.

Why Custom Mouthguards Make All the Difference

Walk into any pharmacy and you’ll find a row of generic mouthguards. They’re inexpensive, and it shows. Stock mouthguards are bulky, uncomfortable, and often so ill-fitting that people stop wearing them altogether. A mouthguard that doesn’t stay in place isn’t protecting anything.

Custom mouthguards are made from a precise impression of your teeth, which means they fit snugly, stay put, and don’t interfere with breathing or speaking. Because they’re fabricated from higher-quality materials than what you’ll find over the counter, they also last significantly longer. The difference in comfort between a generic guard and a custom-fitted one is noticeable from the first time you put it in.

As an orthodontist in North Bergen, Dr. Nick Romanides and Dr. Ryan Trulby understand that every patient’s bite is different. That’s especially true for patients currently in orthodontic treatment, whose teeth are actively shifting. We account for those changes when creating your guard so that it works with your treatment, not against it.

Athletic Mouthguards

Sports-related dental injuries are among the most common in youth and adult athletics, and most of them are preventable. A custom athletic mouthguard protects against chipped and knocked-out teeth, soft tissue lacerations, and even concussions by cushioning impact to the jaw.

Custom athletic guards are recommended for contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, and wrestling, but they’re also smart protection for sports like soccer, baseball, and gymnastics where falls and collisions happen. A well-fitted guard stays securely in place so athletes can focus on the game instead of fussing with their mouthguard.

We create athletic mouthguards for patients of all ages, and we can accommodate patients currently wearing braces with guards designed to protect both the teeth and the orthodontic hardware.

Nightguards for Bruxism

Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, is far more common than most people realize. Many patients don’t know they grind their teeth until a dentist or orthodontist notices the wear. Left unaddressed, bruxism can cause significant damage, including worn enamel, cracked teeth, jaw soreness, headaches, and TMJ issues.

A custom nightguard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of grinding and preventing further damage. Unlike bulky over-the-counter options, our custom nightguards are slim, comfortable, and easy to wear consistently, which is the only way they work. If you’ve been waking up with a sore jaw or tension headaches, it may be time to talk to our team about a nightguard.

Sports Guards for Orthodontic Patients

Patients with braces face unique challenges when it comes to mouthguard use. Standard guards don’t fit well over brackets and wires, and a hard blow to the mouth can drive hardware into the soft tissue, causing painful lacerations. We design custom mouthguards specifically for patients in active orthodontic treatment, providing coverage and cushioning that accounts for your current appliances.

As your treatment progresses, we can adjust or replace your guard to ensure the fit remains accurate throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Mouthguards

How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?

The process typically takes two appointments. At the first visit, we take an impression of your teeth. Your guard is then fabricated and ready for fitting at your second appointment, usually within one to two weeks.

How do I care for my mouthguard?

Rinse it with cool water before and after each use, and clean it with a toothbrush and mild soap regularly. Store it in the ventilated case we provide, and keep it away from heat, which can warp the material.

Can my child get a custom mouthguard if they’re still losing baby teeth?

Yes. We take into account the stage of your child’s dental development and can provide appropriate protection while accommodating incoming permanent teeth.

How often should a custom mouthguard be replaced?

Athletic guards for growing patients may need to be updated annually. Adults with stable bites can often use the same guard for several years with proper care.

Schedule Your Custom Mouthguard Fitting Today

Protecting your smile doesn’t have to be complicated. As your trusted orthodontist in North Bergen, we are here to help you find the right custom mouthguard for your needs. Contact our office to schedule a fitting and take one more step toward a healthier, better-protected smile.