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Occlusal & Sports Mouthguards in Spearfish, SD
Protect Your Smile — Day or Night, On or Off the Field
Whether you're an athlete or someone who grinds their teeth at night, protecting your smile with the right mouthguard is essential. At Orchard Meadows Family Dental & Denture Clinic in Spearfish, we provide custom occlusal guards for teeth grinding and sports mouthguards for physical activity — both designed for comfort, safety, and long-term protection.
We take pride in offering preventive solutions that fit your lifestyle while reflecting the values of our close-knit Northern Hills community: practical, comfortable, and built to last.
What’s the Difference Between Occlusal and Sports Mouthguards?
Occlusal Guards (Nightguards)
These are worn during sleep to prevent the damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). Bruxism treatment is important for patients dealing with jaw tension, worn enamel, or morning headaches. A custom nightguard:
- Creates a barrier between upper and lower teeth
- Helps relieve pressure on jaw joints (TMJ)
- Prevents damage to teeth and dental restorations
- Reduces discomfort from chronic grinding or clenching
Sports Mouthguards
These are worn during sports or physical activities to protect teeth, lips, and gums from impact. A custom-fitted sports guard:
- Cushions the teeth and jaw from blows or collisions
- Reduces risk of tooth fractures and soft tissue injuries
- Helps prevent concussions by absorbing shock
- Offers a better fit and more comfort than store-bought options
We recommend sports mouthguards for children, teens, and adults involved in activities like football, wrestling, mountain biking, skiing, and other contact or high-risk sports.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?
While over-the-counter options are available, they often provide a poor fit and limited protection. A professionally made mouthguard:
- Is molded specifically to your bite and dental structure
- Stays in place better during sleep or movement
- Offers greater comfort, especially for long wear
- Lasts longer and provides more complete protection
Our Spearfish team will take impressions of your mouth and create a guard that works for your unique needs — whether it’s for sleep, competition, or both.
When to Consider a Mouthguard
You may benefit from a mouthguard if you:
- Wake up with sore jaws or headaches
- Notice wear on your teeth or dental work
- Play sports that involve contact or physical risk
- Have braces or restorative work you want to protect
- Want to prevent injury during outdoor or recreational activities
We also offer replacement guards and regular assessments to ensure your mouthguard continues to fit comfortably over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a store-bought and custom mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards fit better, stay in place, and offer significantly more protection — especially during contact sports or for serious grinding.
Can kids get custom sports mouthguards?
Absolutely. We provide mouthguards for student-athletes of all ages, including those with braces or mixed dentition.
How long do mouthguards last?
With proper care, most last 1–3 years. Children may need replacements more frequently due to growth and changes in dentition.
Can I wear my nightguard during sports?
No — occlusal guards and sports mouthguards are designed for different types of pressure and protection. We’ll help you choose the right guard for each situation.
Are mouthguards covered by insurance?
Some dental plans cover custom nightguards for bruxism. Sports guards are less frequently covered, but we’ll help clarify your benefits.
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Located in Spearfish, SD
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Mouthguard in Spearfish
Whether you're grinding your teeth at night or gearing up for the next big game, the right mouthguard can make all the difference. At Orchard Meadows in Spearfish, we offer custom protection that’s built for comfort, safety, and long-term peace of mind.