Mouth Guards in NJ & NY
Protecting your teeth during sports is just as important as any other piece of athletic equipment — and at Clemente Orthodontics, we make it easy to get protected the right way. We partner with GuardLab to create premium, custom-fitted mouth guards using advanced 3D digital scanning technology. These are the same devices trusted by professional athletes, and they’re available to patients of all ages across our New Jersey and New York locations. Whether you’re currently in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® trays or traditional braces, our team will fit you with a guard that works alongside your treatment without interruption.
As a Sapphire Invisalign® Provider and the number one Invisalign® provider in New York and New Jersey, Dr. Dani, Dr. Nicole, and Dr. Marissa bring deep clinical training to every appliance they design — including protective devices. GuardLab’s fully customizable design means your guard can reflect your team colors, personal style, or both. Explore our full range of orthodontic services or learn about custom night guards for nighttime grinding.
What Is A Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard is a protective device worn over the teeth to reduce the risk of injury during athletic activity. According to the American Dental Association, mouth guards are recommended for more than 29 sports and recreational activities — from football and hockey to gymnastics and skateboarding. Children are especially vulnerable to dental injuries and should wear a guard during both games and practices, not just high-contact situations. Whether a patient is currently in orthodontic treatment or not, we recommend that every athlete protect their teeth.
Types of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards fall into three main categories, each offering a different level of protection and fit. Custom mouth guards, made from a precise digital scan of your teeth, are considered the gold standard. They offer the best protection, the most comfortable fit, and are the only option designed to accommodate braces or Invisalign® trays during active treatment. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and molded to your bite at home — a middle-ground option that provides a more personalized fit than a store-bought guard, though still less precise than a custom device. Stock guards come pre-formed and ready to wear right out of the package. They’re the most affordable option, but they offer the least protection and often feel bulky during play.
For athletes across Bergen County, the choice that serves them best long-term is almost always a custom device — particularly when orthodontic treatment is involved. A poorly fitting guard can interfere with breathing, communication, and performance, while a properly fitted one disappears into the background so you can focus on the game.
Common Uses of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are most commonly associated with high-contact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby — but dental injuries can happen in any athletic setting. Basketball, for example, ranks among the highest sports for dental trauma in collegiate athletics, according to research cited by the American Dental Association. Even individual activities like gymnastics, skateboarding, and cycling carry real risk of falls and collisions that a mouth guard may help protect against.
Beyond sports, mouth guards also play an important role for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep — a condition called bruxism. Left untreated, grinding can wear down enamel, chip teeth, and cause lasting jaw discomfort. Whether the concern is sports protection or nighttime grinding, the right device makes a meaningful difference. If you’re not sure which type of guard fits your situation, our team will help you decide during your appointment.
Creating Mouth Guards
Getting a custom GuardLab mouth guard at Clemente Orthodontics is a straightforward process that takes about 15 minutes of your time. We use advanced 3D digital scanning to capture precise impressions of your teeth — no messy traditional molds, no lengthy appointments. Before your scan, your orthodontist will review the GuardLab options and help you choose the device that best matches your sport and treatment status.
Once your scan is complete, you’ll choose your guard’s design — colors, images, and any custom text that makes it uniquely yours. Your device is then fabricated in the United States and ships directly to you within 10 to 14 business days. Because it’s built from your exact digital scan, the fit is precise from the first time you put it in.
Mouth Guard Materials
The material a mouth guard is made from directly affects how well it absorbs and distributes impact. Most custom guards are constructed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a resilient, flexible material designed to hold up to the forces of athletic contact. For higher-impact sports like football and ice hockey, some GuardLab devices incorporate additional reinforcement layers that boost durability without adding uncomfortable bulk.
The American Dental Association recommends selecting mouth guards that meet ANSI/ADA standards, which verify both safety and performance. At Clemente Orthodontics, the devices we fit through GuardLab are built to meet those standards, and the custom fit means the material is distributed where it matters most for your bite and your sport.
Night Guards
Night guards — sometimes called dental guards or occlusal guards — are custom-made devices designed to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching while you sleep. Bruxism, as this condition is known, is more common than many people realize and can cause significant wear on tooth enamel, chipped teeth, and chronic jaw discomfort over time. A properly fitted night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of grinding so your teeth don’t bear the full impact.
At Clemente Orthodontics, night guards are made from a precise digital scan — the same process used for our sports guards — so the fit is comfortable enough to wear consistently. If you’ve noticed jaw soreness in the mornings, frequent headaches, or signs of wear on your teeth, talk to our team about whether a custom night guard may be right for you.
Caring For Mouth Guards
Keeping your mouth guard clean extends its life and prevents bacteria from accumulating on the device. Caring for it is simple: spray it with an antimicrobial, alcohol-free cleaning solution before and after each use. You can also refresh it during play — just wait at least 60 seconds after spraying before placing it back on your teeth. A few additional habits will help your guard last as long as possible:
WHAT IF I WEAR INVISALIGN®?
Invisalign® trays and mouth guards cannot be worn at the same time — you’ll need to remove your aligners before putting your guard in. Because your teeth shift gradually throughout Invisalign® treatment, a standard custom guard may stop fitting correctly as your trays progress. For Invisalign® patients, we recommend GuardLab’s Apex boil-and-bite guard, which can be reshaped as your smile changes. This approach keeps you protected on the field without disrupting your Invisalign® treatment timeline.
CUSTOM VERSUS STORE BOUGHT
It’s easy to grab a mouth guard at a sporting goods store, but the fit and protection of a one-size-fits-all device are limited. Store-bought guards aren’t built around the shape of your teeth, which means they can shift during contact, interfere with breathing, and provide less coverage where it counts. A custom guard from our team is designed around your exact bite, so it stays in place, feels comfortable during play, and offers reliable protection. It’s also a more durable investment — a properly cared-for custom device can last several years, while store-bought options typically need to be replaced far more frequently.
HOW LONG WILL MY MOUTH GUARD LAST?
With proper care, a custom GuardLab device can last several years. Store-bought guards, by contrast, tend to wear down faster and need more frequent replacement. Bring your guard to your regular appointments at Clemente Orthodontics and our team will inspect it for wear, deformation, or changes in fit — especially if you’ve gone through significant dental work or are still in active orthodontic treatment.
Mouth Guards Available in All Three Locations
At Clemente Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer custom GuardLab mouth guards at all three of our convenient locations serving the communities of New City, Woodcliff Lake, and Ridgewood. Using advanced 3D technology and digital impressions, we create premium protective devices that are worn by professional athletes and provide superior protection for patients of all ages participating in contact sports.
New City Location
Visit our New City office at (845) 638-6646 to get fitted for your custom GuardLab mouth guard. Our team uses fast and efficient digital scanning technology to create a perfectly-fitted device that protects your teeth during sports activities.
Woodcliff Lake Location
Our Woodcliff Lake location at (201) 484-0600 offers the same advanced 3D technology to create your personalized mouth guard. Schedule your appointment today to protect your smile with a comfortable, customizable device.
Ridgewood Location
Contact our Ridgewood practice at (201) 447-2888 to learn more about our GuardLab mouth guards. Whether you need protection for contact sports or a night guard for teeth grinding, our experienced team will help you choose the right device for your needs.
Let’s Get Started!
Clemente Orthodontics has served Bergen County and Rockland County families since the 1970s, and our multigenerational practice continues to be led by Dr. Dani, Dr. Nicole, and Dr. Marissa — each bringing specialized orthodontic training and a genuine commitment to protecting their patients’ smiles. As a Sapphire Invisalign® Provider and the number one Invisalign® provider in New York and New Jersey, we bring that same level of precision to every device we fit, including custom GuardLab mouth guards. We offer flexible, interest-free monthly payment plans and accept CareCredit to keep protection accessible for patients of all ages.
If you or your child plays a sport, don’t wait until an injury happens. Schedule your digital scan appointment today through our contact form and our team will help you find the right device for your sport, your schedule, and your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouth Guards
At Clemente Orthodontics, we prioritize the protection of your smile during sports and physical activities. Our custom mouth guards provide superior protection compared to over-the-counter options. Here are answers to common questions about mouth guards and dental protection.
Why are mouth guards important for sports and physical activities?
Mouth guards are essential for protecting your teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue during sports and physical activities. They help absorb the impact of blows to the face, significantly reducing the risk of broken teeth, cuts to the lips and cheeks, root damage, and even concussions. According to the American Dental Association, athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries when not wearing a mouth guard. This protective equipment is particularly important for patients with braces or Invisalign®, as dental injuries during orthodontic treatment can be more complex to address and may delay treatment progress.
What sports require mouth guards?
While mouth guards are mandatory in high-contact sports like football, hockey, boxing, and lacrosse, we recommend them for virtually all athletic activities where there’s a risk of falls, collisions, or impacts. This includes:
- Basketball and soccer
- Baseball and softball
- Volleyball and tennis
- Skateboarding and biking
- Gymnastics and cheerleading
- Wrestling and martial arts
Even in non-contact sports, accidental impacts can occur. The benefits of wearing a mouthguard for contact sports extend beyond protecting your teeth—they can also help protect against concussions and jaw injuries.
What’s the difference between custom orthodontic mouth guards and store-bought options?
Custom mouth guards created by our orthodontists offer several advantages over store-bought options:
Custom Mouth Guards:
- Precisely fitted to your unique dental structure
- Thinner and more comfortable, encouraging consistent use
- Allow for easier breathing and speaking
- Provide superior protection with optimal coverage
- Made from higher-quality, more durable materials
- Can be designed to accommodate braces or other orthodontic appliances
Store-Bought Mouth Guards:
- Generic fit that may slip or require constant biting to keep in place
- Bulkier design that can impede breathing and speech
- Less effective protection due to improper fit
- Typically less durable and may need frequent replacement
- Often uncomfortable, discouraging regular use
While custom mouth guards represent a greater initial investment, their superior protection, comfort, and durability make them the preferred choice for anyone serious about their sport and their smile.
Can I wear a mouth guard with braces?
Absolutely! In fact, wearing a mouth guard is especially important if you have braces. A properly designed orthodontic mouth guard provides space for braces and protects both your appliances and soft tissues from damage during sports. Without a mouth guard, an impact to the face could damage brackets and wires, potentially causing painful cuts to your lips and cheeks and extending your treatment time. We create custom mouth guards specifically designed to fit over braces, providing optimal protection while accommodating your orthodontic treatment.
How often should I replace my mouth guard?
Most custom mouth guards should be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on wear and tear, growth changes, and dental developments. For adolescents who are still growing or patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, more frequent replacements may be necessary as the dental structure changes. Signs that you need a new mouth guard include:
- Visible wear, tears, or holes
- Deformation that affects fit
- Difficulty keeping the guard in place
- Uncomfortable fit or pressure points
- Completion of significant dental work or orthodontic adjustments
We recommend bringing your mouth guard to your regular orthodontic appointments so we can evaluate its condition and fit.
How do I clean and care for my mouth guard?
Proper care extends the life of your mouth guard and maintains good oral hygiene:
- Rinse with cool water or mouthwash before and after each use
- Clean with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Store in a ventilated case when not in use
- Keep away from high temperatures (hot water, direct sunlight, hot car dashboards)
- Avoid chewing on your mouth guard
- Bring to regular dental and orthodontic appointments for professional cleaning and inspection
- Keep out of reach of pets who might mistake it for a chew toy
With proper care, your custom mouth guard will provide optimal protection throughout its lifespan.
Can mouth guards help with teeth grinding (bruxism)?
While sports mouth guards and night guards serve different purposes, we do create specialized guards for nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). Night guards are designed differently from sports mouth guards, with specific thickness and materials to address grinding forces rather than impact protection. If you experience teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep, ask about our custom night guards. These appliances can help prevent tooth damage, alleviate jaw pain, and reduce morning headaches associated with bruxism.
Are mouth guards covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for mouth guards varies by provider and plan. Some dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for custom mouth guards, particularly when they’re deemed medically necessary for patients with orthodontic appliances. Our team can help verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage options. Even without insurance coverage, we believe the investment in a custom mouth guard is minimal compared to the potential cost of treating dental injuries that could have been prevented.
How is a custom mouth guard created?
The process for creating a custom mouth guard at Clemente Orthodontics involves:
- Taking precise digital impressions of your teeth (a quick, comfortable process)
- Fabricating the guard using high-quality, durable materials
- Ensuring proper thickness in key areas for optimal protection
- Carefully finishing and polishing for comfort
- Fitting the completed guard and making any necessary adjustments
- Providing instructions for care and maintenance
The entire process typically requires two short appointments—one for impressions and one for delivery and fitting. The result is a comfortable, effective mouth guard that’s specifically designed for your unique dental structure.
Can children and teenagers use the same type of mouth guard as adults?
Children and teenagers have unique needs when it comes to mouth guards. Their mouths are still developing, and they may be undergoing orthodontic treatment. We create custom mouth guards specifically designed for younger athletes, taking into account:
- Growth and development considerations
- Current orthodontic treatment needs
- Sport-specific requirements
- Comfort factors that encourage consistent use
For young athletes, especially those involved in multiple sports throughout the year, proper mouth protection is essential for their long-term dental health. Our custom-fitted youth mouth guards provide the protection they need while accommodating their growing smiles.
Protect Your Smile With a Custom Mouth guard
For more information about custom mouth guards or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. Visit our offices in Ridgewood, Woodcliff Lake, or New City to learn how our custom mouth guards can help protect your investment in your healthy, beautiful smile.
đź“Ť Visit Us:
- Ridgewood, NJ: 60 W. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
- New City, NY: 603 South Route 304, New City, NY 10956
- Woodcliff Lake, NJ: 595 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
