Mouthguards & Night Guards in Flint, MI
Protect your teeth from grinding and impact with custom-fitted mouthguards and night guards.
What are Mouthguards & Night Guards?
Grinding your teeth at night can wear down enamel so gradually you don't notice until a tooth cracks or your jaw aches every morning. A custom night guard slips over your teeth while you sleep, keeping upper and lower arches slightly apart so the grinding force never reaches the enamel. At C. Patrick Gray, DDS. in Flint, MI, we take precise impressions of your bite so the guard fits snugly without feeling bulky or shifting around.
Mouthguards work the same way for a different situation. If you or your child plays a contact sport, a single elbow can chip, loosen, or knock out a tooth entirely. A custom mouthguard absorbs that impact and spreads it across the arch instead of one vulnerable spot. During a dental exam, we often spot early signs of grinding or sport-related wear and can recommend the right guard before real damage sets in.
Benefits of Mouthguards & Night Guards
A well-fitted mouthguard or night guard does more than protect your teeth. It changes how you feel every morning.
Wake Up Without Jaw Pain
Grinding puts intense force on your teeth overnight. A custom night guard absorbs that pressure before it reaches the enamel, so you wake up without the stiffness that used to follow you.
Keep Your Enamel Intact
Once enamel wears away, it does not grow back. A night guard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth so grinding force lands on the guard rather than on your tooth surfaces.
A Fit That Stays in Place
Store-bought guards feel bulky and slip around. We take precise impressions of your bite so the custom version fits snugly, stays put all night, and does not interfere with comfortable breathing.
Wake Up Without Jaw Pain
Grinding puts intense force on your teeth overnight. A custom night guard absorbs that pressure before it reaches the enamel, so you wake up without the stiffness that used to follow you.
Keep Your Enamel Intact
Once enamel wears away, it does not grow back. A night guard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth so grinding force lands on the guard rather than on your tooth surfaces.
A Fit That Stays in Place
Store-bought guards feel bulky and slip around. We take precise impressions of your bite so the custom version fits snugly, stays put all night, and does not interfere with comfortable breathing.
Who Benefits from Mouthguards & Night Guards?
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If you wake up with a sore jaw or dull headache most mornings, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep without realizing it. Clenching and grinding wear down enamel over time, and we often spot the telltale flat, shiny surfaces during a routine exam. A custom night guard cushions your bite and takes the pressure off your jaw joints, so the damage stops before it leads to cracked or loosened teeth.
Athletes of any age benefit just as much. A single elbow during a pickup game can fracture a front tooth or split a lip against a bracket. Youth players, weekend league adults, and anyone in a contact or high-impact sport should have a properly fitted mouthguard in their bag. Our team at C. Patrick Gray, DDS. takes impressions so each guard matches your bite exactly, which means it stays put and lets you breathe and talk normally.
Advanced Mouthguards & Night Guards Technology
We use digital scanning to map every contour of your teeth and gums in about two minutes. The 3D model that comes back is accurate down to fractions of a millimeter, which means your mouthguard or night guard sits flush against each tooth with no gaps and no rocking. That tight fit matters because a guard that moves around won't protect properly, and most people stop wearing one that feels uncomfortable.
The materials have improved, too. Our night guards are milled from medical-grade copolyester that's thin enough to talk and swallow normally but tough enough to absorb years of clenching force. Sport mouthguards use a dual-layer laminate, soft on the inside for cushion and rigid on the outside for impact resistance. Both options hold up far longer than the boil-and-bite versions sold in stores, and they don't distort over time the way those softer plastics tend to.
What to Expect During Your Visit
We start by taking an impression of your teeth. You bite into a soft tray for about a minute, and we capture the exact shape of your bite. If you're getting a night guard for grinding, we also check your jaw alignment and look for signs of wear on your enamel. The whole visit usually takes around 30 minutes, and nothing about it is uncomfortable.
Your custom guard is ready in about one to two weeks. When you come back, we check the fit and make small adjustments until it sits snugly without feeling bulky. Most people adjust to wearing it within a few nights. We recommend bringing it to your regular dental exams so we can inspect it for wear and make sure it's still fitting well.
Before Appointment
Bring any sports mouthguard or night guard you currently use so we can check the fit and compare it to your new one.
Skip chewing gum for a few hours before your visit, since sticky residue on your teeth can affect the accuracy of your impression.
Write down when you notice jaw soreness or teeth grinding most, whether it's morning, nighttime, or during activity, so we can choose the right guard type.
After Appointment
Rinse your mouthguard or night guard with cool water after each use and let it air dry in its vented case before storing.
Keep the appliance away from hot surfaces, car dashboards, and warm water, which can warp the fit permanently.
Brush your teeth before wearing your night guard each night so bacteria and plaque don't get trapped against your enamel.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions to help you feel informed, prepared, and confident before your appointment.
How long does a custom mouthguard or night guard last?
+Most custom guards last about two to five years with regular use. Kids and teens may need replacements sooner because their jaws are still growing. We check the fit at your routine exams and let you know when it's time for a new one.
Can I wear a night guard if I have crowns or bridgework?
+Yes. We design the guard around your existing dental work so it fits without putting extra stress on crowns or bridges. The impression captures every surface, and we adjust the material thickness so nothing shifts overnight.
Are store-bought mouthguards as effective as custom ones?
+Stock and boil-and-bite guards offer some protection, but they fit loosely and can slip during impact or grinding. A custom guard locks onto your teeth precisely, stays put while you sleep or play, and distributes force more evenly across your bite.
Will wearing a night guard feel uncomfortable while I sleep?
+Most patients adjust within a week or two. Because we take an exact impression of your teeth, the guard fits snugly without feeling bulky. If anything feels off after a few nights, we can trim or adjust it at a short follow-up visit.
Can children and teens use custom mouthguards for sports?
+Absolutely. A custom sports guard is especially important for young athletes whose permanent teeth are still coming in. We can make one as soon as enough adult teeth have erupted, and we resize it as their mouth changes during growth spurts.
What Our Patients Say
Hear from real patients about their experience at C. Patrick Gray, DDS.
This office genuinely cares about their patients. I came in anxious and left feeling completely at ease. Everyone from the front desk to the hygienist to Dr. Kroni was warm, professional, and thorough. The office is clean and modern and I never felt like I was being rushed or oversold on anything. Five stars without hesitation.
Crystal H.
Had my wisdom teeth removed here and honestly it was way less stressful than I expected. The team checked in on me throughout the whole procedure and made sure I was comfortable before they started. Dr. Khaddor was calm and efficient and recovery was smooth. Really glad I chose C. Patrick Gray, DDS.
Kayla S.
C. Patrick Gray, DDS. was the first dentist office I have been to that actually took the time to listen. I have always been anxious about dental work and Dr. Kroni was so patient with me every step of the way. He saved two teeth other dentists told me to pull. I walked out with my confidence back. Cannot recommend them enough.
Melissa P.
I love that I can get everything done in one place. Had a cleaning, a filling, and a whitening consultation all within a few weeks without being shuffled around. Dr. Khaddor is genuinely one of the best dentists I have ever had. The whole team is warm and the office feels really welcoming.
Simone R.
I have been coming to C. Patrick Gray, DDS. for two years now and the consistency is what keeps me coming back. Same friendly faces, same thorough exams, and they always remember details from my last visit. Dr. Kroni is professional, knowledgeable, and never makes me feel rushed. Great practice.
Joshua A.
Switched to C. Patrick Gray, DDS. after moving to the Flint area and I am so glad I did. They went over my insurance up front so there were no surprises, and Dr. Kroni took the time to actually listen to my concerns instead of rushing through. Highly recommend if you are looking for a dentist who treats you like a person.
Sarah F.
Brought my two kids in for their first cleanings and the staff was wonderful with both of them. They explained each step so the kids knew what was coming and made the whole thing feel like a fun trip rather than a dental appointment. The office is clean, easy to find on Beecher Rd, and we always get in right on time.
Hubert H.
I had been putting off a crown for months because I was nervous. Dr. Khaddor took the time to explain everything before we started and made sure I was comfortable the entire time. The result looks completely natural and I have had zero issues since. I appreciate how honest the team is about what you actually need.
Jill J.
Dr. Kroni and Dr. Khaddor make every visit feel easy. They walked me through my treatment options without any pressure and answered every question I had. The whole team is friendly and the office runs on time. My family has been coming here for years and we would not go anywhere else.
Aaron D.
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Schedule Your Appointment
Ready to take the next step? Contact C. Patrick Gray, DDS. in Flint to book your visit.
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When You Can Visit
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
- (810) 732-0200
Speak With Our Team
- G3222 Beecher Rd, Flint, MI 48532
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