Hard Night Guards
Durable, rigid acrylic guards designed for patients who suffer from severe, heavy grinding.
- Maximum durability
- Prevents severe enamel wear
- Adjusted for perfect bite
- Longest lasting option
Protect your smile while you sleep or play. Our custom-fitted night guards stop the damage caused by teeth grinding, while our sports mouthguards offer superior protection for active athletes.
Your teeth are incredibly strong, but they are not indestructible. Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep can exert hundreds of pounds of pressure, leading to worn enamel, cracked teeth, and severe jaw pain. Similarly, sports injuries are a leading cause of tooth loss in young adults.
At Carmel Family Dental, we provide custom-crafted night guards and sports mouthguards. Unlike bulky, uncomfortable over-the-counter options, our guards are designed from precise digital scans of your mouth, ensuring a perfect, comfortable fit that you will actually want to wear.
Here is a simple overview of what to expect.
| Topic | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) or sports impacts |
| Fabrication | Custom-made in a dental lab from digital scans |
| Appointments | 2 visits (scan, then delivery) |
| Comfort | Highly comfortable; does not impede breathing |
| Lifespan | 1-5 years depending on severity of grinding |
| Materials | Hard acrylic, soft dual-laminate, or sports-grade vinyl |
| Insurance | Many plans offer partial coverage for night guards |
| Serving | Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville |
Tailored treatments to meet your specific goals.
Durable, rigid acrylic guards designed for patients who suffer from severe, heavy grinding.
A popular hybrid option with a hard, durable outer shell and a soft, comfortable inner lining.
Thick, impact-absorbing guards designed to protect athletes’ teeth, lips, and jaws during contact sports.
Specialized occlusal guards designed not just to protect teeth, but to reposition the jaw to relieve TMJ pain.
A consultation helps determine if this is the best path for your goals.
Patients who unconsciously clench or grind their teeth, usually during sleep.
Individuals experiencing chronic jaw pain, clicking joints, or morning headaches.
Patients who have invested in veneers, crowns, or implants and need to protect them.
Children and adults participating in contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, or martial arts.
Patients whose dentist has noticed their teeth are becoming flattened or excessively worn.
Those experiencing generalized tooth sensitivity caused by the pressure of clenching.
No pressure and no rushing. We give you the information you need to decide thoughtfully.
We examine your teeth for signs of wear, chipping, and abfractions (notches at the gumline).
We discuss any jaw pain, headaches, or tension you experience, especially in the mornings.
We recommend the specific type of guard (hard, soft, or dual-laminate) best suited for your needs.
We take a quick, comfortable 3D scan of your teeth—no messy putty required.
Your custom guard is precision-crafted in a dental lab for a perfect fit.
When the guard arrives, we check the fit and adjust your bite so it is perfectly balanced.
Careful planning follows a predictable, patient-centered sequence.
We use an intraoral scanner to create a highly accurate 3D model of your upper and lower teeth.
We record exactly how your upper and lower teeth come together to ensure the guard is balanced.
A specialized dental lab crafts the guard from high-quality, durable materials.
You return to the office to try on the new guard. It should snap securely into place.
The dentist carefully adjusts the biting surface of the guard so all your teeth hit it evenly.
We show you how to clean and store your guard to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
The right choice depends on your specific needs.
| Feature | Custom Dental Guard | Over-the-Counter (Boil & Bite) |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | ✓ Exact replica of your teeth | Loose, bulky, and generic |
| Comfort | ✓ High (easy to breathe/sleep) | Low (often falls out at night) |
| Durability | ✓ Lasts 1-5+ years | Wears out in a few months |
| Bite Balance | ✓ Adjusted by dentist to prevent jaw pain | Unbalanced (can worsen TMJ issues) |
| Protection | ✓ Maximum impact/grinding protection | Minimal protection |
| Cost | Higher initial investment | ✓ Very cheap |
Results depend on careful diagnosis, disciplined planning, and a team that respects your goals.
No gagging on putty. We use 3D scanners for a more accurate, comfortable fit.
A poorly adjusted guard can cause jaw pain. We ensure your bite is perfectly balanced.
We use lab-grade materials that are thinner, stronger, and more comfortable than store-bought options.
A night guard is the best insurance policy to protect your expensive crowns and veneers.
We design sports guards that allow athletes to breathe and speak clearly while playing.
Patients report finally getting a good night’s sleep without waking up to jaw pain.
Our approach is designed around clear information and careful design.
I tried three different drugstore night guards and couldn’t sleep with any of them. The custom one Dr. Stuart made is so much thinner and actually stays in place. My morning headaches are completely gone.
My son plays hockey and refused to wear his bulky store-bought mouthguard because he couldn’t breathe well. The custom one from Carmel Family Dental fits perfectly and he actually wears it.
I was grinding my teeth so badly I cracked a molar. The dual-laminate guard they made me is surprisingly comfortable. I don’t go to sleep without it now.
Every treatment plan is developed with attention to health, function, and appearance.
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Stuart focuses on natural-looking cosmetic and restorative care that respects the character of each patient’s smile.
Read Full Bio →
Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants
Dr. Schraeder brings digital planning and detail-oriented craftsmanship to cosmetic treatment conversations and smile design.
Read Full Bio →Clear answers to common questions.
Our team can help you understand how your benefits and treatment options may apply.
We review available benefits before your care begins.
Our treatment coordinators help you understand the clinical sequence and timing.
Carmel Family Dental is conveniently located in Carmel, Indiana, and welcomes patients from throughout the greater Indianapolis area.
Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Carmel Family Dental. We will listen to your goals, review the health of your smile, and explain the appropriate options clearly.
13590 N Meridian St, Suite 200, Carmel, IN 46032 | Serving Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas