Occlusal & Sports Guards in Winston-Salem, NC

Your teeth are strong — but they’re not indestructible. Whether you grind your teeth at night or play high-impact sports, custom mouthguards can help you avoid fractures, wear, and long-term damage. At Trenton B. Bottoms, DDS, we offer professionally made occlusal and athletic guards designed for comfort, protection, and performance.

We tailor each guard to your exact bite and lifestyle needs. With precision fit, durable materials, and a conservative treatment philosophy, our Winston-Salem dental team helps protect your smile before damage happens — not after.

What Is an Occlusal Guard?

Also known as a night guard, an occlusal guard is a custom-fitted appliance worn during sleep. It protects the teeth and jaw from the effects of bruxism — involuntary grinding or clenching that often happens at night.

Signs you may need an occlusal guard:

• Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
  
• Frequent morning headaches or jaw soreness
  
• Clicking or popping in the jaw (a sign of TMJ strain)
  
• Unexplained tooth sensitivity
  
• Notching near the gumline from excessive pressure
  

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we may also evaluate you for related conditions such as TMJ disorder or bruxism, which can often be managed with simple, non-invasive solutions like an occlusal guard.

What Is a Sports Guard?

Sports guards (or athletic mouthguards) protect your teeth and soft tissues during physical activity. Unlike over-the-counter options, our custom sports guards are made to fit precisely, allowing you to breathe, speak, and perform without distraction.

They’re ideal for:

• Football, basketball, hockey, and lacrosse
  
• Martial arts, boxing, and wrestling
  
• Skateboarding, mountain biking, and other impact sports
  
• Any activity where facial contact or falls are common
  

A professionally made guard reduces the risk of tooth fractures, lip and tongue injuries, and even concussions.

Why Custom Matters

Store-bought mouthguards may seem convenient, but they often fall short in protection, durability, and comfort. A professionally crafted guard from Dr. Bottoms offers:

• Better Fit: Custom molding ensures it stays in place during sleep or play
  
• Increased Comfort: No gagging, slipping, or bulky plastic
  
• Durability: Long-lasting materials designed to handle high-pressure grinding or impacts
  
• Personalized Design: Tailored to your specific bite, jaw alignment, and oral health needs
  

If you’ve searched for a dentist near me who offers professionally fitted guards that actually work, our Winston-Salem team is ready to help.

The Process: Quick, Easy, and Comfortable

Getting a custom occlusal or sports guard is simple:

1. Consultation: We evaluate your bite and discuss your symptoms or sports involvement.
   
2. Impressions: We take digital or physical molds of your teeth for a precise fit.
   
3. Fabrication: Your guard is crafted by a trusted dental lab.
   
4. Fitting: We make final adjustments and provide care instructions for home use.
   

You’ll leave with a guard that’s easy to wear — and built to protect your investment in your smile.

Preventive Protection, Backed by Conservative Care

Dr. Bottoms is known for his conservative, honest approach to dentistry. If we recommend a guard, it's because we’ve carefully evaluated your needs and believe it will prevent more serious, expensive issues down the line — like cracked teeth, restorations, or TMJ damage.

We often pair occlusal guards with other preventive strategies, like nutritional counseling or routine exams, to build a long-term care plan that’s thoughtful, cost-effective, and tailored to your life.