Occlusal & Sports Mouthguards in Chicago, IL

What Are Occlusal and Sports Mouthguards?

While both types of mouthguards serve to protect the teeth, they are designed for different purposes:

• Occlusal Mouthguards (also called nightguards) are worn during sleep to prevent damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching).
• Sports Mouthguards are worn during athletic activity to shield the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw from impact-related injuries.

Unlike over-the-counter options, our custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your bite using digital impressions, ensuring superior comfort, fit, and function.

Who Should Wear a Custom Mouthguard?

You may benefit from a custom-fitted mouthguard if you:

• Grind or clench your teeth while sleeping
• Wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or facial tension
• Have previously chipped or worn teeth due to grinding
• Play contact sports such as football, hockey, basketball, or martial arts
• Participate in recreational activities where falls or impacts are common
• Wear braces or have dental restorations that need extra protection

Early use of mouthguards can prevent long-term damage and help you avoid costly restorative procedures in the future.

Benefits of Custom-Fit Mouthguards

Over-the-counter mouthguards are often bulky, uncomfortable, and prone to shifting out of place. At Ramy Bahu, DDS, we provide custom mouthguards that are:

• Tailored to your exact bite and jaw alignment
• Made from high-quality, long-lasting materials
• Comfortable to wear for extended periods
• Less likely to interfere with speaking or breathing
• Designed to reduce pressure on the jaw joint and muscles

Custom occlusal guards are also a key component of bruxism treatment and TMJ therapy, helping to protect your smile and reduce pain caused by grinding and joint strain.

Our Mouthguard Process

Getting a custom occlusal or sports mouthguard is simple and non-invasive. Here’s what to expect:

1. Consultation & Evaluation – We assess your oral health and determine the type of mouthguard best suited to your needs.
2. Digital Impressions – Using advanced scanning technology, we take precise 3D images of your mouth for accurate fabrication.
3. Custom Fabrication – Your mouthguard is crafted at a dental lab for optimal comfort, fit, and protection.
4. Fitting Appointment – Once the mouthguard is ready, we ensure a secure and comfortable fit, then provide instructions for proper care and use.

We also recommend follow-up checks during your routine dental exams to ensure your guard continues to function properly over time.

Meet Your Dentist

Dr. Ramy Bahu, D.D.S. has been helping patients in the Chicago area protect and maintain their oral health for more than 30 years. His expertise in designing precise, high-quality mouthguards ensures that each patient receives care tailored to their unique needs—whether for sports safety or long-term functional protection.

Related Services

Our custom mouthguards often work in tandem with other preventive and restorative treatments, including:

• Bruxism Treatment – To address nighttime clenching or grinding
• TMJ Therapy – To relieve jaw pain and muscle tension
• Smile Makeovers – For patients who’ve experienced damage and want to restore their appearance
• Dental Technology – For precise diagnostics and appliance fabrication

We’ll recommend the right combination of treatments based on your specific oral health goals.