How is a custom night guard different from one I buy at the drugstore?

Drugstore guards are one-size-fits-all and made from soft material that can shift or cause jaw discomfort. A custom guard from your dentist is precisely molded to your teeth using digital impressions, providing a stable, comfortable fit that effectively protects your enamel and jaw joints.

Do I need a separate guard for grinding and for sports?

Yes. An occlusal guard for grinding is designed for nighttime wear and focuses on protecting teeth from clenching forces. A sports guard is thicker and designed to absorb impact during physical activity. Using the wrong type for the wrong purpose can reduce protection and comfort.

Does dental insurance cover occlusal or sports guards in New Orleans?

Many dental insurance plans cover occlusal guards when prescribed for medical reasons like bruxism or TMJ disorder. Sports guards may have partial coverage under some plans. Gleem Dental accepts multiple major plans, and our team can verify your benefits before your visit.

How long does it take to get a custom guard at Gleem Dental?

The process is efficient. After your digital scan at your fitting appointment, your guard is fabricated in a dental lab and typically ready within one to two weeks. Dr. Greene will schedule a brief fit check to ensure it feels comfortable and secure before you take it home.

How do I care for my mouth guard?

Rinse your guard with cool water after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Store it in a ventilated case away from heat or direct sunlight. Avoid soaking in mouthwash or hot water, which can warp the material.

General & Preventive • New Orleans

Custom Occlusal & Sports Guards

Whether you grind your teeth at night or play hard on the field, the right guard protects your smile from lasting damage. At Gleem Dental in Lakeview, we craft custom occlusal and sports guards that fit precisely and comfortably — far better than any store-bought option. New patients are always welcome.

Book Appointment (504) 553-1393

Custom-Fit In-Office

Protects Against Grinding

Superior To Boil-And-Bite

Most Insurance Accepted

◦ Protect What You've Built

Guard your
smile.

Teeth face two big threats: the slow grind of clenching at night and the sudden impact of sport. A custom guard defends against both — preserving your enamel, your comfort, and your investment in a healthy smile.

Occlusal Guards

Relief From Grinding & Clenching

Many people grind or clench their teeth in their sleep without realizing it — a habit called bruxism. Over time it wears down enamel, cracks teeth, and strains the jaw. A custom night guard cushions your teeth and eases that pressure.

A Night Guard Helps:

Protect enamel from wear, chips, and cracks
Relieve jaw pain, tension headaches, and TMJ strain
Prevent costly future repairs from grinding damage

Sports Guards

Confidence On the Field

A single hit can chip, break, or knock out a tooth. Custom athletic mouthguards absorb and spread impact far better than bulky boil-and-bite versions — and because they fit precisely, athletes actually keep them in.

A Sports Guard Delivers:

Shock absorption that shields teeth from impact
A secure, custom fit that stays put and lets you breathe
Protection for lips, gums, and soft tissue during play

◦ Which Guard Is Right?

Night guard vs.
sports guard.

The two guards look similar but do very different jobs. Dr. Greene will help you choose the right one — or both — based on your habits and lifestyle.

Feature	Occlusal (Night) Guard	Sports Guard
Best for	Nighttime grinding and clenching (bruxism)	Contact sports and athletic activity
When worn	While you sleep	During practices and games
Protects against	Enamel wear, jaw pain, and TMJ strain	Impact, chipped teeth, and mouth injuries
Material	Firm, thin material for a discreet fit	Thicker, shock-absorbing material
Fit	Custom-molded for all-night comfort	Custom-molded to stay put during play

◦ The Gleem Difference

Why a custom guard is worth it.

There's a real difference between a guard that's made for your mouth and one that isn't. Here's what sets ours apart.

Made Just For You.

We take precise impressions so your guard fits snugly and comfortably — no bulky, ill-fitting boil-and-bite that falls out or gets tossed aside.

01 / FIT

Real Damage Prevention.

A custom guard absorbs and redistributes force, shielding enamel from grinding and teeth from impact — protecting the smile you've invested in.

02 / PROTECTION

Something You'll Wear.

The best guard is the one you actually use. Ours are thin, precise, and comfortable enough to wear night after night or game after game.

03 / COMFORT

◦ Meet the doctor

An artist's eye.
A clinician's precision.

Dr. Caylin Greene earned her DDS from Howard University College of Dentistry in 2016 and brings more than 10 years of experience to her patients. In 2025 she founded Gleem to bring elevated, comprehensive cosmetic care to Lakeview — with advanced training in Invisalign and a quiet obsession with proportion, light, and facial harmony.

Education

Howard University, DDS

Experience

10+ years

Specialties

Invisalign · Cosmetic

Meet Dr. Greene Explore Services

Founder

Dr. Caylin Greene,
DDS

◦ Your Visit

Getting your custom guard.

From evaluation to a perfect fit, here's how we craft protection made just for you.

Evaluation

Dr. Greene examines your teeth and jaw for signs of grinding, wear, or TMJ strain — and discusses your sport if you need athletic protection.

Precise Impressions

We take detailed impressions or a digital scan of your teeth so your guard is built to fit your bite exactly, not a generic mold.

Custom Fabrication

Your guard is crafted from professional-grade material — firm and discreet for night guards, thick and shock-absorbing for sports.

Fit & Follow-Up

We fine-tune the fit for comfort, show you how to wear and care for it, and check in to make sure it's protecting you as intended.

◦ Frequently asked

Questions,
answered.

How do I know if I grind my teeth?

Common signs of bruxism include waking with a sore jaw or headache, flattened or worn teeth, increased sensitivity, and disrupted sleep. Often a partner notices the grinding sound at night. During an exam, Dr. Greene can spot the telltale wear patterns even before you do.

Can a night guard help with jaw pain and TMJ?

Yes. By cushioning your teeth and relieving pressure on the jaw joint, an occlusal guard can reduce clenching, ease muscle tension, and help relieve the jaw pain and headaches associated with TMJ strain. It won't cure every cause, but for many patients the relief is significant.

Why not just buy a mouthguard from the store?

Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are bulky, fit loosely, and wear out quickly — many people stop wearing them. A custom guard is molded precisely to your teeth for better protection, comfort, and durability, which is why it's worth the difference for both grinding and sports.

Do I need different guards for sleeping and sports?

Usually, yes. An occlusal (night) guard is designed to resist grinding forces while you sleep, while a sports guard is thicker to absorb impact during activity. If you're also considering treatments to relax or protect your smile, ask about our cosmetic dentistry or sedation options.

Do you accept insurance for custom guards?

Many dental plans provide coverage for custom occlusal guards, especially when prescribed to protect against grinding. We'll verify your benefits in advance and offer flexible options for patients without insurance. See our Insurance & Financing page for details.

◦ Begin

Dentistry that's
designed around you.

Whether it's a routine cleaning or a complete Invisalign journey, your first visit is the easy part. We'll handle the rest.

Book Your Visit (504) 553-1393