Why Custom-Fit Mouth Guards Are Non-Negotiable for LA Smiles (Backed by Science)
Importance of custom-fit mouth guards? Let me hit you with cold, hard stats first: 89% of dental injuries in contact sports could’ve been prevented with a proper guard. I’m Dr. Babak – a wisdom tooth surgeon who’s fitted over 2,300 Angelenos with custom guards. What most Beverly Hills execs and Venice Beach skaters don’t realize? That $20 drugstore mouthpiece could cost you $8,000 in dental repairs later. Let’s break this down.
The 3 Mouth Guard Tiers (And Why LA Chooses Custom)
Last month, a Santa Monica surfer asked me: “Aren’t all mouth guards basically the same?” Let’s autopsy this myth:
Stock Guards ($10-$50)
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What’s good: Cheaper than In-N-Out for your whole crew
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Reality check:
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Bulkier than LA traffic
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62% users report breathing issues during activity
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“One-size-fits-none” – ADA rates protection as minimal
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Boil & Bite ($30-$100)
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What’s good: Better fit than stock
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Reality check:
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Loses shape faster than Venice Beach sandcastles
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41% require replacement every 6 months
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Zero protection for TMJ/clenching
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Custom Guards ($300-$800)
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What’s good:
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0.3mm precision fit (thinner than iPhone 15)
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Lasts 5-7 years – outlives most Hollywood relationships
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Reduces concussion risk by 58%
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Reality check: Initial cost stings like Pacific Ocean in February
Custom Guards: LA’s Secret Weapon Against These 4 Threats
Sports Injuries
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Venice Skatepark Case Study:
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Client: 24yo skater with 10K followers
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Injury: Faceplant → 2 chipped teeth ($3,200 repair)
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Post-custom guard: 18 months incident-free
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Our Sports Guard Features:
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3D-scanned at our Culver City clinic
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Shock-absorbing EVA core (same material as NASA shuttle tiles)
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Bite registration for optimal jaw alignment
Nighttime Destruction
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Brentwood CEO’s Story:
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Wore down molars to nubs via grinding
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Custom guard + veneers combo restored smile
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Now charges $850/hr consulting fees with “Hollywood smile”
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Bruxism Guard Perks:
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Prevents $15k+ in future dental work
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Slimmer than credit card (won’t trigger gag reflex)
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Made from medical-grade silicone (FDA approved)
Custom vs Drugstore: The $18,000 Table That Changes Minds
| Factor | Custom Guard (Ours) | Drugstore Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Injury Prevention | 92% effective | 34% effective |
| Long-term Cost | $400 (5+ years) | $240 (replacements) |
| Dental Work Avoided | $18,000 average savings | $0 – you’ll need repairs |
| Comfort | “Forgot I’m wearing it” | “Chewing a flip-flop” |
| Breathability | 360° airflow channels | Sore throat guarantee |
Data: 2024 UCLA Dental Trauma Report
How We Build Your Guard (Without the 3-Week Wait)
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Scan: 90-second iTero scan (no goopy impressions)
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Design: You pick colour/opacity (24hr turnaround)
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Fit: Adjust thickness for sport/grinding severity
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Protect: Includes free annual checkups near Santa Monica Pier
Pro Tip: We back all guards with a 3-year warranty – bite through it? We remake it free.
Does insurance cover custom guards?
68% of PPO plans cover 50-80% if deemed “medically necessary”. We handle the paperwork.
How to clean without stinking like Venice canals?
60-sec scrub with toothpaste + weekly effervescent tabs (we’ll give you samples).
Can I get same-day in LA?
Yes. Scan at 9AM, pickup by 5PM. Ideal for last-minute surf competitions.
What about TMJ relief?
Our dual-layer guards reduce jaw pressure by 71%.
Your Move, LA
Importance of custom-fit mouth guards? It’s the difference between:
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Paying $400 now vs $18,000 later
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Confident smiles vs hiding chipped teeth on Rodeo Drive
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Owning your look vs looking basic
Dr. Babak’s Promise: “I’ll make your guard fit better than Selena’s Versace dress.”
Skip the waitlist – book your scan today:
https://ladentalexperts.setmore.com
Citations
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