Riverpark Dental Care: Custom Mouth Guards and Insurance Made Easy

If you’ve ever chipped a tooth while playing ball or woken up with a sore jaw, you already know how frustrating dental problems can be. Teeth don’t heal themselves like a cut on your hand, so once something happens, it often means dental work, and sometimes an expensive repair. The good news? Many of those problems can be prevented with something simple: a mouth guard that’s made just for you.

At Clove Dental, our Riverpark team sees patients all the time who wish they’d gotten one earlier. A guard might not sound exciting, but trust me, it can save you a lot of pain and money in the long run. If you’re searching for a reliable dentist in Riverpark, let us explain how custom mouth guards (plus a little insurance help) can make your life easier.

More than just for athletes

When most people hear “mouth guard,” they picture football players or boxers. And yes, athletes definitely need them, Riverpark has plenty of kids and adults in sports where one bad fall could knock a tooth loose. But athletes aren’t the only ones.

We also make guards for:

• Folks who grind their teeth at night (sometimes they don’t even realize it until a partner complains about the sound).
• People with frequent headaches or sore jaws from clenching.
• Patients who notice their teeth are looking worn down or are suddenly more sensitive.

Think of a guard like a cushion. It absorbs pressure so your teeth, gums, and jaw don’t have to. Over time, that means fewer cracks, fewer crowns, and fewer 2 a.m. toothaches.

How to know if you need one

Here are a few signs we often see in patients who benefit from guards:

• You wake up with a tight jaw or tension in your temples.
• You’re active in sports like basketball, hockey, martial arts, or even skateboarding.
• Your teeth look a little shorter or flatter than they used to.
• You’ve already had a chipped or cracked tooth (a big red flag).

If any of those sound familiar, it might be time to get checked. Waiting usually just means more wear and tear.

What happens at your appointment

A lot of patients ask if getting a mouth guard is complicated. The answer: not at all. 

1. We start with a chat and an exam. The dentist checks your teeth, listens to your concerns, and figures out what type of guard fits your situation best.
2. We take impressions. These molds capture your exact bite, so the guard doesn’t feel bulky or loose.
3. Fitting time. When your guard is ready, you come back to try it on. We check for comfort and protection and make tweaks if needed.
4. Care tips. We’ll walk you through cleaning and storage so your guard lasts.

Patients are often surprised at how quick the whole process is. Dr. Bruce Pence, one of our dentists here, is especially passionate about making sure guards fit comfortably, because if it’s not comfortable, you won’t wear it, and then what’s the point?

Insurance: the part nobody likes, made simple

Let’s be honest, insurance paperwork isn’t fun. Many people skip preventive care because they’re not sure what’s covered or they’re worried about the cost. Here’s the thing: a lot of insurance plans do cover custom mouth guards, especially when they’re preventive or medically necessary.

Our front desk team takes care of the back-and-forth with your provider. We’ll check your benefits before you commit, explain what’s included, and file the claim for you. That way, you don’t get stuck playing phone tag with your insurance company.

Why Riverpark patients choose us

We know you’ve got options when it comes to finding a dentist in Riverpark. Here’s what patients tell us they like about Clove Dental:

• Experience you can trust. Our dentists have seen it all, from sports injuries to chronic grinding, and they focus on prevention first.
• Convenient location. We’re right here in Riverpark with plenty of free parking, so visits aren’t a hassle.
• Comprehensive care. Whether you need a cleaning, an emergency visit, or a custom guard, it’s all under one roof.
• Personal touch. We don’t rush. We take the time to explain, answer questions, and make sure patients feel comfortable.

A small step that makes a big difference

Think of a custom mouth guard like a seatbelt for your teeth. Most days, you won’t “need” it, but the one time you do, you’ll be glad you had it. Protecting your smile today can prevent expensive, painful treatments tomorrow.

So, whether you’re an athlete, a night grinder, or just someone who wants to keep their teeth healthy long-term, we’d love to help. Give our Riverpark office a call and let’s get you fitted for a guard that’s made just for you.

Your teeth work hard for you every day. It’s time to return the favor.