Now Accepting New Patients in Durham

Custom Mouthguards in Durham, NC

Protect your smile with custom mouthguards—designed for a precise fit to prevent injury, reduce strain, and keep your teeth safe every day.

Your teeth were not designed to absorb constant grinding, clenching, or impact, and without protection, the damage can add up faster than you might expect. Whether you are a nightly grinder or a weekend athlete, the wrong amount of force on your teeth can lead to cracked enamel, jaw pain, worn-down surfaces, and costly repairs down the road.

At Church Family Dentistry, we believe that protecting your smile is just as important as restoring it. Dr. Will Church and our team in Durham, NC offer custom-fitted mouthguards designed to address your specific needs, from managing the effects of bruxism and TMJ to keeping athletes safe on the field. As part of our broader general dentistry services, we take a personalized approach to every guard we create, because a one-size-fits-all solution rarely fits anyone well.

What Makes a Custom Mouthguard Different

When it comes to protecting your teeth, the fit matters more than most people realize. Store-bought guards are bulky, uncomfortable, and often fail to stay in place, which means they do not actually do their job when it counts.

A custom mouthguard is made from precise impressions of your teeth, which means it sits securely and comfortably in your mouth. It is thinner, better balanced, and far more durable than anything you will find on a pharmacy shelf. We use advanced technology at our practice to ensure accurate impressions and a proper fit that you will actually want to wear night after night or game after game.

Not all mouthguards are built the same. The type of protection you need depends entirely on the problem you are trying to solve, and we will help you identify the right option during your appointment.

cropped view of asian woman using mouth guard isolated on white

Night Guards for Bruxism and TMJ

Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, affects many adults and often happens during sleep without any awareness. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, untreated bruxism can lead to damaged teeth, jaw pain, and chronic headaches. Over time, the pressure from grinding wears down enamel, loosens teeth, and strains the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull.

How a Night Guard Helps

A night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing and redistributing the force of clenching before it can do damage. For patients dealing with TMJ disorders, a properly fitted guard can also help reduce muscle tension and bring some relief to jaw soreness and morning headaches.

We custom-fabricate every night guard based on detailed impressions of your bite. Many patients notice a significant difference in comfort within the first few weeks of consistent use. If you have been waking up with a tight jaw or a dull ache in your face, it may be time to visit our services page and explore what we can do for you.

Sport Guards for Athletes of All Ages

Whether you play football, basketball, soccer, or any contact sport, a well-fitted sport guard is one of the most practical investments you can make for your oral health. Dental injuries during athletic activity are more common than many people expect, and many of them are entirely preventable.

Protection Built for Performance

A custom sport guard fits precisely over your teeth and stays in place during activity, unlike the over-the-counter boil-and-bite options that shift around and make it harder to breathe and communicate. Our sport guards are built to absorb impact effectively while remaining comfortable enough that athletes are not tempted to leave them on the bench.

We create sport guards for patients of all ages, from young athletes just starting out to adults who stay active on the weekend. If a knocked-out tooth or cracked enamel ever does occur during play, our emergency dentistry team is here to help. That said, wearing a proper guard is always the better plan.

Here is a quick look at the types of patients who benefit most from a custom sport guard:

  • Contact sport athletes: football, hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling players who face high-impact collision risk
  • Recreational players: basketball, soccer, and martial arts participants whose activity still carries a real risk of facial injury
  • Young athletes: children and teens whose developing teeth need reliable protection throughout the season
  • Braces wearers: patients with orthodontic appliances who need a guard designed to fit around their hardware safely

No matter which sport brings you to us, we are ready to design a guard that supports both your safety and your performance.

Get Custom Mouthguards at Church Family Dentistry in Durham

Dr. Will Church brings a patient-first philosophy and advanced training from UNC to every appointment, ensuring that you get a guard built specifically for your bite, your lifestyle, and your goals. We take the time to understand what you need before we recommend anything, which is the kind of care that sets our Durham practice apart. You can learn more about Dr. Church’s approach and what makes our team different before you even walk through the door.

Whether you are managing nightly grinding, TMJ discomfort, or the demands of an active lifestyle, we are here to help you protect your smile for the long term. We also offer flexible financing options through Cherry, Sunbit, and Proceed to make sure cost is never a barrier to the care you need. Ready to get started? Contact our office today to schedule your custom mouthguard consultation.

Ready for a
Healthier Smile?

Experience the difference that advanced technology and compassionate care can make. At Church Dentistry, we’re committed to providing Durham residents with exceptional dental care in a comfortable, modern environment. Whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic enhancement, or complex restorative work, our team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and the confident smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover why patients throughout Durham trust us with their smiles.

Your Durham Dentist

Meet Dr. Will Church

When you visit Church Family Dentistry, you’re in the hands of a dentist who approaches every appointment with genuine curiosity about your goals — not just your teeth. Dr. Will Church combines advanced training from UNC with a deep passion for cutting-edge dental technology, creating an environment where patients feel heard, valued, and confident in every decision they make about their care.

Dr. Will Church, DDS — Church Family Dentistry Durham NC

Dr. Will Church, DDS

Flexible Payment Options

Insurance & Financing Options

Quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. At Church Family Dentistry, we work hard to make treatment fit your budget — whether you have insurance, prefer financing, or simply want flexible payment solutions.

Dental Insurance

While we are proudly out-of-network, we file PPO benefits on your behalf to maximize your savings. We accept and process most major dental insurance plans — Medicaid, Tricare, and VA are the only exceptions.

Flexible Financing

We offer multiple financing options so care stays within reach — from simple out-of-pocket costs to larger treatment investments. Apply in minutes and get a decision quickly.

HSA & FSA Accepted

We happily accept Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Use your pre-tax dollars for any dental procedure — from routine cleanings to cosmetic treatment and implants.

Financing Partners:

Questions about your coverage? Call us at (919) 220-6553 — we’re happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.

Patient Experiences

Hear From Our Patients

At Church Family Dentistry, every patient’s experience matters deeply to us. Hear firsthand why Durham families trust Dr. Church with their smiles.

Find Us in Durham

Visit Us!

Church Family Dentistry is conveniently located in Durham, NC — right next to Duke Regional Hospital, with comfortable operatories overlooking beautifully wooded surroundings.

Address
2711 N Duke St #B
Durham, NC 27704

Schedule Online
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Office Hours

Monday7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Taking the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile is simple. Call our Durham office or request an appointment online — we’re here to answer your questions and create a personalized plan that fits your life.

Whether you’re a new patient or returning for care, Dr. Church and his team will take time to truly understand your goals before recommending any treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Will Church for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs and clinical factors. Contact Church Family Dentistry at (919) 220-6553 for personalized care or dental emergencies.