Injury Defense
A sports guard cushions your teeth against impact, protecting them from chips, fractures, and knocked-out teeth.
Accepting New Patients
Mouth Guards in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Grinding your teeth at night or heading onto the field this season? A custom mouth guard in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA protects your smile from impact, grinding, and TMJ-related pain. At Elite Dentistry, Dr. Lari crafts comfortable, precise-fitting guards designed for lasting protection.
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Understanding Your Treatment
What Are Mouth Guards?
A mouth guard is a protective device that cushions your teeth against impact and grinding. Athletes rely on them during contact sports, while night guards protect people who grind their teeth or live with TMJ discomfort. Options range from stock and boil-and-bite versions to fully custom guards made from a mold of your teeth. For the best fit, comfort, and protection, we recommend a custom-fitted guard shaped just for you.
The Benefits
The Benefits of Mouth Guards
Grinding Relief
A night guard shields your teeth from the wear of grinding and clenching, easing jaw pain and morning headaches.
TMJ Comfort
By positioning the jaw and easing joint stress, a guard can relieve TMJ pain and improve jaw function.
Custom Fit
A guard molded to your teeth stays comfortable and secure, so you are far more likely to actually wear it.
The Process
Our Step-by-Step Process
From your first exam to the final result, here's exactly what to expect — calm, clear, and never rushed.
Request an Appointment- 01
Consultation
Dr. Lari evaluates your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the right type of guard for your needs.
- 02
Impressions
We take a precise digital or physical mold of your teeth to ensure an exact, comfortable fit.
- 03
Fabrication
Your guard is crafted in a dental lab from high-quality, durable materials built to last.
- 04
Final Fitting
You try on the finished guard, and we fine-tune it for optimal comfort and protection.
Is It Right for You?
Signs You May Need Mouth Guards
Teeth Grinding
You grind or clench your teeth at night and often wake up with a sore jaw or a headache.
Contact Sports
You play sports where a fall or collision could chip, break, or knock out a tooth.
Jaw Pain
You feel TMJ-related jaw pain, clicking, or tension that a night guard may help relieve.
Worn Teeth
Your teeth look flattened or worn at the edges, a common sign of long-term grinding.
Options
Common Types of Mouthguards
Mouth guards come in three main types, each offering varying levels of fit and protection. For custom guards, the entire process typically takes 1-2 weeks, and the result is a mouth guard that fits perfectly and provides maximum protection.
Sports Mouthguards
Protect teeth from impact during sports. Custom-fit options offer the best protection and comfort.
Bruxism/Night Guards
Prevent damage from teeth grinding (bruxism) and can help with TMJ disorder.
Over-the-Counter
Affordable and readily available, but may be less effective than custom-made options.
You're in good company… Glowing Reviews
Glowing Reviews
From Our Patients
5-star rated dental care from patients like you…
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite dentistry is the best dentist I’ve ever been to! The entire staff is so friendly and helpful. They’ve gone above and beyond for me several times, helping to make the perfect custom mouth guard and retainer. They will go the extra mile to make sure your experience is a great one. Even the terrible experience of having to get two cavities filled, wasn’t as bad as I expected, they made me super comfortable the entire time. I highly recommend Elite Dentistry!” — Cortney
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Hi everyone. I just had the most amazing dental treatment experience yesterday at Elite Dentistry in RSM, thanks to the wonderful Dr. Mehran Rastegar Lari and his whole team who made my experience pain free and friendly, really welcoming. And I'm talking about hygienist Michelle, and RDA Nayeli, (not sure of the name), and Irene and Yesenia in the front office. If you want a friendly and stress free experience, this is the place! And if you want the latest high tech equipment and procedures to not only ease the pain, but speed up the process -- especially when it comes to the need for cutting and replacing / building new crowns, this is the place! And I just can't say enough about Dr. Lari, I mean, he's a master. Honestly, I have a long previous history of experiencing dental treatment of all kinds, of the associated pain, of the stress and anxiety whenever I'd be under the drill. Or the long wait while dentists would need to take impressions, of having all that ordeal of having your mouth filled with cold thick stuff like plaster, waiting for the mold to form. And on and on. But wow, not only didn't Dr. Lari need to take impressions, but he uses a "scanner" inside the mouth to build the model of the teeth digitally in another way. This is wild, and amazing, and so much faster! And so much more comfortable.Even his way of numbing the gums around the teeth seemed less invasive, less painful. It honestly wasn't painful. I remember him using his laser machine device, and it seemed that all processes were faster. And one thing I had never experienced until yesterday was having great well fitting crowns made in-office, fitted and emplaced all on the same day! I was blown away by the technology he has on site, and his -- and his staff's -- expertise in using these latest cutting edge tools. But I think the biggest thing for me was Dr. Lari's friendliness, his care for me as a patient, and that goes for all his team too. Really, I can't say enough about this practice. You guys are the best. Thank you so much, Dr. Lari and team :)” — Christopher
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Truly the most wonderful experience with a dental office and staff I’ve ever experienced. I came into Elite having recently experienced poor experiences elsewhere in town, and couldn’t believe how kind, capable and professional the team is here. I am 6 months into my Invisalign process and couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend Elite for general dentistry to anyone!” — Alex
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Have been coming here for years. They accommodate all my needs and are very thorough with what they need to work on regarding my dental wellbeing. They also have very advanced dental technology which I love.” — Nicholas
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I just moved to OC and needed to find a new dental office. I had my first visit today with Elite Dentistry and was very impressed. Everyone who worked there was so kind and attentive and the equipment they use is very advanced. They recommend treatment without making you feel pressured.” — Jessica
- 5 out of 5 stars. “This is the dentist I've been waiting for! An absolute artist and master of the craft. When someone is passionate about what they do, it shows! Dr. Rastegar-Lari is simy the best in the area. We did some major work yesterday, and today I feel and look great! Thanks Doc!0” — K
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The stuff was very professional and informative.” — Anna
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Dr. Lari is so kind and gentle and a comforting personality that I have not seen in the dentistry business as long as I have had teeth. He is special and we are lucky to have him in our small community. He makes you feel like you are family and you will appreciate that. No hidden charges or overpricing at all at this office. He went way over and above in quality and cosmetic items I needed for what I paid for. He is my hero.” — Steve
- 5 out of 5 stars. “I had such a great experience at Elite Dentistry in RSM. The ladies at the front desk are so sweet and welcoming and just make everything feel easy from the moment you walk in. The assistants were gentle and attentive and really made sure I was comfortable the whole time.Dr. Lari was amazing. So professional, calm, and thorough. I felt completely at ease and genuinely taken care of. You can tell this office really cares!Highly recommend!” — Yasmeen
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite Dentistry is hands down one of the best dental clinics I’ve ever been to. Dr Mehran is truly the best in the industry extremely knowledgeable, professional, and someone you can genuinely trust. The entire team is welcoming and attentive, and you can tell ethics and patient care are a top priority here.They use state of the art technology and the latest equipment, which makes a huge difference in both comfort and results. Everything is explained clearly, there’s no pressure, and you always feel like they’re doing what’s best for you not just what’s convenient.Highly recommend Elite Dentistry to anyone looking for top-tier dental care with honesty, precision, and professionalism” — Masoud
- 5 out of 5 stars. “Elite Dentistry is the best. I grew up with an unnatural fear of dentists but these guys squashed that for me. They are very kind and thorough. They explain every step to make sure I was comfortable with their recommendations. The pricing is fair. I feel good about sending my family here for their dental needs.” — Kevin
- 5 out of 5 stars. “The staff is amazing at Elite Dentistry, very friendly, reassuring and especially gentle. The doctor is very friendly, gentle as well and never upsells.” — Jessica
The Elite Dentistry Difference
Why You'll Love Mouth Guards at Elite Dentistry
The right guard protects your smile and your comfort, and we build it to fit. Here is why patients trust us for custom protection.
Here are just a few reasons our patients love us:
- Custom-Fitted Guards
- Durable Materials
- Comfortable Wear
- Guards for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers
Don't see the answer you're looking for? Call us at (949) 888-8989.
How often should I replace my mouth guard?
Guards wear down over time, so plan to replace yours every one to two years. Swap it sooner if you notice damage or a looser fit.
How do I clean my mouth guard?
Rinse and brush it with soap and water after each use, then store it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material.
Can children use mouth guards?
Yes, we make custom guards sized for children to protect their teeth during sports. A proper fit matters even more while their smiles are still developing.
What is the difference between a custom guard and a boil-and-bite guard?
Custom guards are made from impressions of your teeth for a snug fit and superior protection. Boil-and-bite versions are molded at home but offer less comfort and less protection.
Can I wear a sports guard for teeth grinding?
No, the two are built differently. Sports guards are thick for impact, while night guards are designed to withstand grinding pressure.
Can you wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes, and if you play sports while wearing braces, protection is especially important. A blow to the mouth can press your lips and cheeks into the brackets, causing painful cuts, so a properly fitted athletic mouth guard acts as a cushion for both your teeth and the hardware. These guards are made a bit differently to accommodate the brackets and allow for tooth movement during treatment, and Dr. Lari can recommend the right guard to keep your smile safe throughout orthodontic care.
Can a mouth guard help with snoring?
A standard protective mouth guard for sports or grinding is not designed to stop snoring. However, there are specialized oral appliances that gently reposition the lower jaw to help keep the airway open, which can reduce snoring for some people. These are different devices with different purposes, so if snoring is your concern, Dr. Lari can evaluate you and discuss whether a dedicated oral appliance is an appropriate solution.
How do you get used to wearing a night guard?
It is completely normal for a night guard to feel bulky or unfamiliar the first few nights. The key is consistency: wearing it every night helps your mouth adapt more quickly, and most people adjust within a week or two. Try inserting it right before bed so it becomes part of your routine, and do not worry if you notice extra saliva at first, as that settles down.
How much does mouth guards in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA cost?
The cost of mouth guards depends on a few factors, including the scope of your treatment plan and whether additional imaging or procedures are needed. During your visit, we'll walk you through a clear, itemized estimate before anything begins — no surprises. At Elite Dentistry, we work closely with most insurance providers to maximize your benefits, and we offer flexible financing options and new patient specials to make quality care comfortable for every budget.
Schedule Your Mouth Guards Consultation
Protect your smile before an injury or grinding takes a toll. Fill out the form below, and our team will reach out within one business hour to help you choose the right guard.
25+ Years of Care
About Our Dentistry
Trusted Local Care in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- Licensure
- CA License #65190 · Verify
- Insurance
- We work with most insurance providers.
- No Insurance?
- No problem — ask about our new patient specials and payment plans.
- Financing
- A wide range of dental financing options for every budget.
- Counties Served
- Orange County
- Cities Served
- Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Trabuco Canyon
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