Taking steps to protect the health of your smile is essential to maintaining a healthy smile that will remain that way for years. As with any type of medical concern, it’s always best to prevent it from appearing than treating it when it does. A mouthguard is one way that those living an active lifestyle or who have bruxism can protect their teeth from damage. At Morning Star Dentistry, we provide access to custom-fit mouthguards that will ensure your teeth are safe from damage from accidents or teeth grinding.
Save Your Smile With A Sports Guard In Sonora, CA
The word mouthguard is a general term to describe a range of oral appliances designed to protect teeth from damage. Sports guards and night guards are the most well-known types of mouthguards. Enamel is the most resilient substance in our body, but it can still become damaged or broken with sufficient force. However, while it’s stronger than bone, it can’t heal or regrow once injured. Protecting our enamel from damage is essential to keeping our smiles looking beautiful for a lifetime.
A mouthguard can be an essential part of your oral hygiene kit if you engage in an active lifestyle or have been diagnosed with bruxism.
- Night Guards – Those diagnosed with bruxism are often prescribed a night guard to protect their teeth while they sleep. This condition causes patients to clench and grind their teeth subconsciously. While it can happen at any time of day, it’s most common during our sleeping hours. Untreated, this condition can damage teeth and cause TMJ Pain, migraines, or other complications.
- Sports Guards – Those involved in activities such as sports, rock climbing, or others where a sharp impact may occur may need a sports guard. Athletes commonly wear these appliances, including young children participating in school activities. They can even be worn by those with braces and should be replaced twice a year.
- Other Mouth Guards – A wide assortment of mouth guards specifically designed to address other oral health concerns. These other guards can help with sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorder, and other conditions. Other varieties are designed to help correct misaligned teeth and aid in healing after dental trauma.
Sports guards are also available over the counter in a generic, one-size-fits-all design. The most basic of these aren’t fitted to your teeth in any way and can’t provide the same protection as a custom set. Boil-and-bite guards are halfway between custom guards and basic stock guards. These are made of a material that can be heated in boiling water and then bit down on. Biting down on them helps them form to your teeth and gums for a more comfortable fit. While they do provide better protection than the stock variety, they still fall short of a custom guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a dental mouth/sports guard?
There are many reasons why wearing a dental mouth/sports guard could be right for you. A few examples include:
- Nighttime wear to prevent damage from teeth grinding and bruxism
- Tooth and lip protection during high-impact sports, such as martial arts
- To serve as a barrier between the lips and oral appliances, such as metal braces
- To protect fragile bridgework
What should I expect when my dentist fits me for a mouth guard?
Your visit will consist of taking an impression of your teeth that will be used as a mold for your new mouth guard. You may even be able to leave your dental appointment with your custom mouth guard in-hand.
Should I follow any special instructions?
Before you leave your dentist’s office with your new sports guard, you’ll receive instructions on how and when to wear it. If you suffer from TMJ disorders or bruxism, for example, you will likely wear your mouth guard at night. If you participate in recreational sports, however, you may only need to wear your mouth guard during physical activity.
See Morning Star Dentistry For Your Mouth Guard Needs
Those who experience oral health concerns that can be addressed with a mouthguard can contact our Sonora, CA, office for an appointment. You’ll meet with our team and undergo a full examination and assessment. Following this step, the appropriate mouthguard for your needs will be determined, and the next steps will be established. Contact us today to protect your teeth and smile!
