Night Guards and Day Guards - An Overview
Grinding or clenching your teeth, a condition called bruxism, can cause significant wear to your teeth, damage to existing restorations, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession. It can also cause headaches, facial or jaw pain, sore jaw muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, and sleep disruptions.
Depending on your unique needs, we recommend wearing a night guard or day guard to protect your smile from the damaging effects of teeth grinding and clenching. You may not be aware of grinding your teeth at night, but it can be loud enough to wake up a family member or significant other! A custom dental night guard provides a barrier between the upper and lower teeth during the night, protecting your teeth, allowing your muscles to relax, and providing you with restful, rejuvenating sleep.
We are seeing more and more patients who report daytime clenching and jaw fatigue. This can also cause significant damage to your oral health. Custom day guards are designed to provide maximum protection for your teeth without impacting your busy life. Day guards are more discreet than those worn at night, safeguarding your smile as you work, drive, and go about your everyday activities.
Sports Guard - An Overview
Sports guards are mouthguards that cover the teeth during contact sports to help prevent oral injuries. Wearing a dental sports guard lowers the risk of damage to the teeth, tongue, and cheeks by absorbing shocks and distributing stress caused by impact.
Sports mouthguards are highly recommended for any amateur or professional athletes involved in high-intensity sports that include body contact, falling, or flying equipment. These sports include ice hockey, skateboarding, boxing, football, and mountain biking. They are a necessary piece of equipment for anyone involved in a physical activity that may result in injury to the mouth.
What Are the Advantages of Custom Sports Guards?
There are three main types of sports guards available to you: Stock, boil and bite, and custom-fitted.
Stock Mouthguards: These inexpensive over-the-counter mouthguards come ready to wear. They are available for purchase from your local sporting goods store or online. Stock mouthguards rarely provide a good fit. They are often bulky and offer minimal protection for your teeth.
Boil and Bite Mouthguards: These mouthguards are also available for purchase over the counter. Before wearing a boil and bite mouthguard, it is placed in hot water to soften the thermoplastic material. Then, it is placed in the mouth in an attempt to mold and shape it around the teeth. While boil and bite mouthguards provide a better fit than their stock counterparts, they are still bulky and usually offer poor protection.
Custom Mouthguards: These superior mouthguards are created by your dentist from impressions or scans of your teeth for a perfect fit. They are constructed from high-quality materials and provide superior comfort and the best possible security for your smile. Investing in a custom sports guard allows an athlete to focus on their performance with confidence that their smile is protected.
Night Guards, Day Guards, and Sports Guards Near Me in Keller, TX
If you want to learn more about protecting your smile with a custom mouthguard, reach out to the team at KL Dental Studio. We are happy to answer your questions and address any concerns. We invite you to call our office to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online today!