How Do Mouthguards Safeguard Your Smile?

At Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center, we are advocates of prevention rather than treating dental problems after they develop. Whether you’re involved in high-impact sports or struggle with teeth grinding and clenching in your sleep, a mouthguard can protect your oral health. Dr. Blackmon and his team are pleased to offer custom sports mouthguards and night guards tailored to your unique needs, offering maximum protection for your smile. 

What Are Sports Mouthguards? 

A sports mouthguard is an oral appliance that covers the top teeth to lower the risk of sports-related dental injuries. Your protective guard will absorb the forces of sudden impact, safeguarding your teeth, lips, gums, and tongue.

Sports mouthguards are recommended for any athlete involved in high-intensity sports, which include body contact, falling, or flying equipment. These include baseball, ice hockey, skateboarding, football, wrestling, and mountain biking. Consider a sports mouthguard a necessary component of your athletic gear if you are involved in a physical activity that may result in injury to the mouth. 

What Are Night Guards? 

Grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep, a condition known as bruxism, can cause a host of complications, including uneven tooth wear and fracture, damaged restorations, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession. It can also lead to morning headaches, jaw or facial pain, sleep disruption, and even TMJ pain. 

A night guard is a protective oral appliance that prevents the devastating impacts of bruxism on your smile. It does so by providing a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, protecting your teeth and jaws, and restoring your restful, rejuvenating sleep. 

What Are the Types of Mouthguards?

The following are the main types of over-the-counter mouthguards available to you: 

• Stock Mouthguards: These inexpensive mouthguards are available for purchase at your local sporting goods store or online and come ready to wear. However, they are usually bulky and don’t provide a good fit, offering minimal protection. 
• Boil and Bite Mouthguards: These over-the-counter mouthguards are more customizable by placing them in hot water to soften them and then shaping them by molding them around your teeth. While boil and bite mouthguards are more customizable than their stock counterparts, they are also usually bulky and rarely offer the needed protection for your smile.
• Custom Mouthguards: At Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center, we offer custom mouthguards meticulously crafted from impressions of your teeth. We use the highest quality materials for a comfortable fit and the best possible protection for your smile. 

Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard? 

The following is a look at the numerous benefits custom mouthguards offer: 

• Provides Superior Fit: Custom sports mouthguards and night guards are crafted to the specifications of your smile, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. 
• Enhanced Comfort: Custom mouthguards are less bulky and allow for easier breathing and speaking, enhancing your comfort while protecting your smile. 
• Offers Maximum Protection: The precise fit and high-quality materials provide superior protection for your smile, significantly reducing the risk of dental injuries and oral health problems. 
• Long-Lasting: Custom mouthguards are crafted from durable materials that are designed to withstand the forces of impact or grinding, providing better value for your investment over time.
• Prevents Costly Treatments: By lowering the risk of oral health problems, custom mouthguards can save you from costly and invasive treatments down the road. 
• Improves Quality of Sleep: For individuals with bruxism, a custom night guard can significantly improve their quality of sleep, reducing morning headaches, jaw pain, and daytime fatigue.

Can You Wear Sports Mouthguards and Night Guards Interchangeably? 

While both sports mouthguards and night guards are protective oral appliances, they have different purposes. Sports protectors cover the teeth from their biting surfaces to below the gum line and are crafted from a thick, soft material designed to absorb shocks. Night guards, on the other hand, are created from thin materials that can withstand the forces of grinding and clenching. They only cover your teeth to protect their chewing surfaces. We do not recommend wearing sports mouthguards and night guards interchangeably to avoid potential damage to your teeth and jaws. 

Custom Mouthguards Near Me in Ponte Vedra, FL

If you are engaged in contact or high-impact sports or if you grind and clench your teeth in your sleep, Dr. Blackmon may recommend a custom mouthguard to provide you with the best possible protection for your smile. Our acclaimed prosthodontist and his patient-centered team at Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center are committed to offering exceptional care tailored to your unique needs. Call us at 904-395-5501 or schedule an appointment online today!