Mouthguards for Grinding Teeth

Mouthguards are orthodontic appliances used to protect your teeth from injury. They are removable appliances used for various reasons but mainly to keep your teeth safe from damage. They are usually used to cover the upper teeth and are custom-fitted to fit in your mouth.

Types of Mouthguards

There are several mouthguards on the market. There are ones you can buy over the counter and ones that are custom-made by our dentist.

Custom Fitted Mouthguards

Custom-made mouthguards are made specifically for each individual patient and are created at our office. They are made using an impression taken from your teeth and are custom-fitted to comfortably sit on top of your teeth. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best fit and protection against trauma.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

These are a type of stock mouthguard commonly used and can be bought in many drugstores. They are made from a thermoplastic material, which is heated up in hot water until it becomes soft enough to mold into shape by biting down on it. They are inexpensive but are not as comfortable as custom-fitted mouthguards and may not provide optimal protection, especially when playing sports or recreational activities.

Reasons for Mouthguards

Bruxism

This is when people grind their teeth or clench their jaw muscles too hard while sleeping. This can cause dental damage, such as broken teeth or fractured teeth, jaw and mouth pain, and chronic headaches. A mouthguard will help protect the teeth from grinding together at night and stop clenching in the jaw while you sleep.

Sleep Apnea

If you have sleep apnea, you may need a mouth guard to keep your airway open during sleep. A mouthguard works by keeping your jaw or tongue in its correct positions so that they don't block the upper airway.

TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ) occurs when there is a pain in the jaw area. It may also cause headaches, earaches, neck pains, and toothaches. A mouthguard can help reduce these symptoms by keeping your jaw in its correct position and preventing painful pressure caused by grinding and clenching.

Protection from Sports Injuries

A mouthguard helps protect your teeth from being broken or from serious sports-related dental injuries during contact sports and other recreational activities. The mouthguard will cushion blows to the face and head and prevent injury to the teeth and soft tissues.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

When you get your mouthguard, it is important to take good care of it and keep it clean. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your mouthguard in good shape:

Wash with cold, soapy water and let dry completely before storing.
Store in a cool, dark place and keep it out of sunlight.
Always keep your mouthguard in a protective case when you are not wearing it.
Do not put your mouthguard in the microwave or dishwasher.
Depending on the frequency of use, replace your mouthguard every 12-18 months.

Schedule a Consultation

We offer free consultations where we will discuss what kind of mouthguard would work best for you. We want to make sure you receive the best possible care and treatment.