Mouthguards
Whether for protection while playing sports, or to prevent you from grinding your teeth at night, mouthguards may be a solution to consider.
Sports Mouthguard
While engaged in sports, you can keep your teeth protected using a mouthguard. These are dental appliances that are worn over your teeth during athletic activities, helping to provide cushioning and prevent serious damage.
Mouthguards can be especially beneficial for those wearing braces as they can protect the teeth and brackets as well as act as a barrier between the braces and the insides of the cheeks, lips, and tongue.
At our practice, Dr. Cave can have a mouthguard custom made for you. An impression will be made of your teeth and sent to a dental lab where the mouthguard will be constructed to be an exact match for your teeth.
There are different types of mouthguards, ranging from semi-rigid to flexible, and the best type for you may depend on the sport or activity you will be doing, so be sure to let us know how you will be using it.
Nightguards and Other Appliances
For those who clench or grind their teeth at night, night guards are an option to help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. These devices are worn when you sleep and can help lessen the wear and tear on your teeth and help prevent fractures.
Additionally, some night guards are designed specifically to promote the relaxation of your jaw muscles, something that’s useful for those who have problems with severe grinding or clenching of their teeth.
Occlusal splints, or bite splints, tend to be worn all the time. These appliances can be used to help manage problems that may be caused by jaw issues, such as neck aches or headaches.