Mouthguards and Night Guards
Mouthguards and night guards provide personalized protection for teeth during sports or sleep, helping to prevent injuries, teeth grinding and jaw discomfort. We offer custom-fit mouthguards and night guards at both of our locations.
Mouthguards
A mouthguard is a vital piece of equipment for athletes of all ages who participate in contact sports and activities. It helps absorb impacts, reducing the risk of serious injuries that could lead to long-term oral health issues. Our custom-made mouthguards are crafted from lightweight, comfortable materials that provide effective protection. They are easy to insert and remove as needed and do not interfere with normal breathing or speaking.
Night Guards
Night guards are comparable to mouthguards but are specifically designed to be worn during sleep to protect against bruxism, a condition causing individuals to unconsciously clench or grind their teeth at night. If left unmanaged, bruxism can lead to tooth fractures, breakage, headaches and jaw discomfort.
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What are the types of dental mouthguards?
There are three main types of mouthguards:
- Stock mouth protectors: Pre-made and ready to wear, stock mouth protectors are affordable and can be found at most sporting goods stores. However, they cannot be adjusted for a better fit, are often bulky, and may make breathing or speaking difficult. They offer minimal protection compared to other options.
- Boil-and-bite mouth protectors: Available at most sporting goods stores, boil-and-bite mouth protectors provide a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are softened in hot water and then shaped around the teeth for a more customized fit.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards: Custom-fitted mouthguards are individually designed and created in a dental office based on your dentist’s instructions. A dental impression is taken, and the mouthguard is molded to fit the exact shape of your teeth. This type of mouthguard offers the best protection, comfort and fit.
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What is TMJ disorder and how is it treated?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can cause discomfort in the jaw and neck, as well as clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth. It may also restrict the jaw’s range of motion.
There are several ways to alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms. Options include using a temporary night guard, avoiding sudden or sharp jaw movements, applying ice to reduce inflammation, adjusting your diet to include softer foods that require minimal chewing, and practicing relaxation techniques and gentle stretching exercises to relieve tension in the jaw.
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Why are mouthguards important in sports?
Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports is crucial for several reasons. Mouthguards help distribute impact evenly across all teeth, reducing the risk of displacing or damaging individual teeth. They also protect soft tissues from injury and help prevent jaw and teeth fractures. Additionally, mouthguards may reduce the risk of concussions by cushioning the force between the upper and lower teeth and minimizing the impact of the jaw against the skull.
Need a mouthguard or night guard?
Contact us today with any questions about mouthguards or night guards or if you need a custom mouthguard or night guard. We offer both products as well as various other preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental services at our Hyde Park and West Roxbury locations.