Mouth Guards Specialist

What are mouthguards?

Mouthguards are custom-fit dental devices that protect your teeth from some form of damage. These devices provide plastic cushioning between your teeth so they don’t knock or rub together in certain circumstances, which can wear down the enamel at best or cause knocked-out teeth at worst.

Mouthguards can also protect the soft tissues in your mouth, like your tongue and inner cheeks, from being punctured or torn by your teeth by accident. 

Central Avenue Dental creates custom mouthguards that are individually fit to your teeth or your child’s teeth only. These custom mouthguards are often more effective than the one-size-fits-all kind you can get at your local drugstore. 

Which type of mouthguard do I need?

Central Avenue Dental offers two types of mouthguards to protect your teeth in different settings where they’re at risk. Depending on your needs, habits, or hobbies, your dentist might recommend getting a custom:

Occlusal night guard

An occlusal night guard is a mouthguard that holds your teeth apart as you sleep. It prevents bruxism, or teeth grinding, which can cause serious damage and wear down otherwise healthy teeth. The night guard absorbs the force to protect you from temporomandibular joint damage too. 

Sports guard

A sports guard protects you or your child from jaw damage, broken teeth, and soft tissue damage while playing contact sports. Athletes are more than 60 times more likely to suffer oral injuries without a sports guard, so wearing one makes a major difference for your safety. The material is softer in a sports guard than the material in an occlusal night guard. 

What should I expect while getting a mouthguard?

If you and your dentist decide together that you can benefit from either an occlusal night guard or a sports mouthguard, you start the fitting process with an impression of your upper or lower teeth. Central Avenue Dental takes impressions using a soft substance that soon hardens into a mold that they send to the lab. 

Central Avenue Dental’s trusted dental lab creates your mouthguard using the impressions, making sure it fits perfectly in your bite. When you come back for a second visit, your provider tests the mouthguard for fit and comfort. 

If you start using your mouthguard and notice an issue, you can make another appointment at any time for an adjustment or get a new device. You should rinse off your mouthguard after every use and clean it either with soap and water or a toothbrush and toothpaste. 

To learn more about mouthguards and how either type can help you protect your teeth from unnecessary damage, call Central Avenue Dental, or request an appointment online today.

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