No better way to keep your teeth protected!
Dental mouth guards from the dentist
Mouth guards are dental devices that protect your teeth, gums & tongue from trauma caused by injuries caused through contact sports.
In addition, night guards come in extremely handy if you suffer from bruxism or grinding of teeth. While occasional teeth grinding may not have severe repercussions, long-term grinding can lead to:
- Headaches
- Soreness of jaw
- Pain in the face
- Loss of enamel
- Broken teeth
- Loss of teeth
Who could need a Mouth guard?
Mouth guards are needed in the following scenarios:
- Bruxism
- When you play a contact sport
- Other non-contact sports that come with an elevated risk of fall
What are the types of mouth guards?
The different types of mouth guards include
1. Custom-Fitted Dental Mouth Guard
Impression of your teeth is taken by your dentist to create a bespoke guard that fits your teeth perfectly & offers the protection you need. Custom-fitted guards work the best in terms of comfort and protection.
2. Boil-And-Bite Mouth Guard
These mouth guards can be shaped at home. What you need to do is to place the mouth guard in hot water for it to soften & then put it into your mouth using your fingers to shape it. When you feel it is in the right position you need to bite it down for around 20 seconds. The next step is to remove it & put it under cool water.
3. Stock Dental Mouth Guards
These are ready to wear, one-size-fits-all guards, However, they aren’t customized to your teeth and don’t fit quite as well.
How do night guards work?
Essentially, they put a barrier between your teeth. So, when you clench your jaw, it offers a cushion to the muscles in the jaw. Because of this cushioning, your teeth' enamel is protected. That they relieve you of face & jaw pain is an added advantage.
How to care for your night guard?
Some of the steps to follow to care for your Night Guard include:
- Rinse your night guard once you remove it from your mouth. This is imperative to remove any plaque that may stick to it.
- Brush the guard lightly with your toothbrush. There is no need to play with toothpaste as it can lead to wearing out. Instead, you can use dish soap or Castile soap.
- Before storing the night guard, it is important to allow it to dry completely so that there is no bacterial growth.
- Remember to store your night guard in case. It is not an innovative idea to keep the night guard in the bathroom, as the steam & humidity can cause it to warp.
- Similarly, it is important to protect your night guard from extremely hot & cold temperatures.
- Remember to keep it out of the reach of children & pets.
- It is important to deep clean your night guard every month. You could simply use an over-the-counter denture cleaner for it.
- Alternatively, you could also use a mixture of vinegar & hydrogen peroxide. Remember not to soak your night guard in any mixture for more than an hour as it can damage the material of the night guard.
- It is important to keep the case clean. Also do not put the case in the dishwasher. After cleaning the case allow it to dry before storing the guard.
Why choose Mouth Guards from Dental Oasis, Family Dentistry in Pleasanton?
Our experienced dentists offer you a hassle-free experience when it comes to dental mouth guards. Our customized dental mouth guards and night guards fit your teeth perfectly & offer them the right protection.
As a busy professional herself, Dr. Sharda Patel understands and treats every patient with their unique needs. High-quality service, fast yet comprehensive service, flexible scheduling, and your personal comfort are her primary areas of focus! Long lasting patient relationships are the rewards of the Dental Oasis Family Dentistry.
Dental Mouth Guards FAQs
1. How much does a dental night guard cost?
The cost of the dental night guards depends on the type of guard you select. The boil-and-bite mouthguard can cost between $5 to $150. And custom-fitted night mouthguards can cost between $150 - $700.
2. Where can I buy a dental mouth guard?
Generally, most sporting goods stores and drugstores sell mouthguards. In case you are looking for a custom-fitted mouth guard, you can ask your dentist.
3. How long do mouth guards last?
Custom fitted mouth guards can last several years with proper care. It is important to bring your mouth guard for dental checkups regularly. With over-the-counter mouth guards though frequent replacements are required.
4. If I wear braces, can I use a mouth guard?
Certainly. Do ensure you use custom-fitted mouth guards though as they can take care of the unique shape of the braces.
5. Can mouth guards be used with dental implants?
Absolutely. Once again opt for custom-fitted mouth guards.
6. How are dental impressions taken for custom-made guards?
Traditionally dental impressions were taken using a special putty. These days, however, the method is convenient where digital dental impressions can be taken using a handheld scanner & computer software can capture images.
7. Does insurance cover the cost of Mouth Guards?
Health insurance policies vary so it is best to check with your provider. Health savings accounts fund can also be used to pay for mouth guards.
8. Will I need a night guard for the upper or lower jaw?
Typically, you need only one night guard & the upper jaw is by default. Unless, of course, the dentist recommends both. The top jaw works better since it doesn’t interfere with your tongue. However, in case you have had any dental restorations, you may be offered a lower guard too.
9. Do Night Guards Cure Bruxism?
No, guards do not cure teeth grinding. They, however, protect the teeth against the ill-effects of grinding.
10. Do they have to be worn every night?
It really depends on the severity. Several teeth grinders resort to grinding during times of stress. These are important times to wear the guard to save the teeth. If your grinding issue is consistent, you will need to wear them daily.
11. Are Night Guards uncomfortable?
Like everything new it takes some time to adjust to. Think back to the time you wore contact lenses for the first time, for example. Over time you get used to it & help you accomplish your goal.
12. Can I Wear Night Guards During the Day?
Yes. If the severity of clenching & grinding is severe, you can wear the guards during the day as well.
13. Can Night Guards be worn by children?
It is recommended that Night Guards be used for children 15 years & above. This is because their teeth & jawbone are developing & wearing a night guard may interfere with this process. If Night Guards are used by children at all, they require bi-monthly adjustments to allow for growth.
14. How can I reach you for a Custom Mouth Guard procedure?
You can call us at 925 846 4491 and our customer support team will immediately help to schedule your appointment.
Book Your Dental Mouthguard Appointment Now!
Our team will protect your teeth from bruxism by placing the right night guards/mouth guards. When you visit our dental office, we will review all the available options with you and create a suitable plan. All you need to do to keep your teeth protected is to call 925 846 4491 or email us at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com or click on the following button to schedule an appointment with us.
We look forward to caring for your smile!
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