Mouthguards and sportsguards: which type do you need?

What should I do before getting a mouthguard?

Finish your dental work first. If a guard is made before treatment is done, it may not fit afterward. That matters most if you are planning on braces or dental implants in the near future.

Then be clear about the job. Because there are so many types of mouthguards, it helps to know what the guard is for and what you want it to do before one is made.

What is a sportsguard?

Sportsguards are a common type. They protect your teeth from trauma while you play sports. There are several kinds, depending on whether you are protecting against punches, as in boxing, or blunt trauma, like a bicycle accident or an elbow in a basketball game. Each sport calls for a different amount of firmness or give.

There are three levels of guard available, which is why it is worth understanding the difference before buying one online.

• Stock mouthguards, sold in small, medium and large at sporting goods stores, tend to be bulky, make it hard to breathe, and often give minimal protection
• Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and shaped around the teeth with the tongue and lips. They are better, but still limited in value
• Custom fitted guards, made from an impression taken at a dental office, offer the most comfort and the best protection of all

What is a night grinding appliance?

A night grinding appliance is a different style and design from a sportsguard. There are many design options, and the right one depends on which teeth you still have.

Its purpose is to reduce clenching and grinding of the teeth, often called bruxism. Left untreated, grinding can lead to problems or soreness in the temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ. It can also contribute to migraines and muscle aches.

What about snoring and sleep apnea appliances?

These are more advanced appliances. They are designed to help open the airway, generally by moving the lower jaw forward so air flows more freely at the back of the throat.

There are a variety of styles. Which design your dentist uses depends on the diagnosis, on what is causing the snoring or sleep apnea, and on how many teeth are in your mouth.

Can I just buy one at the store?

You can, but check with us first. An appliance that fits poorly, or the wrong design for your situation, can actually make the condition worse. A short evaluation is the way to find out which type suits you and your lifestyle.

Guards used after gum treatment

Custom guards are also part of other care. After laser gum treatment here, we use a protective night guard to steady the teeth while the gums heal, which is one more reason fit matters.

To ask a question or book a visit, call Pearl Dental Care at (630) 810-9940 or visit us at 331 W 63rd St, Westmont, IL 60559.

This guide is educational only. Your dentist will tailor any plan at your visit.