Mouthguards in Westmont, IL

First we talk about the purpose. A boxing guard and a basketball guard are not the same thing, and a night guard is different again. Knowing the job tells us the design and the firmness you need.

Before we take an impression for any mouthguard, we make sure all your dental work is completed. That matters because a guard made around unfinished work may not fit in the future. It matters even more if you are planning braces or dental implants soon.

Then we take the impression and have your guard made to fit your teeth. A custom-fitted mouthguard made from an impression in a dental office offers the most comfort and the best protection of any option.

Sportsguards protect your teeth from trauma. There are three levels available. Stock guards from a sporting goods store come in small, medium and large. They tend to be bulky, hard to breathe through, and light on protection. Boil-and-bite guards soften in hot water, and you shape them around your teeth with your tongue and lips. Those are better, but still limited. The third level is the custom guard we make from an impression of your teeth.

Night grinding appliances are a different style and design. Their purpose is to minimize the clenching and grinding of teeth, often referred to as bruxism. Untreated, it can cause problems or soreness in the jaw joint, also known as the TMJ. It can also add to migraines or muscle aches.

Snoring and sleep apnea appliances are more advanced. They are designed to open the airway. Most do it by moving the lower jaw forward so air flows more freely at the back of the throat. The right style depends on the diagnosis, the cause, and how many teeth are in your mouth.