WHAT ARE MOUTHGUARDS?

A mouthguard is a protective mouthpiece fabricated out of plastic that fits around your teeth to protect them from damage from sports contact, physical injuries, jaw strain, or teeth grinding. Accidental oral injuries account for most chips, cracks, broken teeth, and tooth loss that we see in dental emergencies.

Wearing a mouthguard when possible is a great way to protect the integrity of your teeth to maintain strong and healthy teeth for many years. Severe tooth damage often requires time-consuming and invasive restorative treatment, and if not treated in time you may experience tooth loss. Contact us at Glen Valley Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

DID YOU KNOW…

You need to brush your mouthguard with a soft bristle toothbrush and antimicrobial soap.

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THE MOUTHGUARD FITTING PROCESS

Dentist Caledonia

CONSULTATION

Dr. Williams will assess your oral health and bite and speak to you about your concerns regarding an oral injury or tooth damage to determine if you’re a good candidate for a mouthguard.

IMPRESSIONS

Digital scans and physical impressions will be taken of your teeth and sent to a dental lab that will create a custom-made mouthguard for you to wear.

FABRICATION

A custom mouthguard will be fabricated based on impressions of your teeth to perfectly match your bite. This process can take a few weeks.

MOUTHGUARD PICK-UP

A custom mouthguard will be fabricated based on impressions of your teeth to perfectly match your bite. This process can take a few weeks.

SIGNS THAT YOU NEED A MOUTHGUARD

Dentist Caledonia

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YOU PLAY CONTACT SPORTS OR ACCIDENT-PRONE ACTIVITIES

YOU HAVE BRUXISM

YOU HAVE TMJ DISORDER

YOU PLAY CONTACT SPORTS OR ACCIDENT-PRONE ACTIVITIES

If you have a contact sport, you’re at a much greater risk for tooth damage and tooth loss than the average person. A mouthguard will cushion your teeth to protect them from injury from a fall, an injury to the face, or an object hitting you in the mouth. The mouthguard absorbs the force, preventing damage and tooth loss.

YOU HAVE BRUXISM

If you grind your teeth at night, you are exerting up to hundreds of pounds of force onto your teeth which can cause fractures or broken teeth. While your teeth may not break overnight, over time they will become weakened, eroded, and more prone to damage.

You are more likely to grind your teeth if you have a misaligned bite. Many patients accidentally chip their teeth from teeth grinding because they were not conscious while they were doing it. If it’s been brought to your attention that you have bruxism, you need to wear a mouthguard to protect your natural teeth and dental restorations.

YOU HAVE TMJ DISORDER

If you grind your teeth at night, you are exerting up to hundreds of pounds of force onto your teeth which can cause fractures or broken teeth. While your teeth may not break overnight, over time they will become weakened, eroded, and more prone to damage.

You are more likely to grind your teeth if you have a misaligned bite. Many patients accidentally chip their teeth from teeth grinding because they were not conscious while they were doing it. If it’s been brought to your attention that you have bruxism, you need to wear a mouthguard to protect your natural teeth and dental restorations.

DID YOU KNOW…

Mouthguards save you money on costly restorative treatment.

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Dentist Caledonia

HOW LONG DO MOUTHGUARDS LAST?

Custom-made mouthguards typically last for 6 months to 3 years. This depends on how fast degradation occurs if you have a misaligned bite, and how often you wear it.

If you wear your mouthguard to play sports and don’t suffer from any injuries, your mouthguard will likely last longer than a patient who has severe bruxism and grinds away at their mouthguard each night. Attend regular dental checkups every 6 months so your dentist can let you know when it’s time to replace your mouthguard.

ARE MOUTHGUARDS COMFORTABLE?

Yes, unlike one-size-fits-all mouthguards that you would find in the drugstore, custom-fabricated dental mouthguards are created with your ultimate comfort and proper fit in mind. Since we create your mouthguard from impressions taken of your teeth, they will not be too large or too tight and will perfectly cushion your teeth without placing too much pressure. The mouthguards are made of a soft plastic material that cushions your teeth and gums.

ARE MOUTHGUARDS NOTICEABLE?

No, mouthguards aren’t very noticeable because they are made of clear plastic that is transparent, similar to Clear Aligners aligners. They protect your teeth without disrupting your smile.