Mouthguards
Protecting your teeth from injury during sports, teeth grinding, or teeth clenching from TMJ requires a well-fitted mouthguard.
Mouthguards and Nightguards in Boca Raton, FL
Mouthguards are removable appliances that fit over your upper or lower teeth to protect them. Mouthguards are essential for anyone who: plays sports, suffers from teeth grinding/clenching, or has TMJ Disorder. They protect the teeth and jaws from impact and injury. The barrier and cushioning provided help prevent serious injuries that could result in tooth loss, jaw issues, or other oral health problems.
Nightguards are worn while sleeping to prevent damage from bruxism—a disorder that causes you to unknowingly clench and grind your teeth while you are asleep. Leaving this untreated can result in fractures, breakages, headaches, and jaw pain.
We offer custom-fitted mouthguards and nightguards that provide superior protection for your teeth. Call to schedule your appointment today!
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What are the types of dental mouthguards?
There are three types of mouthguards, which are listed below:
- Stock mouth protectors that come ready to wear. These are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting goods stores. However, you cannot adjust their fit, they tend to be bulky and sometimes make breathing and talking difficult. Additionally, these types of mouthguards provide minimal protection.
- Boil and bite mouth protectors can also be bought at most sporting goods stores and offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. This type of mouth guard is placed in hot water to soften and then placed in the mouth to shape around the teeth.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards are designed individually and made in the dental office based on your dentist’s instructions. Your dentists will first make an impression of your teeth and then mold the mouth guard over the model. This type of mouthguard provides the most protection and comfort.
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What are options for treating TMJ?
Your temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ Disorder is when you experience pain in the neck or jaw areas or have a limited range of motions. There are numerous symptoms and causes of TMJ Disorder.
If you’re looking for pain relief from TMJ Disorder, a nightguard can help. The nightguard prevents teeth clenching and reduces stress on the jaw joints while you sleep. You should also avoid sharp movements with your jaw, ice your jaw to prevent inflammation, modify your diet to include softer foods that require less chewing, and practice relaxation and light stretching techniques to reduce tension in your jaw.
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Why are mouthguards important in sports?
There are numerous reasons why wearing a mouthguard when playing sports is important. First mouth guards protect against displacing teeth as they help distribute force over all of your teeth, which prevents one, or two, teeth from bearing the brunt of the blow. They can also protect against injuries to soft tissues and prevent jaw and teeth fractures. And, ultimately, mouth guards may help prevent concussions as the padding could lessen the force between the upper and lower rows of teeth and lessen the force of the jaw as it pushes on the skull.
Need a Mouth Guard?
If you have more questions about mouth guards and night guards, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
