Preventing Oral Injuries and Dental Damage
At Basin Dental Suite, we are proponents of preventing dental injuries rather than treating them after they occur. Our custom night guards and sports guards will lower your risk of dental injuries as you sleep or during high-impact sports, allowing you to maintain your healthy smile. You can always count on Dr. Esho and his team for outstanding care and service!
Mouthguards Overview
Mouthguards are oral appliances worn over your teeth to protect from damage due to nighttime teeth grinding or sports-related injuries. There are three main types of mouthguards: Stock, boil and bite, and custom-fitted.
- Stock Mouthguards: Stock mouth protectors come in different sizes, ready to wear. They are inexpensive and are available for purchase at sporting goods stores or department stores. These mouthguards are often bulky and may interfere with speaking and breathing. They provide little to no protection.
- Boil and Bite Mouthguards: You'll need to place the oral appliance in hot water to soften the thermoplastic material. Next, you'll position it in your mouth and shape it around your teeth using finger and tongue pressure. While boil and bite mouthguards provide a better fit than their stock counterparts, they are still quite bulky and usually offer poor protection.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: These mouthguards are created by your dentist from impressions of your mouth, providing the best fit, comfort, and protection. They are made from special, high-quality material, which is why they are more costly than the over-the-counter options. However, the premium quality and superior protection they provide are well worth the added cost and effort.
CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS AND SPORTS GUARDS IN ODESSA, TX!
If you'd like to learn more about safeguarding your oral health with a custom night guard or sports guard, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment, please call our office today. Dr. Esho and his team are eager to meet with you and provide you with the fully customized, exclusive dental care and services you deserve!
Proudly serving patients in Odessa, TX, and the surrounding areas!
Nighttime teeth clenching and grinding, a condition called bruxism, can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. Patients often report morning headaches, tooth pain, jaw discomfort, and worn or fractured teeth. Wearing a dental night guard during sleep can protect your teeth and jaws and allow you to enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep.
Sports mouthguards are also protective oral appliances designed to prevent sports-related dental injuries from accidental blows to the face. They reduce the risk of knocked-out, dislodged, and broken teeth, along with damage to the tongue, lips, and gums. Studies show that athletes are 60 times more likely to sustain dental injuries during contact sports if not wearing a protective mouthguard.
Night guards and sports guards should never be worn interchangeably. Night guards cover only the teeth to protect their chewing surfaces and come in a thin, strong material that withstands the grinding and clenching forces. Sports guards, on the other hand, cover the teeth from their biting surfaces to under the gums for maximum protection. They come in a thicker, soft material that absorbs high-intensity shocks.
Night guards and sports guards should never be worn interchangeably. Night guards cover only the teeth to protect their chewing surfaces and come in a thin, strong material that withstands the grinding and clenching forces. Sports guards, on the other hand, cover the teeth from their biting surfaces to under the gums for maximum protection. They come in a thicker, soft material that absorbs high-intensity shocks.