6 Amazing Facts You Didn’t Know About Mouthguards
Your dental care sometimes involves more than oral hygiene and routine dental visits. Although not a regular component of dental care, mouthguards are essential for protecting your smile from injuries. A Brush Above Family Dentistry is excited to offer customized mouthguards in Chicago, Illinois. Whether you need a sports guard or TMJ/bruxism nightguard, schedule an appointment with Drs. Marcella Guzman, Philip Fidel, and Rosa Sinno.
What you should know about mouthguards
Are you considering a mouthguard? It’s the right step in protecting your smile. Here are some important facts about mouthguards.
#1 You can wear mouthguards with braces
Traditional braces have sharp wires and edges that can harm your soft tissues during sports. The good news is that you can wear a sportsguard over your braces. During your consultation, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to ensure your oral appliance fits snugly over your braces.
#2 You need a mouthguard even for non-contact sports
Mouthguards are essential for anyone participating in contact sports like hockey, football, basketball, boxing, etc. They act as a protective barrier, covering the teeth and gums to absorb and distribute the force from blows or sudden impacts. Mouth guards reduce the risk of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth and injuries to the mouth’s lips, tongue, and soft tissues. Beyond protecting teeth, mouthguards also help prevent jaw fractures and concussions.
Mouthguards aren’t just for contact sports. If you participate in high-risk games like skiing, gymnastics, skating, and cycling, mouthguards protect your teeth against accidental falls and knocks.
#3 Customized mouthguards are second to none
Several mouthguards exist. You can consider stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards. While these mouthguards are cheap and convenient, they don’t provide the best protection.
Whether looking for a sports or bruxism mouthguard, only consider customized mouthguards from a dentist. These made-to-measure oral appliances provide excellent protection and comfort. They are also made from durable materials that are resilient enough to withstand everyday use.
#4 Mouthguards are only worn on the top teeth
Unlike clear aligners, you only need to wear sports or bruxism mouthguards on the upper teeth. This is because the upper teeth are more vulnerable to blows and knocks. However, there’s an exception to wearing mouthguards on the upper teeth. Patients with braces or other fixed appliances must wear mouthguards on the upper and lower teeth.
#5 They need replacement at some point
Even the best mouthguards need replacement at some point. We recommend replacing TMJ mouthguards every 2-3 years. However, sports guards should be replaced sooner, especially if you use them frequently.
Replace your mouthguard if you notice signs of discoloration, cracks, tears, holes, a loose fit, reduced thickness, or a deformed shape. You should also replace your mouth guard if it causes gum or teeth irritation or has a persistent bad odor.
#6 Sports and TMJ mouthguards aren’t interchangeable
While athletic and night guards (occlusal guards) may look similar, they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. Sportsguards are generally bulkier and designed to cushion heavy blows and knocks. On the other hand, TMJ mouthguards are custom-made to fit snugly on your teeth, offering a more rigid and thinner design. They absorb the forces of grinding and clenching, preventing damage like worn-down enamel, cracks, or chipped teeth. While both look similar, each mouthguard has its specific use.
Types of customized mouthguards near me
Mouthguards are a worthwhile investment in your smile and oral health. Protect your smile with personalized mouthguards in Chicago, IL. Call (773) 840-0378 to schedule an appointment with A Brush Above Family Dentistry to get started.
Dr. Marcella Guzman
Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.
