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Mouthguards have several purposes. They can help prevent sports injuries and treat issues such as teeth grinding and sleep apnea. Our mouthguards are custom-made to provide maximum protection for your teeth and jaws. We can provide them to fit children and adults as part of our family dentistry services.
In this guide, discover what a mouthguard is and what types of mouthguards we offer. Learn about the benefits of choosing a custom mouthguard.
We cover the process of making and fitting your mouthguard, who should wear one, and signs that you could benefit from this treatment. Lastly, we provide some care and maintenance tips to ensure your mouthguard lasts longer.
What is a Mouthguard?
A dental mouthguard is designed to cover your teeth and to protect them against damage. Usually, it will fit over your upper teeth. Sometimes we may recommend you also get a mouthguard for your lower teeth.
We produce sports mouthguards and night guards for bruxism and sleep apnea.
Sports Mouthguards
These are worn during sporting activities. They can protect your teeth while you play contact sports like boxing, football, and hockey. It’s also worth wearing a sports mouthguard during non-contact sports, such as gymnastics or horse riding, or any activity where there is a risk of taking a blow to the mouth.
Night Guards for Bruxism
Teeth clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that can cause significant damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
Bruxism is often a nocturnal condition, so to treat it, you would wear a night guard during sleep. However, some people have bruxism during the daytime and can also wear a mouthguard while awake for this condition.
Signs that you might need a night guard for bruxism include:
- Waking up with a headache.
- Waking up with sore jaws or aching facial muscles.
- Noticing your teeth look visibly chipped or worn.
- Increased tooth sensitivity due to tooth wear and tear.
- Earache.
- Pain in your jaw joints when you open or close your mouth, laugh, or yawn.
Night Guards for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can disrupt sleep and affect your overall health. Mild to moderate cases are often managed with a custom mouthguard that helps reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep.
Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Waking up feeling tired despite a full night’s sleep.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Headaches.
In some cases, it can also contribute to high blood pressure. Daytime fatigue may also increase the risk of accidents, especially when driving or operating machinery.
Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard
Sports Mouthguard
The benefits of wearing a sports mouthguard include avoiding the following issues:
- Knocked out or partially knocked out teeth.
- Chipped or cracked teeth.
- Damage to the dental pulp in the innermost part of the tooth.
- Injuries to your cheeks, lips, and gums.
- Injuries to your jaws.
Night Splint for Bruxism
The benefits of wearing a night guard for bruxism can include:
- Protecting teeth against wear and tear from clenching and grinding.
- Reducing symptoms of TMD, which can include jaw pain and headaches.
Sleep Apnea Night Guard
The benefits of wearing a night guard for sleep apnea can include:
- Uninterrupted breathing.
- A more restful night’s sleep.
- Protecting your overall health.
The Process to Make and Fit Your Mouthguard
The process of making and fitting your custom mouthguard is straightforward.
Step One: Determining the Type of Mouthguard Required
Initially, a consultation with Dr. Igor Levin is needed. He will examine your teeth and jaws, discuss any symptoms, and determine the most suitable mouthguard for your needs.
Step Two: Dental Impression
A detailed dental impression of your teeth is taken using a small handheld digital scanner. It is used to fabricate your mouthguard to our exact design, so it fits the anatomy of your teeth precisely.
Step Three: 3-D Printing Your New Mouthguard
VitaDent uses advanced technology to 3D-print your mouthguard, a process completed quickly and efficiently. Dental CAD/CAM software is used to design and print your night guard or sports mouthguard using an appropriate material.
These digitally printed mouthguards are extremely accurate and are precision-made from high-quality materials designed to last longer.
Step Four: Fitting Your New Mouthguard
The final stage is to fit your new mouthguard, ensuring it feels comfortable and will provide excellent protection. We can show you how to insert and remove it, and provide practical advice on caring for it.
It’s a good idea to bring your mouthguard with you to every dental exam so we can assess its condition. If necessary, we can reprint it, or if your teeth or bite have changed, we can redesign and remake it.
Care & Maintenance Tips
- Clean your mouthguard thoroughly after each use, using cool water and mild dish soap or a non-abrasive cleaner.
- Store your mouthguard in the ventilated case provided.
- Avoid cleaning your mouthguard in hot water or leaving your mouthguard in the sun or near a heat source, as the heat could distort it.
- Keep your mouthguard away from pets. They can be attracted by the smell of saliva and use it as a chew toy.
Preventive & Family Dentistry Services We Offer
FREQUENTLY Asked Questions
Will Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of a Mouth Guard?
Your dental insurance will likely cover the cost of a mouthguard. If not, they are very affordable and worth the investment as they could save you thousands of dollars in restorative dentistry.
How Long Will a Custom Mouthguard Last?
Your custom mouthguard is made of long-lasting, durable materials, but eventually it will wear out. Caring for it properly will help it last longer.
If the mouthguard is for a child, we may need to remake it more frequently as their teeth and jaws develop and grow.
Protecting your teeth and improving your sleep starts with a properly fitted mouthguard. At VitaDent Brooklyn Dental Group, we design custom mouthguards for sports, teeth grinding, and sleep apnea to ensure comfort, safety, and durability. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get your personalized mouthguard at our convenient Avenue X office in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn (11235).