Mouthguards & Night Guards
Whether you're an athlete needing top-quality athletic mouthguards for practice and competition, or you grind and clench your teeth at night and need a custom-fitted night guard, we've got you covered.
Protect Your Smile with Sports Mouthguards & Sleep Night Guards
A mouthguard is essential for every athlete in contact sports and physical activities, regardless of age. It softens impacts and can prevent serious injuries that could cause expensive and painful oral health issues. Our mouthguards are custom-made from lightweight materials, ensuring they are comfortable and effective. They do not interfere with your regular breathing or speaking.
Night guards are similar to mouthguards but are worn while sleeping to prevent damage caused by bruxism. Bruxism is a disorder that causes people to unknowingly clench and grind their teeth while asleep. Untreated, it can result in teeth fractures, breakages, headaches, and jaw pain.
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What types of dental mouthguards exist?
There are three types of mouthguards:
- Stock mouth protectors:
- Pros:
- Stock mouthguards come ready to wear
- Available at most sporting goods stores.
- Cons:
- The fit: these store-bought mouthguards can’t be adjusted.
- They are often bulky, making breathing and speaking difficult.
- They offer limited protection.
- Pros:
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These are softened in hot water and then shaped to fit around the teeth.
- Pros:
- Available at most sporting goods stores.
- Provide a better fit than store-bought stock mouth protectors.
- Cons:
- The shape: they tend to be bulky, making breathing and speaking difficult.
- They offer limited protection.
- Pros:
- Custom-fitted mouthguards are individually designed and created in the dental office based on your dentist’s instructions. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and then mold the mouthguard over the model.
- Pros:
- Custom mouthguards offer the most protection and comfort.
- Because dentists offer professional oversight, you can be assured that your mouthguard will not harm your teeth or negatively affect your bite.
- Pros:
- Stock mouth protectors:
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Why are mouthguards important for athletes?
Mouthguards are essential for athletes because they protect against dental and facial injuries. They cushion blows that could cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, and cuts to the lips, tongue, or face. By absorbing and distributing the force of impacts, mouthguards reduce the risk of tooth damage, jaw fractures, and concussions.
Wearing a mouthguard also protects the mouth’s soft tissues, such as the gums, cheeks, and tongue, from being bitten or injured. Additionally, the confidence gained from knowing your mouth is protected can improve athletic performance.
Alpha Dental in Clarksville, TN, offers high-quality athletic mouthguards to protect your teeth and mouth during practices and competitions. Schedule your appointment today to get fitted for a custom mouthguard.
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How do night guards help with TMJ Disorder?
Nightguards help manage TMJ disorder by reducing jaw clenching and teeth grinding during sleep, which lessens strain on the jaw muscles and joints. They alleviate pain and discomfort, promote proper jaw alignment, and protect teeth from wear and tear.
At Alpha Dental in Clarksville, TN, we offer custom-fitted nightguards to improve your TMJ symptoms and sleep quality. Schedule your appointment today to get fitted for a nightguard.
Need a Mouthguard?
If you have more questions about mouthguards and night guards, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
