How Do Custom Bite Guards Safeguard Your Smile?

How Do Custom Bite Guards Safeguard Your Smile?

Do you grind and clench your teeth in your sleep? Are you engaged in sports activities that put your smile at risk? If so, your trusted team at Roam Dental may recommend a custom bite guard to protect your teeth and gums. We are all about prevention to help our valued patients maintain long-term healthy smiles!

What Are Bite Guards?

Bite guards, also known as occlusal guards, are protective mouthguards designed to prevent injury to your teeth, gums, and tongue. At Roam Dental, we offer sports mouthguards and night guards to lower the risk of oral health problems resulting from sports-related dental injuries or habitual teeth clenching and grinding, a condition known as bruxism. 

Sports Mouthguards – An Overview

Sports mouthguards are bite guards designed to absorb the forces of sudden impacts or accidental blows to the face. They lower the risk of damage to your teeth, gums, and lips and prevent you from accidentally biting your tongue. 

If you or your child are engaged in any contact sports or an activity that puts you at risk of dental trauma, such as football, baseball, skateboarding, or gymnastics, we highly recommend wearing a sports mouthguard. Studies show that protective dental guards significantly lower the risk of dental injuries during sports activities. 

Night Guards – An Overview

Grinding your teeth at night can cause a host of problems, including tooth wear, tooth cracks, damage to restorations, gum recession, sleep disruptions, tension headaches, jaw pain, and TMJ problems. It can significantly impact your oral health and quality of life.

Dental night guards, also known as bite splints or nocturnal bite plates, are acrylic mouthguards that fit over your upper or lower teeth, similar to retainers. They keep the chewing surfaces of your teeth from coming into contact with each other and absorb the grinding and clenching forces, preventing the devastating effects of bruxism on your smile. 

What Are the Types of Bite Guards?

Several over-the-counter bite guard options are available, including the stock and boil and bite varieties. Stock mouthguards are pre-made oral appliances that come in different sizes, ready to wear. Boil and bite mouthguards, on the other hand, provide a more custom fit. You’ll first place them in hot water to soften them, then mold them to your teeth. Unfortunately, both types of bite guards are usually bulky and uncomfortable and offer minimal protection for your smile. 

The best and most protective mouthguards are those created from impressions of your teeth. At Roam Dental, we offer sports mouthguards and night guards made from the highest-quality materials. Our customized guards provide a perfect fit, are comfortable to wear, and never restrict your speech or breathing!

Custom Bite Guards Near Me in Shelby Township, MI

Visit Roam Dental to learn more about safeguarding your smile with a custom sports mouthguard or night guard. Our high-quality bite guards provide the best possible fit, comfort, and protection. Dr. Barbu and his exceptional team invite you to call 586-500-ROAM (7626) to schedule your appointment or book one online today! We look forward to caring for all your dental needs.