Orthodontic Mouthguards at Paschen Orthodontics
Protect Your Smile
Custom fit guards protect teeth from forces associated with sports activities and tooth grinding (bruxism). Investing in these appliances can prevent more costly treatment resulting from sports injuries or excessive tooth wear. Unlike over-the-counter appliances, custom fit guards are made specifically to fit your dental alignment. This means they stay in better, have less “bulk”, and are easier to wear.
Customized Mouthguards
Most contact sports require athletes to wear mouthguards. Did you know that almost 40% of all dental injuries are sports-related? Excessive contact can damage teeth, soft tissue, and brackets. It may also cause delays in orthodontic treatment results. Properly fitted mouthguards help protect both an athlete’s teeth and the other athletes on the field. During orthodontic treatment we can help ensure your mouthguard fits appropriately. It may require modification throughout treatment to accommodate your orthodontic appliances and tooth movement. An ill-fitting mouthguard is not only uncomfortable, but also less effective at protecting you from impact, injury, and damage. We highly recommend a custom fit mouthguard once orthodontic treatment is complete to protect your investment long-term.
Customized Nightguards
Patients are often unaware that they are grinding until a dental professional shows them signs of tooth wear. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can lead to chipping and flattening of teeth, notching along the gumline, gum recession, and changes in the bite. It may also contribute to cracked teeth, premature tooth loss, and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint. Most people who grind their teeth do so while sleeping. Daytime clenching or grinding may also be present during periods of increased stress or concentration.
Some patients notice symptoms related to bruxism, including:
- Headaches
- Biting/chewing sensitivity
- Muscle soreness in the face and neck
- TMJ discomfort
Keep in mind that nightguards differ from sports mouthguards in both their design and fabrication. While sports guards protect from sudden high-impact forces, nightguards target frequent, repetitive forces.
An Integrative Approach to Addressing Bruxism
It is important not only to protect the teeth, but to address what might be causing you to grind. Bruxism can be a response to stress, sleep disorders, or problems with your bite/tooth alignment. Our screening process helps us evaluate which factors may be present for you to determine the most optimal treatment.
Paschen Orthodontics Can Give Your Smile the Protection It Needs
Let’s talk about your unique and individual oral safety needs. Give us a call at (608) 963-7708 or email us.
Learn more about teeth grinding here: Teeth Grinding | MouthHealthy – Oral Health Information from the ADA
