Custom Night Guards and Sports Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are simple devices, yet they can have tremendous benefits for your long-term oral health. If you suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, a mouth guard can stop you from clinching your jaw. Dr. Lysandro Tapnio provides custom-made devices, fabricated from smooth, comfortable material. Using similar methods, he can also craft an athletic mouth guard for you or your child. This device can prevent serious dental damage, including knocked out teeth. Our dentist-provided guards will be very comfortable, and they will be more effective that pre-fabricated devices. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and receive your custom-made oral appliance.
Chronic Teeth Grinding
Many adults and children suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and jaw clinching. Anxiety is a common cause of bruxism. When you are feeling stressed, your body produces excess adrenaline. In an attempt to rid your body of this energy, you may clinch and grind your jaw. Dental misalignment and missing teeth are another reason for bruxism. Ideally, your upper and lower teeth should be in perfect alignment. Each top tooth should touch the corresponding one on the bottom. If your teeth do not line up properly, you may grind your jaw as you unconsciously try to readjust your bite.
How Can a Night Guard Treat Bruxism?
A night guard is the most common and conservative treatment for bruxism. Dr. Tapnio will take impressions of your teeth to create a device that is a near-perfect fit for your mouth. The guard will sit all the way over your upper and lower teeth to keep them from touching. Because Dr. Tapnio takes such great care with the fabrication process, our mouth guards are comfortable and easy to adjust to.
In some cases, you may require more aggressive treatment for bruxism. For example, if you grind your teeth due to misalignment, you may need orthodontic care. Dr. Tapnio will typically recommend a bridge or dental implants if your bruxism is the result of missing teeth. However, he will always start with the most conservative option whenever possible.
The Importance of Bruxism Treatment
You may not realize the dramatic consequences that this seemingly minor condition can have on your overall health. Bruxism will put a lot of pressure on your teeth. Without treatment, you are likely to suffer dental erosion and cracked teeth. Chronic grinding can also cause significant jaw tension and the development of trigger points. Finally, bruxism is one of the leading causes of TMJ Disorder. Fortunately, the sooner you stop teeth grinding, the less likely you are to suffer these ill effects.
Athletic Mouth Guards
Athletic mouth guards are similar to night guards. Unfortunately, athletes of all ages often overlook these devices. As a result, they put their appearances and oral health at risk. The American Dental Association® reports that athletes who do not wear mouth guards may be up to 2 times more likely to sustain an oral injury. This damage could include:
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Damaged dental restorations or orthodontic appliances
- Knocked out teeth
- Cuts on the inside of the lips and cheeks
It is vital for boxers, rugby players, and other high-contact athletes to wear mouth guards. However, other sportsmen and women can also benefit from the devices. If you or your child is at a high risk for falls or direct blows, a mouth guard is a good idea.
Professional Devices Afford the Greatest Protection
You may have seen several types of mouth guards at your local drugs store or sporting goods stores. Wearing one of these devices is better than not wearing a mouth guard at all. However, these devices are not as effective as the ones provided by your dentist. Dr. Tapnio will take impressions of your dental arches, providing you with a comfortable device that will fit all the way around your teeth. Because prefabricated versions are not made exactly for you, they will slip around in your mouth. They could even get in the way of breath and your athletic performance. Dr. Tapnio will carefully measure for your device and double check the fit. If you are unhappy with the way it feels, he will make adjustments until you are completely satisfied.
Protect Your Smile and Oral Health
To learn more about night guards and mouth guards, contact Dr. Tapnio’s office today. He will examine your teeth, discuss your lifestyle, and determine if these devices are right for you.