The Differences Between Mouth Guards and Night Guards

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the differences between mouth guards and night guards

Look around for a second. Do you see how many safety devices and precautions are nearby? Room fires and electric shocks can be prevented using smoke detectors or outlet covers. Car passengers may wear seatbelts, safety glasses, and airbags. To avoid injury, bike helmets, safety shoes, life jackets, etc. are used daily. 

Having said that, there are a number of factors that can also pose a danger to your smile but not everyone takes proper precautions to prevent damage from occurring. After all, even the strongest of teeth might experience fragmentation, for example, by sudden contact or pressure. 

All sorts of incidents can cause broken jaws, mouth lacerations, and dislodged teeth. But don’t fear! These terrible injuries can be prevented with proper protection. Your lifestyle and oral health may warrant a dental mouthguard, nightguard, or both. If you’re looking to learn more about dental guards for you or for your kiddo, contact a pediatric dentist in Apollo Beach

Now, let’s get down to the basics:

What is a Dental Mouthguard?

Dental mouthguards are straightforward devices and they’re even easier to use; they protect your top and bottom teeth. They offer reliable and unmatched protection against potential forces of damage, both external and internal. Dental mouthguards are made from impact-absorbing polymers and plastic composites that may be molded and sculpted to fit the teeth perfectly. 

Every mouthguard is custom-made to fit the shape of your teeth, their alignment, and your top and bottom arches, so that it’s not only comfortable to wear, but won’t slip and slide while you’re wearing it. Without a mouthguard, an unexpected impact concentrates in one location, which could damage fragile oral tissues. 

Dental mouthguards are strategically engineered at a prevention dentistry near you to absorb impact energy, lowering force, and uniformly distribute pressure over the upper and lower jaws. It prevents force concentration. Impacts are less likely to cause oral injuries with a dental mouthguard.

How are Dental Mouthguards Produced?

Dental mouthguards range from DIY ones at sports goods stores to specialized ones made by dental clinics. OTCP mouthguards protect casual users against impacts. Pre-formed, semi-rigid plastic mouthguards fit most teeth. 

Warm water and gentle chewing-shaped dental devices. It improves fit and protection. A professionally fitted sports mouthguard provides maximum impact protection. Exercise dental mouthguards to protect teeth. 

These mouthguards use advanced impact-absorbing composites to lessen impact force. Some mouthguards have multi-density layers. This design improves tooth cushioning and impact absorption. Custom mouthguards fit your mouth. 

A general or pediatric dentist near you will meticulously imprint you or your kiddo’s mouth cavity to ensure it is designed to meet the correct oral dimensions. Your dentist will check that everything is good to good and make any necessary changes for maximum comfort and enjoyment. Additionally, in case your mouthguard becomes lost or damaged, this information  will help them produce a replacement guard quickly. 

Though mouthguards can be used for various reasons, some of the most common ones are sports and awake bruxism. 

What Sets a Dental Night Guard Apart?

Many people grind their teeth while sleeping as well as clenching their jaws. Referred to as bruxism, this can damage your enamel and the groove-biting surfaces on your teeth. Your jaw muscles can also experience harm, which can give way to lockjaw and soreness. Continually clutching your jaw can cause migraines, sleeplessness, and facial and cranial stiffness. 

The styles and materials used to create night guards may different from traditional mouthguards. To get started with acquiring this device, your dentist will need to perform a comprehensive oral cavity imprint. Thinner, low-profile plastic composite nighttime mouthguards provide maximum comfort. Nightguards reduce clenching and enamel loss from teeth grinding by absorbing and dispersing mouth pressure.

Wear your night guard every day, since continuous use will benefit your smile best. 

Ultimately, clenching and tooth grinding can be decreased by seeking out prevention dentistry in Apollo Beach, especially if you’re eager to improve your quality of sleep in a timely fashion. Dental night guards allow you to wake you up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. 

Caring for Your Mouthguard and Night Guard 

Dental mouthguards and night guards require little upkeep, but there are still a few things you should know. First, keep your device clean! Washing it frequently in cold water and brushing it with a little nonabrasive toothpaste will help you do so. 

Store it in a cool, dry, and temperate environment. Under extreme heat or cold, the mold can distort or break. Fortunately, professionally fitted dental mouthguards and night guards often come with a case or a bag for easy storage. 

Get Your Dental Journey Started with Us 

Smile Lynn Pediatric Dentistry makes personalized dental guards for patients of all ages. Whether you’re working to become the next Canadian hockey star or simply want to improve the quality of your sleep, we can help. Our advanced imaging and custom production methods ensure that your device fits and feels fantastic every time. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team is more than happy to answer questions you might have.