Who Needs a Mouthguard?
As removable orthodontic appliances, mouthguards cover your teeth and gums to protect them from harm.
Mouthguards from Sierra Dental Practice are often created for our patients who suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding. Since they create a cushion between your teeth, mouthguards protect your teeth from the wear that grinding can cause.
Another reason we often create mouthguards for our Valencia, Santa Clarita patients is their lifestyles. Our aspiring pickleball champions, NFL athletes, and weekend workout enthusiasts enjoy the extra protection that mouthguards provide during their favorite activities.
Mouthguard Benefits
Some of the advantages to having a customized mouthguard from Sierra Dental Practice include:
- Tooth protection: Mouthguards offer superior protection against chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and the enamel loss caused by tooth grinding.
- Lip protection: In the same way mouthguards protect your teeth from damage, they can also protect your lips from your teeth during sudden blows.
- Prevention of headaches and jaw pain: If you clench your teeth or you are prone to jaw pain and headaches — mouthguards can relieve your pain.
- Better sleep: Wearing a mouthguard at night can significantly reduce snoring, muscle tension, and teeth grinding.
Types of Mouthguards – Which is right for you?
When deciding on the type of mouthguard you need in Santa Clarita, Valencia, CA, it’s important to understand the best choice based on your needs. Some of the most popular mouthguards at Sierra Dental Practice include:
- Mouthguards for tooth grinding: Clinically called bruxism, teeth grinding can damage your teeth and lead to cracking or breaking of teeth. Mouthguards can create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth to minimize potential issues.
- Mouthguards for sports: Whether you have a skateboard fanatic in your family or you like to play on a softball team, mouthguards for sports or sportsguards can help prevent the injuries that often come with an active lifestyle.
- Nightguards for snoring or sleep apnea: Patients dealing with loud snoring or sleep apnea can often benefit from a custom-fitted mouthguard specifically designed to keep airways more open.
When you visit Sierra Dental Practice, our team will help guide you through choosing a mouthguard. Then, we’ll take a digital scan impression of your teeth so that your mouthguard will fit snuggly, giving your teeth the best possible protection.
Mouthguard Care Instructions
Once your customized mouthguard has been created, there are steps you can take to ensure its longevity and to keep it clean and free from bacteria:
- Rinse after every wear: Even if you aren’t near a sink and need to use bottled water, it’s important to rinse your mouthguard after each use.
- Brush after each use: Before storing your mouthguard, use a soft toothbrush to clean it thoroughly.
- Use the mouthguard case: When you’re not using your mouthguard, you should always store it in your case. Using your case to sanitize your appliance at least once a week is also a good idea.
- Let your mouthguard dry: While your mouthguard should always be stored in your case, letting it dry out before placing it in a clean case can reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
Sportsguards
Standard mouthguards are excellent protection, but for our patients who play contact sports, specially designed sportsguards offer superior protection. These types of mouthguards provide additional cushioning that can help prevent the injuries that often come from jolting or direct impact.
Benefits
Because of their shock-absorbing qualities, sportsguards help to protect athletes from:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Orthodontic damage
- Concussions
- Damage to interior soft tissues, such as gums and lips
Retainers
Speaking of protecting your smile, our Santa Clarita, Valencia orthodontic patients often benefit from retainers as well as mouthguards. Once orthodontic treatments like braces and clear aligners have been completed, retainers are the ideal way to keep your teeth straight. By wearing them as our Sierra Dental Practice team recommends, you can make sure your newly straighter smile is safe from teeth shifting back into their prior positions.
Why choose us?
At Sierra Dental Practice, we can serve your whole family’s needs right here in Santa Clarita, Valencia, CA. In addition to our state-of-the-art technology and patient-centered approach, we offer services designed to address all your dental needs. We promise to make you feel at home when you visit our office.
Reserve Your Consultation
Sierra Dental Practice offers customized options if you’re looking for a mouthguard or retainer in Santa Clarita, Valencia. Contact us today!
