Mouthguards / Sportsguards

Find out if you or your child may benefit from a mouth guard and the difference between the mouth guards available at PB Braces.

All mouth guards are not created equal. There are three types of mouth guards, all designed for different needs. In all cases, our dentists at PB Braces are experts at crafting the perfect custom mouth guard for your specific needs.

Let's take a look at the different mouth guards and why you might need one.

Sports Mouth Guards for Kids, Adolescents, and Adults

A mouth guard is an important piece of athletic gear that helps protect the teeth and mouth from injury while playing sports. Kids as young as eight years old who are active in sports should wear a sports mouthguard to protect their permanent teeth and mouth during practice and games. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to mouth injuries as they are still growing and developing.

Over-the-counter sports mouth guards are the most common type and are readily available in sporting goods stores. They are usually made of a rubber-like material and come in various sizes and shapes. These mouth guards are typically less expensive than custom-made mouth guards, but they may not fit as well as a custom guard. This can lead to discomfort and reduced protection, as the guard may not stay in place during play. A custom-made sports mouth guard will deliver superior fit and protection for a little more money than an over-the-counter sports mouth guard. Dentists-made custom sports mouth guards are typically more comfortable to wear, and if they do not get worn, they do not work!

Our dentists create custom-made mouth guards at PB Braces that are tailored to the specific size and shape of an individual's mouth. Customized mouth guards provide better protection and fit than over-the-counter mouth guards because our dentists take an impression of the individual's teeth and create a guard that fits perfectly. Custom-made mouth guards are a little more expensive than over-the-counter guards, but the added protection and comfort make them worth the investment.

Night Guards for Kids, Adolescents, and Adultsm

Night guards are similar to mouth guards in that they are used to protect the mouth and teeth. However, night guards differ from sports guards in that they are designed to protect the teeth from damage that can occur during sleep. Bruxism is the official dental terminology for teeth grinding during sleep. Far from being harmless, this nocturnal teeth grinding can cause serious damage and significant discomfort.

Here is a list of some of the more common issues caused by bruxism;

• Worn tooth enamel

• Sensitive teeth

• Jaw pain

• Tired or tight jaw muscles

• Headaches upon waking

• Sleep disruption

• Fractured teeth

Custom-made night guards are guaranteed to be properly fit, which is especially important for a device you wear during sleep. Better fit equals better protection. Night guards made by BP Dental dentists are carefully crafted to ensure they will provide the protection needed to avoid the costly and painful damage bruxism can bring.

Snoring and sleep apnea are common problems that a custom night guard can do wonders to correct. This type of mouth guard shifts and repositions the jaw to maintain an open airway during sleep. If you suffer from snoring or sleep apnea, we recommend consulting with one of our dentists at BP Braces to see if a mouth guard is right for you.

Call PB Braces today to make an appointment. Our dentist can create the perfect mouthguard for your needs. Whether it's for sports play, nighttime protection, or relief from snoring and sleep apnea, we've got you covered!