Dental Mouthguards in Jackson, MI
At Summit Pointe Dental in Jackson, MI, we can set you up with a custom-fitted mouthguard. Dentists recommend these as they’re made specifically for each individual. We measure the dimensions of your teeth and oral cavity to create the perfect mouthguard.
We wouldn’t recommend using over-the-counter mouthguards here at Summit Pointe Dental. These don’t provide any protection because they’re not designed to fit your teeth properly. They’ll also be very difficult to wear as they’re bulky and can make breathing harder.
If you want a reasonably fitting mouthguard and don’t want to spend too much money getting a custom-fitted one, you can go for boil and bite mouthguards. You can get these at department stores. They get softer when you put them in hot water, so you can then put them in your mouth to shape them.
Uses of Mouthguards
Mouthguards are mainly used by two categories: those who play sports and grind their teeth at night. If you play sports, getting a mouthguard would be good to protect your teeth from any potential damage. This is particularly true if you play contact sports.
People who grind their teeth at night should also invest in custom-fitted mouthguards. Wearing a mouthguard while you sleep will protect your teeth. It’ll also restrict movement and can protect your temporomandibular joint too.
Mouthguards can be worn by people who wear braces. If you’re going to participate in activities and are worried about them getting damaged, you can wear a mouthguard on top of them with no issues. They should be custom-fitted, though, as over-the-counter mouthguards might harm your braces.
Choosing the Type
Understandably, many people can be attracted to getting an over-the-counter mouthguard and hoping it fits fine, but it rarely does. You can get a boil and bite mouthguard if you don’t want to go to the dentist for a custom-fitted one. On the other hand, a custom-fitted mouthguard is the best option if you don’t mind visiting the dentist or the cost.
FAQs
In Jackson, MI, dental offices may provide custom sports mouthguards, night guards for teeth grinding, and TMJ mouthguards. These are designed based on dental impressions to improve fit, comfort, and protection compared to over-the-counter options.
A custom night guard creates a barrier between teeth to reduce enamel wear caused by grinding. For patients in Jackson, MI, it may also help reduce jaw discomfort and tension associated with bruxism.
Sports mouthguards are commonly recommended for children and teens involved in contact sports. Custom mouthguards in Jackson, MI, can help reduce the possibility of dental injuries, like chipped teeth and jaw impact.
Over-the-counter mouthguards are pre-formed and may not fit precisely. Dentist-made mouthguards in Jackson, MI, are created using impressions, allowing for a more accurate fit and improved comfort during use.
Custom dental mouthguards typically last between 1 and 5 years, depending on use and oral habits such as grinding. Regular dental visits in Jackson, MI can help monitor fit and determine when replacement may be needed.
TMJ mouthguards, also called occlusal splints, may help reduce jaw tension and pressure on the joint. For patients in Jackson, MI, they are often used as part of a broader approach to managing TMJ-related discomfort.
To maintain your mouthguard, rinse it after each use, clean it carefully with a toothbrush and mild soap, and keep it in a ventilated case. Proper care helps reduce bacteria buildup and maintain its condition over time.
