A custom mouth guard from your dentist costs more and is more comfortable than a drugstore guard. This guide compares the two types.
A mouth guard covers your teeth and gums. When you think about this kind of medical device, you might naturally think about sports. Adults and children participating in contact sports like hockey, rugby, boxing, and football wear mouth guards to protect their teeth and cushion against impact.
However, that’s not the only kind of mouth guard available. A dentist may prescribe one to wear while you sleep, to protect you against the effects of bruxism (clenching and grinding of teeth), or to maintain your teeth after orthodontic work like braces. These are also sometimes referred to as night guards
Key Takeaways about Mouth guards
- A custom mouth guard from a dentist costs more and is more comfortable than a drugstore guard.
- Bruxism, the clenching or grinding of teeth, is the most common reason for a night guard, and signs include jaw and neck pain and worn enamel.
- A dentist may prescribe a mouth guard or retainer after braces.
- Health insurance often covers the cost of a mouth guard.
- A custom mouth guard can last up to five years with proper cleaning and storage.
Why You May Need A Mouth guard or Night guard
Our mouths can tell us a lot about our overall health. A quick glimpse at your teeth can provide your dentist with a lot of information. There are a couple of reasons why a dentist may recommend or prescribe a mouth guard. The most common dental concern is a condition called bruxism.
Bruxism
If you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth, you might be dealing with this condition.
Signs of bruxism include jaw and neck pain, tooth sensitivity, a locked jaw, chipped teeth, or worn tooth enamel. In addition, this condition will often impact people dealing with stress, anxiety, or overwhelming frustration. A custom mouth guard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, so you can’t grind them. This eliminates the resulting unnecessary (and often painful) tension in the jaw.
Post-braces Maintenance
If you recently had orthodontic work done, your dentist may prescribe a mouth guard or retainer to keep everything in place. If you are dealing with bruxism while wearing braces, your dentist can also prescribe a custom night guard that will fit on top of them.
Fatigue
If you’re waking up still exhausted, there might be an oral health issue to blame. Regardless of your chief complaint, a mouth guard lets your jaw relax so that you can sink into a deeper slumber. A dentist can chat with you about potential TMJ disorders, which can be caused by arthritis, injury, or genetics
Seek Medical Guidance
If you ignore bruxism or TMJ disorders or neglect your teeth after braces, you could wind up with long-term damage. Prolonged clenching and grinding will impact your jaw joints, and a lack of post-braces maintenance could let teeth move back to their original spots. The more you let the issues add up, the harder it will be to fix them. If you’re anxious about dental treatments, we completely understand and are here to help.
Comparing Custom Guards Against Drugstore Guards
If you’re considering which type of mouth guard to get, a custom one from your dentist A custom guard from your dentist costs more and is more comfortable.
A drugstore mouth guard is cheap, but you get what you pay for. When you purchase a mouth guard from a drugstore, you’ll likely wind up with a boil-and-bite option. You must dip the plastic guard in boiling water and shape it into your mouth. While these are durable in the short term (they have to be to hold up during a sports game), they’re not exactly comfortable. Likely, trying to sleep with one of these in your mouth isn’t going to go well.
A custom mouth guard is made in a lab. It is shaped using a mould or impression of the patient’s teeth. This gives you a proper fit and better sleep. With a custom mouth guard, your dentist can select a thickness appropriate for the patient’s condition. For example, if you have severe bruxism, a thicker mouth guard is a good option. On the other hand, if the mouth guard is just for maintaining teeth structure after braces, and there’s no worry about clenching or grinding, the custom mouth guard can be made much thinner. Your dentist can assess your condition and make the appropriate recommendation on your prescription.
The materials used in a custom mouth guard are often stronger than the plastic in the boil-and-bite variety, so they’ll last longer.
What To Do If You Think You Need A Mouth guard
If you’re waking up with face or jaw pain, or relentless headaches and fatigue, you might be clenching or grinding your teeth during the night. These are important symptoms to mention to your dentist during your next check-up. Your dentist will also look for evidence of teeth grinding, like the wearing away of enamel or broken teeth.
If it’s determined that you need a mouth guard, you’re well on your way to relief. You’ll need to see your dentist for a fitting and follow-up, but these appointments are quick. In addition, mouth guards are often covered by health benefits.
If you think you need a mouth guard, book an appointment with Dr. Bains for your regular dental check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouth guards
How do I care for my mouth guard?
You can clean your custom mouth guard with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Give it a quick cool rinse under the tap, then brush each section of the device. Rinse with cool water, and let it dry. About once a week, let it sit in a glass of mouthwash for 20 minutes. The antimicrobials will eliminate any lingering bacteria.
How long will my custom mouth guard last?
If you clean and store your mouth guard properly, it can last up to five years. Be sure to bring it to each check-up so your dentist can take a peek to see how it’s holding up.
How much does a professional mouth guard cost?
Often, health insurance will cover the cost of mouth guards. In Canada, a dentist-made
Is it worth it to get a custom mouth guard?
Absolutely. A custom mouth guard is more expensive, but it will last longer, is more comfortable and more effective than a drugstore version.
Are custom mouth guards comfortable?
This is one of the biggest advantages of getting a custom mouth guard over a drugstore option. When a dentist makes a custom mouth guard, it is moulded to an impression of the patient’s teeth. It’s an exact fit. If you have to wear a mouth guard while sleeping, this is definitely the way to go.
How do I get a new custom mouth guard?
Book a check-up with your dentist. They’ll assess the condition of your current mouth guard, and determine if you need a new one. They may be able to use the previous mould of your teeth, or they may take a new one before requesting a replacement night guard from the lab.
The clinic is in The Grange Shopping Centre at 2556 Guardian Road NW, north of Safeway.