Holland, MI

Night Guards and Sports Mouthguards

Do you grind your teeth in your sleep? Or maybe you play contact sports that put you at risk of injury to your mouth. Shoreline Smiles is pleased to offer custom night guards and sports mouthguards to safeguard your smile. We're all about prevention to help our patients maintain long-term healthy smiles!

Holland, MI

Night Guards and Sports Mouthguards

Night Guards - An Overview

Regular dental exams allow us to screen for signs of tooth decay, periodontal disease, damaged dental work, oral cancer, and other oral health concerns. Identifying dental problems early on increases the chances of successful treatment and avoids the need for costly and invasive procedures down the road.

Dental night guards, also known as occlusal guards, bite splints, or nocturnal bite plates, are oral appliances that cover the upper or lower teeth, protecting their chewing surfaces. They also help absorb the clenching and grinding forces, preventing the devastating effects of bruxism on your smile.

Sports Mouthguards - An Overview

Athletes involved in contact or high-intensity sports are at risk of mouth injuries. The most common sports-related dental injuries include knocked-out, dislodged, chipped, and fractured teeth or tooth roots and injury to the lips, tongue, or gums.

Sports mouthguards are protective mouthguards that cover the teeth and gums during sports activities, lowering the risk of injuries to the mouth. They are typically made of a soft, pliable material designed to absorb the forces of impact. Numerous studies show that wearing a sports mouthguard significantly lowers the risk of dental injuries and long-term complications.

Over the Counter vs. Custom-Made Mouthguards

There are many types of mouthguards available over the counter or online. Many of these oral appliances are primarily used for protection during sports. You'll find the one-size-fits-all or the boil-and-bite varieties, which must be softened with heat before being molded to the shape of your teeth.

Over-the-counter night guards or sports mouthguards are not properly fitted, reducing their effectiveness. They are often bulky and uncomfortable, which may interfere with your breathing and talking. For maximum fit, comfort, and protection, consider safeguarding your smile with a custom mouthguard custom fit by your dentist from impressions of your teeth.

Can a Night Guard and Sports Mouthguard Be Worn Interchangeably?

If you grind your teeth at night, a sports mouthguard is not designed to give you the protection you need. Using the incorrect mouthguard can lead to injury. The same goes for wearing a night guard when engaged in sports. Night guards are mouth protectors made of a thin material that prevents dental damage resulting from teeth grinding and clenching. However, they do not provide the cushioning needed to protect the mouth from injury resulting from a collision or accidental blow.