Mouth Guards in Roseville, CA
Teeth grinding and sports-related impacts can place teeth and dental restorations under additional stress. Eureka Ridge Dentistry provides custom mouth guards in Roseville, CA for patients who may benefit from protection during sports or from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching.
A custom guard is designed according to the patient’s teeth, bite, and intended use. Before recommending an appliance, the dentist evaluates the teeth and discusses relevant symptoms or activities. Contact the office to schedule an evaluation and discuss whether a custom mouth guard is appropriate.
What Is a Custom Mouth Guard?
A custom mouth guard is a removable dental appliance designed to cover the teeth and provide protection based on a specific need. Its design varies depending on whether it is intended for nighttime grinding and clenching or protection during sports.
Unlike a standard ready-made appliance, a custom-fitted mouthguard is made according to the individual shape and arrangement of the teeth. An impression or scan may be used as part of the fabrication process, depending on the type of appliance and clinical workflow.
Types of Mouth Guards We Offer
Mouth guards serve different purposes, so the appropriate design depends on why the appliance is needed.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding and Clenching
A night guard for teeth grinding acts as a protective barrier, separating the upper and lower teeth while it’s being worn. It may help protect tooth surfaces and dental restorations from some of the forces associated with grinding or clenching.
Repeated bruxism can contribute to enamel wear, chipped or fractured teeth, and damage to existing restorations. A night guard does not stop the underlying grinding or clenching habit, so an evaluation is important when signs of bruxism are present.
Custom Sports Mouthguards
A sports mouthguard is designed to help protect the teeth and oral tissues during activities where contact, collisions, or falls may occur. Mouth guards can help reduce the risk and severity of certain dental and oral injuries, although no appliance can prevent every injury.
Activities where mouthguard use may be appropriate include:
- Football
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Boxing
- Martial arts
- Skateboarding
- Gymnastics
The appropriate guard depends on factors such as the activity, fit, dental development, and individual oral health.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
A person may grind their teeth during sleep without recognizing that it is happening. In other cases, clenching may occur while awake. Possible signs that warrant dental evaluation include:
- Flattened or visibly worn tooth surfaces
- Small chips or fractures
- Morning jaw soreness
- Tight or tired chewing muscles
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Repeated damage to fillings or crowns
- Grinding sounds noticed by a sleeping partner
- Signs of wear or clenching identified during a dental examination
These findings do not necessarily confirm bruxism. Tooth wear, sensitivity, jaw discomfort, and damaged restorations can have other causes, so the dentist should evaluate the teeth and bite before recommending an occlusal guard.
Custom vs Store-Bought Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are available in several forms. Differences in design and fit can affect retention, comfort, speech, and ease of breathing while the appliance is worn.
| Type | Fit and Design | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Mouthguard | Preformed in standard sizes | Ready to use but offers limited adjustment to the individual teeth |
| Boil-and-Bite Guard | Softened in hot water and shaped around the teeth | Allows some adaptation to the mouth but depends on proper molding |
| Custom Dental Guard | Made from a record of the patient’s teeth | Designed for the individual bite and intended purpose |
A dentist-made guard can be designed around the patient’s dental anatomy and specific reason for wearing the appliance. However, no mouth guard provides complete protection against tooth damage or sports-related injury.
How the Custom Mouth Guard Process Works
The process begins with an evaluation to determine why a mouth guard is being considered and what type of appliance may be appropriate.
1. Dental Examination
The dentist examines the teeth, gums, existing restorations, and bite. Signs of tooth wear, fractures, or other concerns can also be assessed when a night guard is being considered.
2. Discussion of Symptoms or Activities
For patients with suspected bruxism, the dentist may ask about grinding, clenching, tooth sensitivity, or morning jaw symptoms. For athletes, the type and level of sports participation may be discussed.
3. Recording the Teeth
An impression or digital scan may be used to record the shape and position of the teeth, depending on the fabrication process.
4. Guard Fabrication
The appliance is made according to its intended purpose and the records obtained during the evaluation.
5. Fit and Bite Evaluation
Once the guard is ready, its fit and relationship with the opposing teeth are evaluated. Adjustments may be made when necessary for fit and function.
6. Care and Replacement Guidance
Instructions are provided for wearing, cleaning, and storing the appliance. Patients can also be advised about signs that indicate the guard should be reassessed or replaced.
The number of appointments varies according to the appliance being made and the patient’s dental needs.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
Regular cleaning and proper storage help upkeep the condition of a mouth guard. Follow the specific instructions provided for the appliance.
General care may include:
- Rinse the guard after each use
- Clean it using cool or lukewarm water
- Use a soft brush and cleaning product as directed
- Avoid hot water, which may distort some mouthguard materials
- Allow the appliance to dry before storing it
- Keep it in a ventilated storage case
- Store it away from pets
- Bring the guard to dental checkups when requested
- Have the appliance evaluated if it becomes damaged, loose, or uncomfortable
Avoid adjusting or reshaping a dental guard at home. Changes in the teeth, bite, appliance material, or normal wear can affect its fit over time.
There is no single replacement schedule appropriate for every mouth guard. Growing children and teenagers who use athletic guards may require more frequent fit assessments as their teeth and jaws develop.
Schedule a Custom Mouth Guard Consultation in Roseville
Patients searching for custom mouth guards near them can schedule an evaluation to discuss teeth grinding, clenching, sports participation, and other concerns that may affect the choice of appliance.
The office is located at 1490 Eureka Rd, Suite 130, Roseville, CA 95661. Reach out to the office or request an appointment online to discuss whether a custom dental guard is appropriate for your needs.
