It is not uncommon for people to mix up sports guards with night guards. While both of these dental appliances near you work to protect your teeth, they do this in different ways. A sports guard protects your smile while you engage in contact sports, while a night guard stops you from clenching and grinding your teeth during your sleep.
Since both clenching and grinding and contact sports put your teeth at risk of fractures and other oral health issues, you will need to speak to our dentist in Thunder Bay about getting a protective dental appliance that is suited to your needs.
Night Guards Prevent Clenching and Grinding
Do you grind and clench your teeth at night? Many people are unaware that they have a condition called bruxism, where they grind their teeth during their sleep. Sometimes, people notice that they wake up with jaw pain, but most of the time, they don’t know that they have been doing this until their dentist notices worn tooth enamel during a checkup.
Some common symptoms associated with bruxism are:
- Worn or weakened tooth enamel
- Jaw pain
- Tight jaw muscles
- Headaches in the morning
- Poor sleeping patterns
If left untreated, bruxism can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. If you believe that you suffer from bruxism, speak to a dentist near you about getting a night guard. A night guard places a barrier over your upper teeth and prevents teeth from grinding by protecting the upper and lower teeth from touching each other.
Night guards cost a lot less than the restorative dentistry procedures necessary to protect your teeth once they have been damaged from grinding and clenching. The price of night guards varies based on the guard material and your insurance plan. Most of the time, people spend about $300-500 on their guards.
When you visit Current River Dental for a night guard, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create the perfect night guard for your mouth.
Sports Mouth Guards Prevent Sports Injuries
Nothing is worse than having to forfeit a game because you need to make a beeline to the nearest emergency dentist. If you play contact sports, speak to your dentist about getting a custom sports mouth guard.
A sports mouth guard protects your upper teeth from impact injuries. For instance, if you get tackled in football, having a mouth guard in place will lower the impact on your teeth and gums.
These dental appliances in Thunder Bay can also be used for non-contact sports, such as ice skating, where there is still a risk of mouth injury.
Sports mouth guards typically cost around $60, depending on your insurance coverage. When you visit Current River Dental, our team will help you find the best sports mouth guard for your teeth and the activities you enjoy.
Do You Need a Dental Appliance?
Whether you require a custom-made night guard or sports mouth guard, our team of dedicated dental professionals at Current River Dental is happy to help you protect your smile and enhance your overall oral health. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our clinic and book a consultation today! We are more than happy to offer our patients dental appliances to protect their teeth.