Custom Mouthguards in Woodland Hills & Manhattan Beach
Modern American Dentistry provides mouthguards for patients who participate in sports, have a bruxism habit, and want to protect their smiles from injury and tooth wear. We invite you to continue reading to learn more about our mouthguards and how they can benefit you.
What Is a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards can help cushion an injury to the face, minimizing the risk of dental damage and injuries to the face, lips, tongue, and jaw. Mouthguards typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect your mouth’s hard and soft tissues.
Mouthguards are plastic or silicone coverings worn to protect teeth from injuries such as teeth grinding, problems with the bite, during sports, and overnight. They can also help to keep your jaws adequately aligned. Mouthguards work best when they are strong, light, and easy to clean.
Why Might I Need a Mouthguard?
Imagine you suddenly lost a tooth or damaged your gums. Eating, talking, and smiling would become an instant challenge. Knowing how to prevent dental injuries and trauma to the mouth and face can make a difference.
Reasons for wearing a mouthguard include:
- Sports – Dental injuries are common, especially if you are an athlete. Mouthguards reduce the risk of mouth and dental injuries and promote safety for people who participate in sports like volleyball, football, basketball, wrestling, and hockey.
- Teeth grinding – Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) often occur during sleep and can lead to a chipped or broken tooth. Chronic teeth grinding also places undue pressure on your dental enamel and leads to other oral health issues if not treated. A mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD) – This condition occurs when the jaw muscles are inflamed and can exacerbate a bruxism habit. A mouthguard can help realign the jaws and alleviate pressure and discomfort.
- Antidepressants – Studies have shown that paroxetine, the main ingredient in antidepressants, can cause nocturnal teeth grinding. If you take antidepressants or experience pain and discomfort, speak with your dentist about a protective mouthguard.
- Sleep Apnea – Sleep apnea is a sleep-breathing disorder characterized by a temporary irregular or interrupted breathing pattern during sleep. A mouthguard can help keep the jaw and tongue in the proper position and open the airway during sleep, thus relieving sleep apnea.
- Snoring – A mouthguard can reduce snoring by opening a blocked airway, much like sleep apnea. If you or your sleeping partner snore, a mouthguard may be your solution to more restful sleep.
Types of Mouthguards 
Your dentist may suggest you use a mouthguard to protect your teeth if you clench or grind your teeth, if you have worn or fractured enamel, or if your teeth are loose and need support. Usually, mouthguards are available in three types, depending on your dental needs and your visit with your dentist:
- Stock mouthguards – Most stores carry stock mouthguards, and though this may seem like a good idea, we discourage patients from using these. Stock mouthguards are generic, one-size-fits-all, and can damage your teeth.
- Boil and bite mouthguards – Boil and bite mouthguards are made with thermoplastic material that can be softened in boiling water. Unfortunately, due to the inaccuracy of the fit, these boil and bite guards can cause more harm to your teeth than good.
- Custom-made mouthguards – If you need a mouthguard, we recommend getting a custom-made one to ensure a precise and comfortable fit. A custom mouthguard protects your smile without additional damage like stock or boil and bite guards.
Custom Mouthguards in Woodland Hills
Our mouthguards are individually custom-fitted at our office based on an exact model of your mouth. Your dentist makes an impression of your teeth and mouth, and a mouthguard made of special material is molded over your dental impression to give a custom fit to your exact jaw and dental shape. Once installed, the custom mouthguard will fit your mouth most comfortably and protect you throughout your everyday life.
If you have an active lifestyle with sports and physical activity, grind your teeth at night, or want to protect your teeth while doing a strenuous activity. A mouthguard can help protect your teeth with a custom, comfortable fit.
Contact Modern American Dentistry today and discover how you can benefit when using a mouthguard.
