Is a Custom Mouthguard Right for Me?

Mouth guards are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Even though mouthguards may look similar, they can provide different functions. They can be used for preventing teeth grinding, reducing snoring, relieving sleep apnea, and protecting your mouth when playing sports. There are three types of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom. Learn more about each option from our Mouthguards service page.

Prevent Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can cause soreness, tenderness, and tightness in the muscles of the jaw, neck, and face, commonly resulting in tension headaches. Mouthguards worn while you sleep prevent the bottom and top teeth from clenching together, so damage does not occur. Custom mouthguards are recommended to prevent teeth grinding because they provide the best fit for your teeth, last longer over time than stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards, and will be the most comfortable option for you while you sleep.

Reduce Snoring or Sleep Apnea Relief

Snoring occurs when air flows past the relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate when you breathe. While sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. There are two different types of mouth guards, or oral appliances that can be used for snoring and/or sleep apnea:

• Mandibular advancement device (MAD): This works by pushing the lower jaw forward to open your airway while you sleep.
• Tongue retaining device: This works by gripping your tongue to prevent it from falling into the back of the throat.

These oral appliances must be fitted by a dentist and worn in your mouth at night. There are many over-the-counter mouthguards that claim to prevent snoring or help with sleep apnea, but the best course of action is to consult with your dentist or doctor to see what is right for you.

Sports Mouthguards

Sports mouthguards can help prevent damage to the face and minimize the risk of broken teeth or injuries to your face, jaw, tongue, and lips. Certain sports have higher risks than others. It is very important to wear a mouthguard if you play any of the following sports: football, boxing, hockey, or wrestling. When it comes to mouthguards, the better the fit, the better the protection. Stock mouth guards are the least expensive option for protecting your teeth while playing sports. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are slightly more expensive, but they provide a better fit, reducing the risk of injury. Custom mouth guards will provide the most protection as they will have the best fit/coverage of your mouth.

We know you have many options for mouthguards. If you are not sure if a mouthguard will help you or if you would like a custom-fit mouthguard consultation, contact us today!