Mouthguards

Understanding Mouth Guards

A mouth guard is a protective device worn over your teeth to shield them from injury during sports activities or to prevent damage from teeth grinding and clenching. Custom-fitted mouth guards are designed specifically for your unique dental structure, providing superior protection, comfort, and durability compared to generic alternatives. They act as a cushion to absorb impact and distribute force, protecting your teeth, gums, and jaw from potential trauma. Dr. Leila creates personalized mouth guards in San Juan Capistrano that fit precisely, offering better protection than over-the-counter options while ensuring you can breathe and speak comfortably.

4 Reasons for a Mouth Guard

• Protection during contact sports: Athletes of all ages need mouth guards to prevent knocked-out teeth, broken jaws, and soft tissue injuries during contact sports and high-impact activities.
• Prevent teeth grinding: Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep, which can wear down enamel, cause jaw pain, and lead to headaches and other complications.
• Relief for TMJ disorder: Mouth guards can help alleviate symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder by reducing pressure on the jaw joint and promoting proper alignment.
• Post-treatment protection: After certain dental procedures or orthodontic treatment, mouth guards help protect your investment and ensure proper healing.

A properly fitted mouth guard can reduce teeth grinding forces by up to 70%.

How Custom Mouth Guards Are Made

Creating your custom mouth guard at San Juan Family Dentistry begins with Dr. Leila taking precise digital impressions of your teeth. These detailed impressions capture every contour of your unique dental structure, ensuring a perfect fit that won't slip or feel bulky. We then select the appropriate material thickness and design based on your specific needs, whether for sports protection or nighttime grinding. Your custom mouth guard is carefully crafted in a professional dental laboratory using high-quality materials that provide optimal protection and durability. Once completed, you'll return to our office where Dr. Leila will ensure the fit is perfect and make any necessary adjustments, along with guidance on proper care and maintenance.

Common Types of Mouth Guards

• Sports mouth guards are designed with thicker materials to absorb high-impact forces during athletic activities, helping protect against dental injuries and concussions.
• Bruxism/night guards are crafted for comfort during sleep, preventing tooth damage from grinding and clenching while reducing jaw tension and morning headaches.
• Over-the-counter options are pre-formed or boil-and-bite varieties available at pharmacies, though they provide minimal protection and often fit poorly compared to custom alternatives.

Caring for Your Mouth Guard

With proper care and maintenance, a custom mouth guard typically lasts 1 to 5 years, depending on use and whether you grind your teeth. Rinse your mouth guard with cool water after each use, brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap, and store it in a ventilated container away from heat. We recommend bringing your mouth guard to regular dental checkups so Dr. Leila can assess its condition.

Don't wait to protect your smile. Patients in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, and San Clemente can call San Juan Family Dentistry at (949) 240-6888 to schedule a custom mouth guard consultation with Dr. Leila Khamsei, DDS.