Mouth Guards / Snore Guards / Sports Guards
Mouth Guards / Snore Guards / Sports Guards
Mouthguards
If you’re grinding your teeth at night, it may be time for a mouthguard. This condition, known as bruxism, usually happens while you sleep. Constant and aggressive grinding will eventually wear down the teeth. This destructive habit can also damage tooth enamel, and even cause chips and cracks.
Patients who grind their teeth often complain of headaches, and sore jaw muscles. Some even suffer from a serious condition called TMJ disorder, which causes chronic pain in the jaw, face and neck.
Mouthguards, also known as night guards, are an effective way to protect your teeth from bruxism. Teeth grinding during sleep is unintentional. By wearing a mouth guard, your upper and lower teeth are separated. No matter how hard you grind, the teeth can never scrape against each other and cause damage.
Custom mouthguards are always better than store-bought versions. At Double Tree Dental, we can specially craft a device that addresses your specific dental needs. Here’s how our mouthguards are made:
- We make a mold of the patient’s teeth using a special solution that hardens upon contact when you bite down
- Mold is sent to a lab that specializes in creating mouthguards
- Mouthguard is sent back to our clinic, so the patient can assess the fit
Most mouthguards are made from a hard durable plastic. They’re fitted for either the top or bottom row of teeth, but never both. At night before wearing the mouthguard, we recommend you run the appliance under warm water to soften the plastic -- allowing for a more comfortable fit.
Snore Guards
If you’re like most people, you may have thought only a sleep specialist could treat conditions related to snoring or sleep apnea. But because these conditions are linked to issues in the mouth, dental professionals are also qualified to help.
Those who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. An oral appliance, such as a snore guard, is a safe way to treat this serious disorder. A snore guard fits securely in the mouth, and prevents the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing. This keeps the airways open, allowing you to take in oxygen while you sleep. Snore guards are most effective when they’re custom made.
Here are some of the benefits of using a snore guard:
- Treatment is non-invasive and painless
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Significantly improves sleep apnea symptoms, including daytime fatigue
- Stabilizes the lower jaw and increases muscle tone of the tongue
Sports Guards
At Double Tree Dental Centre, we take sports injuries very seriously. A blow to the head or face can cause serious damage to the teeth. A sports guard acts as a shock absorber in the mouth to protect the teeth from traumatic force. It can also protect your brain from a concussion if the hit is made to the lower jaw.
Our well-designed sports guards fit smoothly along the upper teeth and gums. Because of their custom fit, these compact appliances stay firmly in place -- no matter how active you may be. The upper mouth guard is the most popular and comfortable choice. But we are happy to explore other options should you require a different type.
If you’re interested in exploring any of the appliances mentioned above, contact us for a consultation. See why Double Tree Dental Centre is the GTA’s premier choice for customized devices that protect your teeth and improve overall quality of life.
