If you have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), you might need to wear a mouth guard while sleeping. These devices can help to relax the jaw muscles and prevent grinding and clenching that can cause damage to the teeth.
At Schaumburg Tooth Doctor, we offer custom-fit mouthguards for our patients. Every mouth is unique, which is why it’s essential to choose a professionally-fit guard instead of a generic one-size-fits-all product from a local drug store. The dental fitting ensures that you receive the optimal benefits from this treatment.
When you have a custom-fit mouth guard, it holds your jaw in the ideal position, which helps to reduce painful pressure. Here are the benefits you will receive while wearing the mouth guard:
If you want these benefits, investing in a professionally-fit mouth guard is essential. Not only will you get the ideal jaw positioning, but your dentist can regularly check to ensure an ongoing fit that optimizes your overall results.
Keep in mind that wearing a cheap or improperly fit mouth guard can potentially aggravate your issues. Don’t cause more damage to your jaw and teeth! Instead, make sure you use a customized mouth guard as recommended by your dentist.
TMJ treatment is a common reason for wearing a mouth guard. Here are a few of the other reasons why your dentist might recommend the use of a mouth guard:
If you think you need a mouth guard, talk to our Schaumburg Tooth Doctor team for more information about personalized treatment options.
The ideal candidates are people participating in contact sports or at risk of mouth injury. Also, sleep apnea or TMJ patients often benefit from wearing mouthguards at night.
You can buy cheap mouthguards at local stores, but they don’t offer the same benefits you can receive from professionally-fit guards. For best results, talk to your dentist for a custom mouth guard.
Most mouthguards are manufactured using acrylic plastic or other synthetic materials. The materials are hard on the outside and soft on the inside, ensuring optimal durability.
Clean your mouth guard/teeth guard regularly using warm water, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. You can also deep clean the mouth guard by soaking it in hydrogen peroxide or vinegar.