Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are specifically designed to support athletes in reducing the level of physical harm they are at an increased risk of. Although often ignored or considered unnecessary, patients who use mouth guards are significantly less likely to suffer oral injuries compared to patients who do not use mouth guards. When selecting a mouth guard, it is important to pick one that is comfortable, resilient, easy to clean, and does not inhibit your ability to breathe or speak.
Like mouth guards, night guards are also a specially designed appliance that help reduce the risk of damaging their teeth, but unlike mouth guards, night guards are used primarily to help patients who struggle with TMJ, TMD, or Bruxism.
At John T. Green DDS Inc., we offer a wide range of services, including support for mouth guard and night guard selection and application. From Dayton to across the country and internationally, we welcome all patients to experience outstanding customer service and tailored treatment plans. If you are scheduled for Mouth Guards or Night Guards, or if you would like to ask our staff any questions about this procedure or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Benefits of Mouth & Night Guards
The biggest benefit and central reason for wearing mouth guards and/or night guards is that they are designed to protect your teeth. Mouth guards are especially essential in buffering damage to teeth resulting from physical impact, which can commonly occur in sports or recreational activities. Mouth guards are especially helpful if you have braces or retainer.
Wearing night guards is one of the most effective way to treat TMJ/TMD and Bruxism, which aside from alleviating daily discomfort, can also prevent more significant issues from developing. Untreated TMJ/TMD and Bruxism can easily lead to teeth that crack or chip, which then requires follow up procedures, such as dental crowns, dental bonding, or veneers. Night guards prevent a much less invasive and less costly option to address these concerns before they develop.
What is TMJ/TMD?
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) and TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) are issues that can develop when your lower jaw becomes inflamed or injured. In addition to interrupting sleep and causing discomfort, untreated TMJ and TMD can eventually lead to jawbone deterioration, which can lead to much more significant issues, including:
- Arthritis
- Bruxism (grinding or clenching of your teeth)
- Difficulty Chewing
- Lockjaw
- Pain in the face, neck, and jaw
- Swelling
If you have experienced or are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our staff today to see if night guards are right for you.
Proper Mouth Guard and Night Guard Maintenance
When cleaning your mouth guard and/or night guard, it is essential that you follow best practices to avoid an infection or the spreading of disease.
The most important thing is to consistently clean your mouth guard and night guard with toothpaste and water every night. Before handling your mouth guard or night guard, be sure to wash your hands. It is also a good idea to use anti-bacterial soap and lukewarm water to periodically rinse your guard. When not using your guard, be sure to store it in a firm case. It will also be necessary to replace your guard from time to time, as they will wear down with use. If you have any concerns about whether or not your mouth or night guard is ready to be replaced, schedule an appointment with our office and we will be happy to provide guidance.
In addition to properly cleaning and storing your mouth guard or night guard, be sure to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular dental appointments every six months so your dentist can monitor the progress of treating your TMJ/TMD or Bruxism. It is also important to avoid smoking or drinking sugary beverages while wearing your guard. If you follow these best practices, your guards should help protect you while you are active and/or improve your TMJ/TMD or Bruxism issues.
Cost of Mouth Guards/Night Guards
The final cost of a mouth guard or night guard will vary depending upon what type of dental plan you are currently enrolled in and what sort of mouth or night guard you would like to have. The cost of mouth guards can range from $15 to $500, so be sure to discuss what option is best for your unique needs during your visit. Our office does accept cash, most major credit cards, money orders, and personal checks.
If you have concerns about the cost and would like to discuss alternate financial arrangements, please feel free to contact our office to discuss CareCredit. CareCredit helps patients pay for procedures and treatments that are not covered by insurance by offering low minimum monthly payments and No Interest* financing so you can get what you want, when you want it. Applying for Care Credit only takes three simple steps and can provide instant approval.
If you have any additional questions regarding payments, dental insurance coverage, or available financial options, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
For Beautiful, Healthy Smiles, Contact Us Today!
At John T. Green DDS Inc., we believe a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, which is why we provide an array of dental treatments to cater to health as well as aesthetics. Our practice utilizes world-class labs that create customized restorations to restore the structure and beauty of your teeth. We take the time to explain and educate our patients about the importance of health care and answer any questions you may have about treatment so you can make the best decision for your smile.
With his attention-to-detail for providing high aesthetic results to restoring the health of patients’ teeth and gums, at John T. Green DDS Inc you are in experienced hands. Take your first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile today and schedule an appointment by contacting our office by phone at 937.293.3402 or fill out our online form.