Dental guards help protect the teeth from damage or injury, with different types designed for specific needs. At Advanced Dental Concepts, dental guards in Laguna Beach can be considered according to individual oral health needs. Sports mouthguards are designed to help protect the teeth and oral tissues during activities that carry a risk of impact or injury, while night guards may be considered when nighttime grinding or clenching places repeated forces on the teeth.
Types of Dental Guards
A mouth guard for sports covers the teeth to provide cushioning during activities where an impact to the mouth or face could occur.
A night guard for teeth may be considered when grinding or clenching places repeated forces on the teeth or existing restorations. These appliances provide a physical barrier between the teeth but should not be presented as a treatment that stops the underlying grinding or clenching behavior.
When a Sports Mouthguard May Be Recommended
Contact, collision, and high-velocity sports can increase the risk of injuries involving the teeth and surrounding oral tissues.
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can help lessen the incidence and severity of sports-related dental and oral injuries. It cannot eliminate every injury, so appropriate sport-specific protective equipment remains important.
Loose, sensitive, or damaged teeth should be evaluated before a sports guard is fitted so any underlying dental concern can be identified. The condition of the teeth, existing restorations, and other individual factors can also influence how a guard is planned.
When a Night Guard May Be Considered
Grinding or clenching teeth can place repeated forces on teeth and dental restorations. Depending on the clinical findings, night guards in Laguna Beach may be considered to provide protection from these forces.
Because tooth wear can have different causes, we evaluate the teeth and bite before determining whether a night guard is appropriate. Existing crowns, fillings, or other restorations may also need to be considered when planning the appliance.
A night guard is not appropriate for every source of jaw discomfort, so symptoms should be evaluated before an appliance is recommended. If you experience persistent jaw discomfort, tooth sensitivity, or changes in your bite, we can assess the concern and discuss appropriate options.
How We Plan a Custom Dental Guard
The design of a dental guard depends on why it is being used. Custom athletic mouthguards are made using records of an individual’s teeth so the appliance can be adapted to the mouth.
Night guards are similarly planned around individual dental findings rather than using one design for every patient. We consider the teeth, bite, existing restorations, and intended purpose of the appliance.
Once the guard is ready, its fit can be evaluated and instructions provided for appropriate wear and care.
Caring for Your Dental Guard
Regular cleaning and inspection help keep the guard in good condition and make wear or damage easier to identify. Follow the cleaning and storage instructions provided for your particular appliance.
Check the guard for cracks, worn areas, distortion, or changes in fit. Children and adolescents who wear sports guards may need periodic reassessment as their teeth and jaws develop.
If your appliance becomes uncomfortable, damaged, or no longer fits correctly, have it evaluated before continuing to use it.
Dental Guard Care in Laguna Beach
Comprehensive dental services under a single roof allow us to evaluate your teeth and overall oral health when considering a protective appliance. Modern dental technology can also support evaluation and treatment planning when clinically appropriate. Patient comfort is considered during appointments. Massage dental chairs, noise-canceling headphones, and individual tablets are available for patients who would like additional comfort or distraction during visits.
Our Laguna Beach office welcomes patients from Laguna Village, Woods Cove, North Laguna, and South Laguna who would like to discuss appropriate dental protection.
Discuss the Right Dental Guard for Your Needs
Whether you participate in an activity with a risk of dental injury or have concerns about nighttime grinding or clenching, schedule an evaluation at our Laguna Beach office. We can take a look at your teeth and bite and discuss whether a dental guard may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
People participating in sporting or recreational activities with a meaningful risk of dental or orofacial injury may benefit from wearing a properly fitted mouthguard.
No. Mouthguards can minimize the incidence and severity of sports-related oral injuries, but they cannot eliminate all risk.
A night guard should not be considered a cure for grinding or clenching. When appropriate, it can provide a protective barrier between the teeth.
The appropriate appliance depends on why protection is needed, along with your teeth, bite, existing dental work, and other clinical findings.
