Contact sports like hockey, lacrosse, and football require mouthguards. Mouthguards protect teeth, braces, and oral appliances from damage or loss. Patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) benefit from nightguards, which are similar to mouthguards but cover one or more of the tooth arches.
Nightguards are meant to cover and protect chewing surfaces. Dr. Trace Bridges provides custom mouthguard treatment for patients in Tulsa, OK, to help maintain patients’ health, preventing dental problems like tooth damage or loss. Our office also provides general dentistry services to new and existing patients in Tulsa, OK.
Custom Mouthguard Treatment in Tulsa, OK
Dr. Bridges takes dental impressions to create functional and comfortable mouthguards. A custom-made mouthguard or nightguard performs correctly and prevents the wearer from clenching their teeth to keep their appliance in place.
Sports Mouthguards
A sports mouthguard is made of rubber-like plastic that typically covers the upper teeth. Sports mouthguards prevent cuts to the soft tissue of the mouth, knocked-out teeth, damaged braces, and other problems patients can encounter while playing sports.
Custom mouthguards allow patients to focus on the game and not on their mouthguards. Boil-and-bite mouthguards can easily fall out and make it harder to communicate.
Wearing a custom mouthguard:
- Makes it easier to drink and speak
- Prevents broken or lost teeth
- Can increase focus on the game
Nightguards
Patients who experience headaches, migraines, jaw pain, tooth wear, and teeth clenching and grinding from TMD benefit from nightguards. Custom TMJ nightguards are typically made of hard acrylic materials that help prevent patients from chewing on their appliances.
They can cover the upper or lower teeth. Over time, patients with TMD experience worn and even broken teeth if they continue to clench and grind their teeth at night.
TMJ nightguards can:
- Prevent tooth wear and broken teeth
- Alleviate jaw pain and pressure
- Stop headaches and migraines
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Read answers to common questions about a custom mouthguard in our Tulsa, OK, dental office:
What are nightguards and sports mouthguards made of?
Nightguards and sports mouthguards are made from different materials because they’re designed for different purposes. TMJ nightguards use hard acrylic plastic that’s tough enough to withstand teeth clenching and grinding.
Custom sports guards use laminated thermoplastics. This softer material helps cushion hits from equipment, sports balls, or other players.
What happens when I get a TMJ nightguard?
Getting a TMJ nightguard is a simple process. First, we’ll examine your teeth and jaw, and take impressions of your teeth. We’ll send these impressions to our lab from a thin and hard plastic.
You’ll return to our office after 1 to 2 weeks. We’ll adjust your new nightguard to ensure a balanced and perfect fit.
Why do sports mouthguards only cover the upper teeth?
Most sports mouthguards protect just the upper teeth for better protection and less bulk. The upper teeth stick out slightly more than the bottom teeth and are more likely to get hit during contact sports. Covering them creates a cushion against impacts to the jaw or face.
A single guard on the upper teeth allows players to speak clearly and breathe normally during games. A lower guard might make it harder to communicate with teammates. Wearing guards on both arches would feel too bulky and uncomfortable. It would be harder to keep the mouthguard in place.
Some athletes (like boxers or MMA fighters) sometimes wear lower mouthguards for extra protection in high-impact sports. But for most players, an upper guard alone does the job well while keeping things comfortable and functional.
Do I need to replace my child’s sports mouthguard when they lose baby teeth?
Yes, you should replace your child’s sports mouthguard when they lose baby teeth. Mouthguards are designed to fit snugly over the teeth to protect them during sports. When a baby tooth falls out and a permanent tooth starts coming in, the shape of their mouth changes. This means the old mouthguard might not fit properly. A poorly fitting mouthguard won’t protect their teeth as well and could even be uncomfortable or fall out during play.
Can I use a sports mouthguard for TMJ?
No, you can’t use a sports mouthguard for TMJ or a nightguard for sports. Sports mouthguards are too bulky and will fall out of your mouth during sleep. Nightguards don’t cover the front of the teeth and use a harder plastic.
How do I clean a sports mouthguard?
Keeping your sports mouthguard clean is important to prevent bacteria, bad smells, and even infections. As soon as you take it out, rinse it with cool water to remove saliva and debris. Hot water can warp the plastic. Use a little dish soap or antibacterial hand soap and gently scrub the mouthguard with a soft toothbrush.
Soak your mouthguard in a mix of water and mouthwash or a denture cleaner for a few minutes to kill germs. Let it air-dry on a clean towel before storing it. Trapped moisture can lead to bacteria growth. Keep it in a hard case with holes so air can circulate. Never leave it in direct sunlight or a hot car.
Can I clean a nightguard with toothpaste?
Most toothpastes contain abrasives (tiny gritty particles) that scrub stains off teeth. These same abrasives can scratch your nightguard over time, creating tiny grooves where bacteria can grow. Scratches also make the guard look cloudy and worn out faster.
We recommend a soft toothbrush and mild soap for gentle daily cleaning. You can also drop your guard in a denture-cleaning solution a few times a week to kill germs.
What do I do if my child loses their sports mouthguard?
Losing a custom mouthguard can be frustrating. If your child loses their mouthguard, first check all sports bags, lockers, and practice areas. You can also check your car or your child’s room.
If you can’t find it, call our office for a replacement mouthguard. In the meantime, you can get a store-bought mouthguard. Even one practice without protection risks injury. If your child plays year-round, you can get two made at once and keep the spare at home for emergencies.
Request a Dental Appointment
Do you need a nightguard for TMD? Is it time to get a new sports mouthguard? Call 918-347-1114 for a custom mouthguard in Tulsa, OK. You may also schedule a dental consultation with us online.