Your teeth do a lot for you. They chew and break down food, help you speak clearly, and give your face its shape. That’s why it’s essential to protect them so they can do all these things for as long as possible. But sometimes protecting your teeth requires more than brushing and flossing — that’s where oral appliances like mouthguards, nightguards, and retainers come in.
We know your teeth are important, and we want to help you protect them and keep them straight. If you are searching for mouthguard Buffalo Grove, a night mouthguard Buffalo Grove, or a dentist near me, we can help you. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 215-1511 or complete the online booking form. We can’t wait to help you with your beautiful smile!
Why Patients Trust Us for Custom Oral Appliances
✔ Custom impressions for precise fit and comfort
✔ Durable materials designed to withstand sports impact or grinding pressure
✔ Personalized recommendations based on oral health and lifestyle
Custom oral appliances such as athletic mouthguards, occlusal guards, Essix retainers, and sleep apnea appliances help protect your teeth and support oral health.
Custom Athletic Mouthguard
A custom athletic mouthguard or sports guard is a dental appliance designed to protect teeth and oral tissues during sports and physical activities. The appliance cushions the teeth and jaw, reducing the risk of fractures, soft-tissue injuries, and other dental trauma.
While many store-bought mouthguards exist, custom mouthguards are fabricated using dental impressions to ensure a secure fit and optimal protection. They are designed primarily to protect the upper teeth, though some designs may provide additional protection for the lower teeth as well.
Athletes who participate in contact sports or high-impact activities benefit from wearing a properly fitted mouthguard.
When To Use An Athletic Mouthguard
Common sports where mouthguards are recommended include:
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Boxing
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Rugby
- Squash
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Benefits of Custom Athletic Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards offer several advantages compared to prefabricated products.
- Better fit and comfort during physical activity
- Improved protection for teeth and soft tissues
- Reduced risk of broken or displaced teeth
- Less interference with breathing and speaking
A properly fitted mouthguard allows athletes to participate in sports with greater confidence and reduced risk of dental injury.
Occlusal Guard (Night Guard)
An occlusal guard, commonly called a night guard, is a protective dental appliance worn while sleeping to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. Grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to headaches, jaw pain, worn enamel, and damage to teeth.
How Teeth Grinding Damages Your Teeth
Teeth grinding places excessive pressure on teeth, jaw muscles, and surrounding bone structures. Over time, bruxism can lead to:
- Tooth wear or fractures
- Jaw muscle soreness
- Facial pain or headaches
- Gum irritation
- Increased tooth mobility
- Bone irritation or bone loss
Grinding may also worsen existing periodontal disease or contribute to additional oral health complications.
Benefits of Occlusal Guards
Occlusal guards help protect teeth and reduce strain on the jaw by:
- Preventing enamel wear from grinding
- Reducing pressure on jaw joints and muscles
- Protecting dental restorations such as crowns
- Minimizing symptoms like headaches or jaw soreness
Occlusal guards do not stop grinding or clenching. Instead, they create a more even biting surface that helps stabilize the jaw and reduce excessive strain on the muscles and joints.
In some cases, Botox for TMJ may also be used to relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce the intensity of clenching.
Essix Retainer
An Essex retainer is a clear, removable appliance used to temporarily maintain the appearance of your smile after a front tooth has been removed. It is typically provided after an extraction while you wait for a permanent tooth replacement.
The retainer is custom-made to fit over your teeth and is designed to help the missing area blend in. In some cases, a tooth-colored element may be added to improve appearance.
Benefits of an Essix Retainer
Essix retainers help support your smile during the healing and treatment period by:
- Reducing the visible gap from a missing front tooth
- Allowing you to speak and smile with greater confidence
- Providing a temporary solution while planning for a dental implant, bridge, or other restoration
Most patients wear the Essix retainer throughout the day, removing it only for eating and cleaning. Your dentist will provide specific instructions based on your treatment plan and the type of final restoration being placed.
Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea appliances are custom oral devices designed to help keep your airway open while you sleep. These appliances gently reposition the lower jaw forward to improve airflow and reduce interruptions in breathing.
These appliances are often recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for those who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy. Because each appliance is custom made, it is designed for comfort, stability, and effective nightly use.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea Appliances
Sleep apnea appliances may help:
- Reduce snoring
- Improve airflow during sleep
- Support more restful sleep
- Decrease daytime fatigue related to poor sleep
Your dentist will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and sleep apnea diagnosis to determine whether an oral appliance is appropriate for you.
How Much Do Custom Oral Appliances Cost?
The cost of custom oral appliances varies depending on the type of appliance, materials used, and complexity of fabrication.
Simpler appliances such as Essix retainers and athletic mouthguards may cost as little as $180, while therapeutic appliances such as occlusal guards or sleep apnea devices typically range from $1,100 to $2,500.
In some cases, dental insurance may provide partial coverage, particularly for appliances used to treat grinding, TMJ-related symptoms, or sleep apnea when medically necessary.
Before treatment, our team will review your needs, discuss your options, and provide a clear estimate so you understand your costs in advance.
Summary
- A mouthguard is a dental appliance that protects your teeth and oral tissue from injury due to contact sports or other physical activities.
- Mouthguards are an important adjunct treatment for TMJ patients.
- Night guards (bite guards) help by providing a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other.
- A retainer’s primary function is to keep teeth in place after braces have been removed or following tooth alignment procedures.
- Retainers and mouthguards should be cleaned gently with mild anti-bacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush daily, then rinsed thoroughly with cold water.
- Always store your retainer or mouthguard in a case. Never leave it in direct sunlight.
Protect Your Teeth with Custom Oral Appliances
Custom oral appliances provide important protection against injury, grinding damage, and orthodontic relapse. At Morris Dental Solutions, we design appliances that fit comfortably while protecting your long-term oral health.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N Arlington Heights Rd Ste 160, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.
Call UsMouthguard and Retainer FAQs
Orthodontic retainers are made of different materials than a nightguard. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, the retainer will protect your tooth enamel. That said, retainers are not designed to absorb heavy biting forces or reduce muscle strain on the jaw. They may require replacement more often if grind or clench.
An Essix retainer is a clear, thin appliance that fits over the teeth and is used to temporarily improve the appearance of a missing tooth while helping maintain tooth position. A dental flipper is a removable acrylic appliance that includes a prosthetic tooth and replaces the missing tooth more directly.
