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!
Custom Mouthguards and Athletic Guards
A mouthguard is a dental appliance that protects your teeth and oral tissue from injury due to contact sports or other physical activities. It cushions the face, reducing the risk of trauma and preventing broken teeth, allowing athletes to play their sport with less worry. At Morris Dental Solutions, we create custom-fitted mouthguards to give you maximum protection. Mouthguards are made to protect the upper teeth primarily, but some guards are also designed to be worn to protect the lower teeth.
Some of the many activities that require a mouthguard include:
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Boxing
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Rugby
- Squash
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Don’t let your gorgeous smile suffer the consequences of not wearing a mouthguard; get in touch with us now to discover how we can ensure superior protection for your teeth. Discover why a custom-made mouthguard is the preferred option over pre-fabricated products from a store. You won’t regret investing in your dental health and well-being!
Night Guards (Occlusal Guards)
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or teeth marks on your cheeks? You could be grinding your teeth during sleep, leading to chronic headaches, sore jaw muscles, facial pain, and damaged teeth. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and nighttime anxiety can also cause teeth grinding.
Night guards (bite guards) help by providing a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. While night guards may look like a regular plastic retainers, their protective function is quite different. A regular dental retainer should not be used as a dental night guard. Depending on your level of teeth grinding, you may need a hard/soft guard made of a more forgiving acrylic resin or a hard guard made of a harder acrylic resin to withstand the pressure of your bite.
Why Is Clenching and Grinding Bad For Your Teeth?
Grinding your teeth (bruxism) can cause long-term damage to your teeth and jaw. If you suffer from periodontal disease, clenching or grinding can make it worse and lead to infection. Bruxism can cause gum and bone irritation, resulting in increased teeth mobility and bone loss.
As the name suggests, you should wear your night guard while you sleep. However, if you detect any signs that suggest clenching or grinding of your teeth during the day, consider wearing your mouthguard during the day for optimal protection and comfort.
Dental Retainers
A retainer’s primary function is to keep teeth in place after braces have been removed or following tooth alignment procedures. They help to maintain the desired position of the teeth, preventing them from shifting. At Morris Dental Solutions, our custom-made retainers are comfortable and easy to wear, helping you keep your teeth in line for years to come.
Protect Your Investment
After orthodontic treatment, teeth like to shift back to their original position, and retainers are one of the most effective ways to prevent this from happening. You may not notice this shift initially, but the teeth will begin to move over time, and the results achieved from your orthodontic treatment will be lost.
Wearing your retainer will ensure that the money you invested in your smile is well-protected. It is best to wear a retainer for 22 hours a day for the first year. After one year, you can reduce your wearing time to 12 hours a night. Speak to your dentist before making drastic changes in wear time.
How to Take Care Of Your Mouthguard and Retainer
Mouthguards and retainers must be taken care of properly to ensure longevity, hygiene, comfort, and effectiveness. They should be cleaned gently with mild anti-bacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush daily, then rinsed thoroughly with cold water. Avoid hot water as it can warp the appliance. It is also important to store your mouthguard and retainer in a safe, dry case. Never leave your guard sitting in the direct sun like on a dashboard, as it can easily warp.
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.
Let Us Help You Keep Your Teeth Safe
At Morris Dental Solutions, we provide custom-made mouthguards, night guards, and retainers to fit your needs. We care about the health of your teeth and gums and want to ensure you get the best protection. Don’t let a preventable issue damage your teeth — visit us today and let us help you find the best dental retainer for your needs.
If you are searching for mouthguard Buffalo Grove, night mouthguard Buffalo Grove, or dentist Buffalo Grove, we can help. 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! Our dedicated team also proudly serves the communities of Barrington, Arlington Heights, Long Grove, and Highland Park.
Call UsMouthguard and Retainer FAQs
Retainers typically last between one to three years, depending on wear, and may need to be replaced over time. It is important to have regular checkups with your dentist or orthodontist to determine if a new retainer is needed.
If you forget to wear your retainer for a few days, try not to panic. Missing a few days won’t impact the results much, but getting back into the routine of wearing your retainer as soon as possible is important. If you miss too much time, you may notice your retainer does not fit properly anymore.
Yes, wearing a mouthguard when participating in any activities with a risk of facial or dental injury is important. Mouthguards protect your teeth from damage and can even help reduce the chances of a concussion if you experience an impact on the face or head.
Yes, you should be able to close your mouth comfortably with a nightguard. If you experience discomfort, the guard may need to be adjusted or remade. It is important to speak with your dentist about any issues you may have so that they can make the necessary adjustments.
It is best to clean your guard with a mild anti-bacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste, as the abrasive nature of some formulations can be too harsh for the guard material.
If you don’t clean your nightguard, bacteria and plaque can build up quickly. Over time this buildup can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Cleaning your guard regularly with a mild anti-bacterial soap can help reduce the risk of these issues.
