3 Uses of Custom Mouthguards

Dentist in Chapel Hill NCAt Tarheel Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide a wide range of general dentistry services to meet the needs of our patients. As your dentist office in Chapel Hill, NC, we are here for you no matter what your dental concern may be. Many patients are surprised to find out that a custom mouthguard can not only help them prevent future dental concerns but also treat several dental concerns. We breakdown the three most common uses for custom mouthguards below:

Sports Mouthguard

Patients who play contact sports  use a sports mouthguard to protect their dental structures from unwanted trauma. Many sports even require the use of a mouthguard in order for people to participate. While over-the-counter sports mouthguards are available, these options are a one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry. This often leads to patients experiencing discomfort or slippage when using an over-the-counter mouthguard. If you need a mouthguard, consider having your Chapel Hill dentist make you a custom mouthguard, designed specifically for you and your smile. Our custom mouthguards utilize dental impressions of your own teeth and gums and ensure a comfortable and secure fit while in use.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common dental concern that we treat in our Chapel Hill dentist office. Patients usually are unaware that they have been grinding their teeth until they experience dental damage or worn down teeth. If you notice that you are waking up with a sore jaw or sensitive teeth, this may be a sign that you have been grinding your teeth. The longer therhabit goes untreated, the more likely you are to experience dental damage. Treatment for bruxism is easy with a custom nightguard, or a mouthguard that is worn at night, to protect your teeth while you sleep from the affects of bruxism.

TMJ Disorders

Often, patients who have a history of teeth grinding will develop a TMJ disorder. A TMJ disorder occurs when the joints of your jaw become strained or injured, causing patients to experience symptoms like jaw pain, tension headaches, or earaches. If you notice that you experience jaw pain frequently, you may be clenching your jaw under stress or grinding your teeth. Chewing excessively crunchy foods may also strain the jaw muscles and cause TMJ symptoms. It’s important to tell your dentist if you have experienced these symptoms outside of the dental practice. Oral appliance therapy using a custom mouthguard can help you manage your TMJ symptoms and decrease the tension in your jaw.

If you need a custom mouthguard in Chapel Hill, NC, come visit Tarheel Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to seeing you soon.