Mouth Guards

As an athlete, you need the best gear possible. We offer top quality athletic mouth guards to protect your teeth whenever you practice or compete.

Night Guards in Falls Church, VA

What is a Mouth Guard? 

A mouth guard is an essential piece of equipment that every athlete who participates in contact sports and activities, both adults and children, should consider. When you get hit, a mouth guard cushions the blow, preventing serious injuries that may result in a lifetime of oral health problems. Our mouthguards are custom-made from lightweight material that is both comfortable and effective. They can be easily inserted and removed and do not interfere with your breathing or speaking.

What is a Night Guard? 

A night guard is a custom-fit oral protector made from strong, flexible plastic worn over teeth at night to ensure comfort and protection. Night guards help prevent Bruxism, a disorder that can result in tooth fractures, breakages, headaches, and jaw pain.

5 Benefits of a Mouth Guard at Night:

  1. Preventing Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism): Night guards are especially effective for people who clench or grind their teeth during their sleep. Night Guards act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to help prevent them from grinding against each other—a condition known as Bruxism. Mouth guards can help avoid tooth damage such as chipping, flattening, or cracking of the enamel.

  2. Alleviating Jaw Tension and Pain: By preventing the teeth from coming into hard contact, night guards can also reduce strain on the jaw muscles and joints. This is helpful for people suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, reducing symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and earaches.

  3. Minimizing Headaches and Neck Pain: Bruxism and TMJ disorders can often lead to chronic headaches and neck pain. By reducing the strain on the jaw and muscles involved in clenching, night guards can help lessen the frequency and severity of these discomforts.

  4. Protecting Dental Work: For individuals with crowns, bridges, implants, or veneers, night guards can offer an additional layer of protection against the forces exerted during teeth grinding, potentially prolonging the life of these dental restorations.

  5. Improving Sleep Patterns: By alleviating the discomfort associated with teeth grinding and jaw clenching, night guards can help you get a better night’s sleep. 

Night guards are a simple yet effective solution for protecting your teeth and improving oral health. It’s essential to have a night guard custom-fitted to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

Schedule an appointment to learn how we can help you get fitted for a mouthguard or a night guard!

blue mouth guard laying next to toothbrush

  • What are the types of dental mouth guards?

    3 Types of Mouth Guards to Choose From:

    1. Stock mouth protectors: 

    These come ready to wear and can be bought inexpensively at most sporting goods stores. However, the fit cannot be adjusted, they tend to be bulky and can sometimes make breathing and talking difficult. Additionally, these mouth guards provide minimal protection. 

    2. Boil and bite mouth protectors: 

    Boil and bite mouth guards are available at most sporting goods stores and offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They can be softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth to shape around the teeth. 

    3. Custom-fitted mouth guards: 

    These mouth guards are designed individually and made in the dental office based on your dentist’s instructions. First, we make an impression of your teeth and then mold the mouth guard over the model. This type of mouth guard provides the most protection and comfort.

  • Does a night guard help TMJ?

    TMJ is a disorder that causes pain in your neck and jaw areas, or/and a clicking noise when you open or close your mouth. It can also limit the range of motion in your jaw.

    How to treat TMJ:

    • Use a temporary night guard
    • Avoid sharp movements with your jaw
    • Ice your jaw to prevent inflammation
    • Modify your diet to include softer foods that require less chewing
    • Practice relaxation and light stretching techniques to reduce jaw tension.

  • Why are mouth guards important in sports?

    Wearing a mouth guard during sports activities is essential for several reasons.

    1. Mouth guards help distribute the force of an impact over all teeth, preventing any one or two teeth from taking the full brunt of a blow.
    2. Mouth guards protect against injuries to soft tissues and prevent fractures of the jaw and teeth.
    3. Mouth guards may help prevent concussions by reducing the force between the upper and lower teeth and reducing the impact of the jaw on the skull.

Need a Mouth Guard?

If you have more questions about mouth guards and night guards, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.

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Pike Smiles

6231 Leesburg Pike
Suite 304
Falls Church, VA 22044
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Hours

Monday - Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone

(703) 533-8200

Email Address

[email protected]