If you have been looking for mouthguards in Shorewood IL, you might have noticed that there are quite a few terms being thrown around. Sometimes you see them called mouthguards, other times night guards, and occasionally occlusal guards. It can be a little confusing, and it is very common to wonder if they are all just different names for the same thing.

At Dental Design Studio, we want to clear that up. While a dental mouthguard and a night guard both serve as protective layers for your teeth, they are designed for very different purposes and are used at different times of the day. Choosing the right one is essential to getting the protection you actually need.

The Purpose of a Sports Mouthguard

When you hear someone talk about a "mouthguard," they are usually talking about the kind used for sports. This device is specifically engineered to handle high impact forces. If you are playing football, basketball, or even soccer, there is always a chance of a stray elbow or a fall.

A sports mouthguard is designed to be a bit thicker and more cushioned. Its primary job is to absorb the shock of an impact and distribute that force across the entire dental arch. By doing this, it helps protect your teeth from being chipped or knocked out and shields your soft tissues, like your lips and cheeks, from being cut by your teeth during a collision. It is a piece of safety gear, much like a helmet or shin guards.

The Purpose of a Night Guard

A night guard, on the other hand, is a tool for managing chronic issues like teeth grinding or jaw clenching, known as bruxism. This device is not built to handle the force of a soccer ball hitting your face; it is built to handle the slow, consistent grinding that happens while you sleep.

A night guard for teeth grinding is usually made from a material that allows the teeth to slide against each other without causing wear. When you grind, the enamel on your teeth rubs together, eventually wearing down the surface and causing sensitivity. A night guard provides a barrier so that the force of your grinding wears down the plastic of the guard instead of your natural tooth structure. It also helps keep your jaw in a slightly more relaxed position, which can alleviate that stiff, achy feeling in the morning.

Key Differences in Design and Material

Because they solve different problems, their designs are naturally different:

• Thickness: Sports guards are often thicker to provide that necessary shock absorption. Night guards are designed to be as thin and comfortable as possible, since you have to wear them for seven or eight hours while you sleep.
• Coverage: Depending on your specific needs, a night guard might only cover the top teeth or just the back teeth, whereas a sports guard almost always covers the entire upper arch.
• Flexibility: Sports guards need to be somewhat flexible to cushion an impact. Night guards are often made from a more durable, rigid, or semi-rigid material that is designed to withstand the nightly habit of grinding without being bulky.

Can You Use Them Interchangeably?

We get asked this a lot, and the answer is usually no. Using a night guard for a contact sport will not provide the level of protection you need for your teeth or lips. Conversely, using a heavy, thick sports mouthguard while you sleep will likely be very uncomfortable, making it hard to get a good night of rest.

Trying to use a generic, store-bought version for either purpose often leads to the same problem: they are not custom made for your mouth. They might feel loose, make it hard to breathe, or simply fall out while you are trying to sleep or play.

The Value of a Custom Fit

Whether you are looking for a mouthguard near me for sports or a dental mouthguard for your nighttime routine, a custom made device is the best way to go. When we create a custom mouthguard at Dental Design Studio, we take into account the exact anatomy of your teeth and the way your upper and lower jaws fit together.

A custom guard fits perfectly, which means it stays in place without you having to clench your jaw to hold it there. This comfort is what makes the difference between a guard that ends up in a drawer and a guard that you actually wear every single day.

Which One Do You Need?

If you are waking up with a sore jaw, you likely need a night guard. If you are gearing up for the sports season, you need a sports mouthguard. It really comes down to what you are trying to protect yourself against. If you are still not sure which one fits your situation, that is exactly what we are here for.

Give Your Smile The Protection It Deserves

If you are interested in a custom mouthguard in Shorewood IL, we invite you to give our office a call. We can sit down with you, look at your teeth, and help you determine whether a night guard or a sports guard is the missing piece of your health routine. You don't need to have a major issue to come in prevention is always the best path. We look forward to helping you find the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I grind my teeth, should I wear a sports guard at night?

A: No. A sports guard is not designed for the wear and tear of grinding and will be too uncomfortable to wear all night. A dedicated night guard is a much better choice.

Q: Is a custom mouthguard expensive?

A: It is an investment in your dental health. Compared to the cost of repairing worn enamel or replacing a broken tooth, a custom guard is a very cost effective way to protect your smile.

Q: Do I need a prescription for a night guard?

A: While it is not a "prescription" in the traditional sense, it is a clinical device that should be fitted by a dental professional to ensure it does not harm your bite.

Q: How do I clean my night guard?

A: Rinse it with cool water every morning and use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any buildup. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material.

Q: Can my child use the same mouthguard for all sports?

A: In most cases, yes, as long as it is custom fitted. However, you should check with us to ensure the thickness and coverage are appropriate for the specific sport they are playing.

Q: How often should I replace my mouthguard?

A: It depends on the wear. If it becomes loose, cracked, or simply stops fitting comfortably, it is time for a new one. We can check the fit during your regular checkups.