Whether you play contact sports, wake up with a sore jaw, or notice signs of nighttime teeth grinding, our team can evaluate your teeth and bite and recommend an appropriate option.
Do I Need a Mouthguard?
You may benefit from a mouthguard if you participate in sports where your teeth could be injured or if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping.
Sports such as hockey, soccer, basketball, and martial arts can put teeth at risk of chips, fractures, or other dental injuries. A properly fitted sports mouthguard can help reduce the risk and severity of these injuries.
Nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can gradually wear down enamel and may contribute to tooth sensitivity, jaw discomfort, or headaches. A night guard does not necessarily stop grinding, but it can create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
At High Park Smile Studio, we assess dental wear, bite concerns, and individual risk factors before recommending a mouthguard.
What Is the Difference Between a Sports Mouthguard and a Night Guard?
Sports mouthguards and night guards serve different purposes and are designed differently.
- Sports Mouthguards: Thicker, shock-absorbing appliances designed to help protect the teeth during contact or collision sports.
- Night Guards: Durable appliances worn while sleeping to help protect teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching.
- Specialty Guards: Custom-designed appliances that may be appropriate for patients with orthodontic appliances, unique bite concerns, or other specific dental needs.
A sports mouthguard should not typically be used as a substitute for a night guard, and vice versa. Dr. Piplani can recommend the type and design that best suits your situation.
Are Custom Mouthguards Better Than Store-Bought Mouthguards?
Over-the-counter mouthguards can provide basic protection and may be suitable for some patients. However, because they are designed to fit a wide range of mouth shapes, they may feel bulky, shift during use, or offer less precise coverage.
Custom mouthguards are made specifically for your teeth and bite. A more precise fit can make the appliance more comfortable, secure, and easier to wear consistently.
For athletes, a custom sports mouthguard can provide protection while staying firmly in place during activity. For patients who grind or clench at night, a custom night guard can help protect natural teeth and existing dental work from excessive wear.
How Are Custom Mouthguards Made?
Getting a custom mouthguard at High Park Smile Studio begins with an evaluation of your teeth, bite, and concerns.
Our team may use an intraoral camera and digital photographs to examine your mouth. Digital impressions allow us to create a precise digital record of your teeth without traditional impression putty.
When appropriate, Dr. Piplani may also review panoramic X-rays to better understand your teeth and the relationship between your teeth and jaw.
The information gathered during your appointment is used to create a mouthguard shaped to fit your individual anatomy. Once the appliance is ready, we check its fit and make adjustments as needed for comfort and function.
What Should I Expect During My Appointment?
Your visit begins with a conversation about why you are considering a mouthguard. We may ask about the sports you play, any symptoms of grinding or clenching, any previous dental injuries, or any concerns about your bite.
We then examine your teeth and capture the records needed to create your custom guard. Depending on your needs, this may include digital impressions and images of your teeth.
Our team will explain the type of guard being recommended, how to wear it, how to care for it, and when it should be checked or replaced.
How Do I Clean and Care for My Mouthguard?
Proper care helps keep your mouthguard clean, comfortable, and in good condition.
- Rinse your guard after each use and clean it gently, following your dentist’s instructions.
- Store it in a ventilated case when it is not being worn.
- Keep it away from direct heat, which can distort the material.
- Keep the guard somewhere pets cannot reach it.
- Bring it with you to regular dental check-ups so we can evaluate its fit and condition.
Contact our office if your mouthguard cracks, develops an unpleasant odour that does not improve with cleaning, becomes uncomfortable, or no longer fits securely.
How Long Does a Custom Mouthguard Last?
The lifespan of a mouthguard varies depending on how often it is worn, the amount of grinding or clenching pressure it receives, changes in your teeth or bite, and how well the appliance is maintained.
Children and teens may need replacements more frequently as their teeth and jaws develop. Athletes and patients who grind heavily may also notice wear sooner.
Regular dental visits allow us to check your mouthguard and determine whether it continues to provide an appropriate fit and level of protection.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard?
The benefits depend on why the appliance is being worn.
For athletes, a properly fitted sports mouthguard can help protect teeth from dental trauma during practices and games.
For patients who grind or clench, a night guard can help protect tooth enamel and dental restorations from excessive wear. Some patients may also notice improvements in certain symptoms associated with clenching or grinding, although results vary depending on the underlying cause.
Most importantly, a custom mouthguard is designed around your teeth and bite to provide protection without unnecessarily compromising comfort or daily activities.
Get a Custom Mouthguard in Toronto, ON
If you play sports, grind or clench your teeth, or are concerned about protecting your smile, schedule an appointment with High Park Smile Studio.
Dr. Bhoomika Piplani and our team can evaluate your needs, explain your options, and create a custom mouthguard designed for your teeth and routine.
Call High Park Smile Studio or request an appointment online today to get started with a custom mouthguard in Toronto.
