Splints
Do you find yourself waking up in the morning with a dull headache or tenderness to your jaw muscles? Do you notice yourself clenching your teeth throughout the day? If so you may have a condition know as “bruxism”, a habit of grinding and/or clenching the teeth. Often times we grind our teeth while we’re sleeping without even realizing it. Bruxism can have a detrimental effect on the teeth by wearing away at the enamel, which if severe enough can cause fractures, bite changes, tooth sensitivity, or jaw problems.
Although we can’t eliminate the bruxism habit, we can create a custom fit nightguard or splint that allows the wearer to grind against the plastic material as opposed to the natural tooth structure. Splints are a simple and cost effective way to preventively care for your teeth.
Mouthguards
Sports mouthguards protect the teeth, gums, and jaw from injuries resulting from a blow to the face, while preventing loss or fracture of teeth due to sports contact. Mouthguards protect the top and bottom teeth from severe clenching during sports, which may cause fractures, excessive wear, or injury. They also provide a cover for the sharp incisal edges of the front teeth which may injure the tongue or lips.
A custom fit mouthguard ensures the retention of the mouthguard in a collision or during contact sports. They do not interfere with breathing or speech during sports as compared to the store bought variety. Custom mouthguards provide a protective layer between the object of impact and the tooth, while protecting the lips from lacerations caused by the teeth.