Professionally made mouth guards offer the greatest degree of protection, and are custom-made by the dentist. First, the clinician makes an impression of your teeth using special material, and then the mouth guard is constructed over the mold.
A Bite Splint or Night Guard is a splint designed to alleviate the pain and damage caused by severe bruxing or clenching of the teeth. They can prevent further destruction of existing healthy dentition.
Bite Splints may also reduce the prevalence of the following conditions:
- Enamel erosion
- Enamel abfraction (notching or loss of tooth structure at the gumline)
- TMJ
- Headaches
- Gum recession
- Collapse of your bite
Athletic Guards or Sports Guards are prescribed for both professional and amateur athletes because they offer the highest level of protection during sports activity. When worn properly, they can prevent dental trauma, such as fractured teeth. They are also indicated for patients with an orthodontic situation, such as braces, who must wear a mouthguard for preventive measures.
Athletic Guards also reduce the prevalence of the following injuries: