Sport and night guards
Sport and night guards.
Custom-fitted guards that protect the teeth: from impact during sport, and from the slower damage of clenching and grinding at night.
Sport and night guards
Service · Aesthetica Dental Naperville
Why custom guards
Two situations call for a custom mouthguard: protection during sport, and protection from the unconscious grinding and clenching that many adults do in their sleep. The damage either one can do (fractured teeth from impact, accelerated wear from grinding) is significant and largely preventable with the right appliance.
A custom-fitted guard is meaningfully different from anything you can buy at a sporting goods store. It is thinner where thinness matters, thicker where strength matters, and shaped to the exact contours of your teeth so it stays in place and is comfortable enough to actually wear.
What to expect
The fitting process is straightforward. Dr. Lina takes a digital scan or precise impression of your teeth, the lab fabricates the guard to those specifications, and a brief follow-up appointment confirms the fit. Adjustments are made until the guard is comfortable and protective.
Care is simple: rinse after use, brush gently with a toothbrush, and store in the provided case. A guard that is cared for and replaced when it shows wear will protect what you ask it to protect.
Two distinct offerings
The practice fabricates two types of custom guards, each designed for a different problem.
Sports Guards. Custom-fitted protection against high-impact trauma during contact or collision sport: football, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, martial arts, and others. A well-made sport guard absorbs and redistributes impact that would otherwise crack a tooth or split a lip.
Night Guards. Custom-fitted protection against the slower damage of nighttime bruxism: clenching and grinding that can fracture teeth, wear down enamel, and contribute to TMJ-related discomfort. Worn during sleep, a night guard takes the load that the teeth would otherwise absorb.
When a guard is a good fit
Sports guards are appropriate for any contact or collision sport: football, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, martial arts, and others. Night guards are appropriate for patients with signs of clenching or grinding, those experiencing TMJ-related discomfort, and anyone who has invested in cosmetic dental work that they want to protect long-term.
Dr. Lina is candid about whether a guard is the right answer or whether the underlying issue (bite, stress, sleep) needs different attention.
Questions
Frequently asked.
Why a custom guard rather than a store-bought one?
Off-the-shelf guards are bulky, fit poorly, and often end up unused. A custom guard is fabricated to the exact contours of your teeth: comfortable enough to actually wear, and protective enough to do the job.
How do I know if I need a night guard?
Common signs of nighttime clenching or grinding include morning jaw soreness, headaches, sensitive teeth, and visible wear on the biting surfaces. Dr. Lina checks for these signs at every routine visit.
How long does a custom guard last?
Most night guards last three to five years with consistent wear and proper care. Sport guards generally last one to two athletic seasons depending on intensity of use. Replacement is recommended when fit changes or wear is visible.
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