Guards

Custom mouthguards, such as night occlusal guards, make it easy to prevent headaches and tooth damage caused by teeth grinding and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). At Custom Dentures, Alex Riabhov, LD, CPD, Shahin Dabestani, DMD, and the team use guards to manage various conditions and promote good oral health. Call the office in Phoenix or Sun City West, Arizona, to schedule a mouthguard consultation, or request your appointment online today.

What are mouthguards?

Mouthguards are removable oral appliances that fit snugly over your upper or lower teeth. Most people associate mouthguards with playing contact sports, but they can also be used to reduce the side effects of common oral health problems, like snoring, teeth grinding, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Are there different types of guards for teeth?

The Custom Dentures team provides several types of guards, including:

Night occlusal guards (nightguards and snore guards)

Night occlusal guards, or nightguards, prevent you from grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw while you sleep. In some cases, a guard manages snoring. For example, snore guards push your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open.

Other times, night guards prevent enamel damage caused by teeth grinding and/or jaw clenching. These night guards prevent your upper and lower teeth from rubbing against each other.

The Custom Dentures team offers several types of night occlusal guards, including hard, soft, and combination hard/soft. These appliances are made from flexible, long-lasting polymers. 

TMJ splints

A TMJ splint is a mouthguard designed to relieve symptoms of TMJ, like headaches, facial pain, and jaw stiffness. This guard fits snugly over your upper or lower teeth and helps keep your temporomandibular joints aligned in the proper position. 

Custom bleaching trays

While not meant to protect your teeth from damage like a guard, if you have stained teeth and want a whiter smile, the Custom Dentures team might recommend custom bleaching trays. You line these trays with hydrogen peroxide gel and wear them for several hours daily to eliminate tooth discoloration.

What’s the process for getting a custom mouthguard?

Your Custom Dentures provider reviews your dental records, asks about your symptoms, and completes an oral exam. They also take oral X-rays or an ultrasound to look at your temporomandibular joints and the tissues at the back of your throat.

Your provider takes digital impressions of your mouth and shares them with the lab. The technicians use your impressions to design a custom mouthguard that fits your mouth and aligns with your treatment goals. 

How do I take care of a teeth guard?

Caring for a guard is similar to caring for any other type of oral appliance. After each use, rinse your mouthguard off in cool tap water and clean it with a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup. Whenever you aren’t wearing your guard, keep it in a protective case so it doesn’t get damaged.

Call the nearest Custom Dentures office to schedule a guards consultation, or book your appointment online today.