Let us help you protect your smile.

Custom fitted mouthguards work better and are more comfortable than over-the-counter mouthguards.

Mouthguards are custom-fitted, removable dental appliances that ensure your teeth have the most protection possible. There are different types of mouthguards designed to be worn while participating in sports or during sleep when one is clenching/grinding their teeth.

Both custom-fitted night guards and custom-fitted sports mouthguards protect your teeth more effectively than generic over-the-counter mouthguards.

Dr. Wang uses impressions of your teeth to design a customized mouthguard that fits comfortably on your teeth. The mouthguard will be specifically fabricated to meet your requirements, regardless of whether it’s for protection from sports injuries or teeth grinding.

Advantages of Wearing Mouthguards

Replacing or restoring missing teeth can be expensive and time consuming. Wearing a mouthguard while participating in athletic activities or when you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth at night can help prevent:

  • Lost or chipped teeth
  • Dental nerve damage requiring a root canal being done
  • Soft tissue damage to gums, tongue, lips, and inner sides of cheeks

Types of Mouthguards

At Jonathan C. Wang, DDS Inc. in Pleasanton, California, Dr. Wang offers the following types of mouthguards:

Sports Mouthguards

One of our goals is to minimize any chances of you getting a sports related injury to your teeth.

Custom-fitted sport mouthguards are recommended for adults and children engaging in sports or activities, such as football, basketball, baseball, boxing, hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, water polo, and martial arts. We have also seen dental trauma with skateboarding, motor cross, racquetball, and weightlifting. You wear a helmet to protect your head, so why not a guard to help protect your mouth.

Night Guards

These custom designed mouthguards are designed for people who brux (grind) or clench their teeth during sleep. Night guards help ease the damaging effects of teeth grinding or clenching, such as enamel loss, and can relieve completely or to some degree, jaw muscle pain, jaw joint (TMJ) pain, and/or headaches. These symptoms are primarily caused by clenching/bruxing, and the mouthguards will prevent or minimize the harmful effects that such forces cause to teeth, restoration, implants, and adjacent gum tissue.

Since they are made of a hard acrylic, night guards have the added advantage of preventing the teeth they enclose from shifting.

What Causes Bruxism and Clenching?

Stress and anxiety are common causes no matter what the age. Sleep apnea, crooked teeth, missing teeth, and an abnormal bite can also be factors.

What Are the Symptoms of Bruxism and Clenching?

People of all ages may grind and clench their teeth, and many are unaware of this destructive habit. Upon examination, Dr. Wang will be able to determine the degree of wear on your teeth.

Occasional grinding does not cause real concerns. However, if the problem persists, it may lead to loss of enamel, broken teeth, root canals, and in the more extreme cases even tooth loss.

Do not overlook symptoms such as waking up with dull headaches, soreness in the jaw, facial pain, or fatigue from lack of sleep.

Please schedule an appointment with us, as soon as possible, if you have any of these symptoms.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Custom-fitted mouthguards work better and are more comfortable than over-the-counter mouthguards. They can help protect your teeth especially if you have braces, implants, or bridges. Dr. Wang uses impressions of your teeth to design a customized mouthguard that fits comfortably on your teeth. The mouthguard will be specifically fabricated to meet your requirements, regardless of whether it’s for protection from sports injuries or teeth grinding.

Mouthguard Care

It is important to keep your mouthguard clean and properly stored.

  • Never use hot water which can distort the fit of the guard.
  • Mouthguards can accumulate bacteria. Therefore, you should thoroughly scrub your mouthguard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste. If needed, Efferdent tablets can also be used to soak the guard prior to brushing it.
  • Heat can cause it to warp and alter its shape, so do not leave it in the sun and never use hot water.
  • Keep the mouthguard inside a ventilated plastic case when not in use or during travel. Do not chew on or cut pieces off your mouthguard.
  • Do not wear a retainer with your mouthguard.
  • Bring your guard to each dental checkup for Dr. Wang to evaluate if it is still in good shape.

How Long Can Mouthguards Last?

The frequency of when the custom guards will need to be replaced is dependent on how often you use your mouthguard and the amount of damaging forces it is deflecting from your teeth. Therefore, some people may require a replacement of their mouthguard more frequently while others last for over a year or several years. Teens and children will need to replace their mouthguards as their jaws grow and teeth develop. Additionally, sports mouthguards will need to be replaced more frequently due to the stress they endure.

Don’t forget to bring your mouthguard to your dental check-ups so that Dr. Wang can examine it for cracks or other indications of wear.

Please call Dr. Wang at Jonathan C Wang DDS, inc. in Pleasanton, CA at (925) 399-6835 or request an appointment online.