Protect Your Smile from Grinding and Impact
Your teeth face constant threats, from nighttime grinding to athletic collisions. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who wakes up with jaw pain and headaches, custom-fitted oral appliances can make a significant difference in your dental health. At Littleton Advanced Dentistry, our dentist in Littleton, Dr. Tom Bonbright provides patients with professionally crafted mouthguards and night guards designed to preserve dental integrity and prevent costly damage.
Whether you’re dealing with nighttime bruxism or need athletic protection, we’re here to help patients throughout Littleton and the surrounding communities achieve better dental health. Call our dentist near south Denver at (720) 719-0012 today to schedule your consultation and experience the difference that custom dental protection can make.
Regular dental cleanings and comprehensive checkups form the foundation of a healthy smile, helping you avoid costly treatments while keeping your teeth and gums in excellent condition. Whether you’re new to the area or looking for a Littleton, CO, dental practice near you that truly cares about your comfort and health, our patient-focused approach makes every visit a positive experience.
Call (720) 719-0012 today to schedule your appointment with our Littleton, CO, preventive dentist, and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
What are Mouthguards?
Mouthguards are protective devices worn over the teeth to prevent injury during sports and physical activities. These dental appliances create a cushioning barrier between the upper and lower teeth while absorbing impact forces that could otherwise cause severe damage to your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw.
Our Littleton dentist designs custom mouthguards that fit the unique contours of each patient’s mouth. Unlike generic options available at sporting goods stores, custom mouthguards offer a comfortable fit that allows athletes to breathe easily and communicate with teammates. Sports that benefit from mouthguard use include football, hockey, basketball, soccer, wrestling, lacrosse, rugby, boxing, and martial arts.
Benefits of Mouthguards
The advantages of wearing a properly fitted mouthguard extend far beyond basic tooth protection. Dr. Bonbright recommends custom mouthguards for athletes and active individuals to prevent dental injuries and protect their smiles during physical activities.
- Prevention of Tooth Damage
- Soft Tissue Protection
- Jaw Joint Protection
- Improved Athletic Performance
- Cost Savings
A custom mouthguard protects teeth from chips, cracks, and knocked-out teeth while shielding the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums from cuts. The appliance absorbs shock to protect the TMJ and reduces the risk of jaw fractures. Athletes who wear comfortable, properly fitted mouthguards report better focus and confidence during competition. Prevention is always more affordable than treatment, as emergency dental visits and restorative procedures can quickly add up to thousands of dollars.
What are Night Guards?
Night guards are protective appliances worn during sleep to prevent damage from bruxism, the unconscious grinding and clenching of teeth. Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without realizing it. The forces generated during sleep bruxism can be incredibly strong, sometimes exceeding the pressure applied during normal chewing. Over time, this constant grinding wears down tooth enamel, causes fractures, and leads to other dental problems.
Dr. Bonbright creates custom night guards at Littleton Advanced Dentistry using precise impressions of your teeth. These appliances fit comfortably over either the upper or lower teeth, creating a protective barrier during grinding episodes. Signs that you might benefit from a night guard include waking up with headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, worn tooth surfaces, and complaints from a sleeping partner about grinding noises.
Benefits of Night Guards
Night guards provide relief and protection for people suffering from bruxism. Dr. Bonbright creates custom night guards that offer numerous advantages for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep.
- Tooth Preservation
- Pain Relief
- TMJ Disorder Prevention
- Better Sleep Quality
- Protection for Dental Work
- Reduced Tooth Sensitivity
Night guards prevent excessive wear to tooth enamel, which cannot regenerate once damaged. Many people who grind their teeth wake up with headaches, jaw pain, earaches, and facial soreness. A night guard reduces the intensity of grinding and allows jaw muscles to relax. The appliance cushions the temporomandibular joint and prevents excessive pressure from grinding. By reducing muscle tension and physical stress, night guards help patients reach deeper, more restorative sleep stages. If you’ve invested in crowns, bridges, veneers, or implants, a night guard protects these restorations from grinding damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sports mouthguards typically last one to two seasons with regular use. Night guards generally last between one and five years, with severe grinders needing replacements more frequently. Dr. Tom Bonbright examines your appliance during regular dental checkups to determine when replacement is necessary.
Rinse your guard with cool water immediately after each use. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap at least once daily. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Store your appliance in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth.
Over-the-counter guards rarely fit well, which makes them uncomfortable and less effective. Poor fit can cause gagging, difficulty breathing, and jaw soreness. Custom guards from Littleton Advanced Dentistry provide superior comfort, better protection, and longer lifespan.