At Dr Be Smiles, sports and night guards are dental appliances designed to protect your teeth and mouth from damage and injury. Both night guards and sports mouthguards are made of acrylic or plastic resin. The primary difference between these two items is what they are used for. A sports guard protects the teeth during high-impact activities (think football, basketball, hockey, etc.), while a night guard is worn during sleep to prevent tooth grinding and clenching. Both sports and night guards are custom-made to fit your teeth and mouth for maximum protection and comfort.

Sports Guards

Sports guards are worn during athletic activities to protect the teeth and mouth from impact and injury. They are custom-made to fit your teeth and can be made from various materials, including plastic and silicone. Sports guards are recommended for anyone participating in contact sports or activities that could result in an impact on the mouth.

The Benefits of Sports Guards 

• Protection from injury during contact sports.
• Reduce the chance of broken or knocked-out teeth.
• Reduce the risk of cuts and lacerations of the lips and gums.
• Provide you with peace of mind when playing sports.
• Keep you from damaging your orthodontic work, such as braces.

Night Guards

Night guards are worn while sleeping to protect the teeth and jaw from damage caused by teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism). They are typically made from soft, flexible materials and can be custom-fitted to your teeth. Night guards can also help alleviate headaches and jaw pain caused by bruxism.

The Benefits of Night Guards 

• Night guards act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from contacting each other during grinding or clenching. This can help prevent wear and tear on the teeth, chipping, cracking, or fracturing. 
• Teeth grinding or clenching can put excessive pressure on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to pain and discomfort. A night guard can help reduce the strain on the jaw muscles and alleviate related headaches or earaches. 
• Teeth grinding or clenching can disturb sleep and cause you to wake up frequently at night. Wearing a night guard can help improve sleep quality by reducing these disturbances and allowing for a more restful night's sleep. 
• TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. Teeth grinding or clenching can contribute to the development of TMJ disorders. A night guard can help prevent or reduce the severity of these conditions. 

Sports and night guards are essential tools for protecting teeth and oral health. Visit Dr Be Smiles at 4511 N Midkiff Rd, Suite E-15, Midland, TX 79705, or call (432) 520-4867 for the best dental care tailored to your requirements.