San Antonio Mouth Guards
Protect Your Smile
If you grind your teeth while you sleep or participate in high-contact sports, Oefinger Dental & Associates recommends a mouth guard to protect your grin from potential damage.
What Are Mouth Guards
& What Do They Do?
Mouth guards are dental devices designed to protect your teeth from damage during physical activities or while you sleep.
Made from soft, flexible materials, Dr. Oefinger custom-fits them to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for optimal protection.
Mouth guards primarily address two important health concerns:
Sports-Related Injuries
If you’re active in sports, mouth guards are essential for safeguarding your teeth from impact injuries.
They’re crucial for both contact sports, like football and boxing, and non-contact activities, such as basketball and gymnastics. Wearing a mouth guard can significantly lower your risk of dental injuries.
Teeth Grinding
Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding involves clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep. This can lead to severe tooth damage, headaches, and jaw pain. Night guards help protect your teeth from the harmful effects of bruxism.
Mouth Guard Benefits
Mouth guards provide a variety of advantages, including:
Protection from Dental Injuries
Mouth guards significantly lower the risk of dental injuries, such as broken or knocked-out teeth.
Preventing Tooth Wear
They help prevent wear and tear from bruxism, reducing tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
Improved Sleep Quality
Wearing a night guard can enhance your sleep by minimizing teeth grinding and the associated pain.
Better Athletic Performance
Using a sports guard during physical activities boosts your confidence, allowing you to focus on your game while knowing your smile is protected.
Types of Mouth Guards
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
These mouth guards are made from thermoplastic material that softens in hot water. After softening, you can insert the mouth guard and bite down to mold it to your teeth.
Boil-and-bite mouth guards offer a better fit than stock options and are available at sporting goods stores.
Sports Guards
Designed specifically for physical activities, sports guards are typically made from thicker, more durable materials than night guards to withstand impacts. Dr. Oefinger can customize the fit for your mouth, making them suitable for use with or without braces.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Dr. Oefinger create custom mouth guards designed for the best fit and maximum protection. These mouth guards snugly cover your teeth, ensuring safety against impacts. While they may be more expensive, customized mouth guards provide the highest level of protection.
Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards come pre-formed in standard sizes. They are generally the most affordable option but offer the least protection and may not fit properly, making them uncomfortable to wear.
Night Guards
Night guards are worn during sleep to protect your teeth from damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding). Made from softer materials than sports guards, they provide comfort for extended wear.
Guard Your Grin
If you grind your teeth or engage in contact sports, a mouth guard is essential for protecting your smile. Dr. Oefinger can assess your needs and recommend the most suitable type of mouth guard for you.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact Oefinger Dental & Associates today to schedule an appointment and secure the protection your smile deserves.