Night & Mouth Guards
Kingwood TX
Serving the Kingwood community& surrounding areas since 1998
Night & Mouth Guards Kingwood TX
Serving the Kingwood community & surrounding areas since 1998
Night & Mouth Guard Dental Appliances
Night guards and mouth guards are dental appliances that may be recommended for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is for patients suffering from bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMJ/TMD disorder. While both can be effective methods for addressing these issues, the primary difference between these guard types is that night guards are typically made in a laboratory and are customized to your unique mouth and specific bite, whereas mouth guards can be purchased in a dental office or a pharmacy, and are not necessarily tailored to support the unique aspects and subtleties of your specific mouth and bite.
At Kingwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a full scope of dental procedures and treatment suggestions for common dental issues, including TMJ and Bruxism. If you would like to learn more about night guards or mouth guards, please refer to the information provided below, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to have customized night or mouth guards designed, contact us today at 281-359-9100, or visit our office at 1542 Green Oak Pl, Kingwood, TX 77339.
Types of Night Guards
There are a variety of different types of night guards, all of which have unique pros and cons. To help determine which night guard might be right for you, please refer to the following overview.
Soft night guard
Most common type, typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate bruxism, but not appropriate for extreme cases of bruxism.
PROS:
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Easiest to get accustomed to wearing
CONS:
- Not as durable as other night guards
- Do not provide a long-term solution
- Warranty typically only six months
Dual Laminate Night Guards
Typically recommended for patients with more severe bruxism, dual laminate night guards have a soft inside and a rigid outside.
PROS:
- Last longer
- Effective for heavy grinding and clenching
- Warranty is typically longer than soft guards
CONS:
- Harder to get accustomed to wearing
- Thicker than other guard options
Hard Night Guards
Typically recommended for patients with the most severe cases of Bruxism or TMJ, hard night guards are the most rigid nightguard available.
PROS:
- Effective method for preventing teeth shifting
- Extremely durable
- Prevents teeth from shifting
- Typically has the longest warranty
CONS:
- Not as comfortable as other guards
- Difficult to sleep with
- Thicker than other guards
- More expensive
Types of Mouth Guards
The three most common types of mouth guards include:
Stock mouth guard
Generic mouth guard that can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, stock mouth guards are generally made of rubber.
PROS:
- Preformed and can be worn immediately
- Inexpensive
- Easy to purchase
CONS:
- Bulky
- Talking and breathing can be difficult
- Cannot be adjusted
- Do not provide adequate protection
- Not recommended by dentists
Boil and bite mouth protectors
Boil and bite mouth protectors are considered one step up from stock mouth guards in terms of effectiveness. These protectors are formed by placing the guard in hot water, causing it to soften. Next, the guard is placed in the mouth and they bite down, resulting in a somewhat customized guard.
PROS:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to purchase
- Provides more customized support than stock mouth guards
CONS:
- Talking and breathing can be difficult
- Once formed, cannot be adjusted
- Not as effective as custom-fitted mouth guards
Custom-fitted mouth guards
Custom-fitted mouth guards are made in a professional laboratory with a design that is informed by your dentist’s understanding of your unique dental structure and needs. Although custom-fitted mouth guards are the most expensive guard option, they also provide the most protection, are tailored to your needs, and are the most comfortable.
PROS:
- Provides optimal protection
- Designed for your unique needs
- Most comfortable
CONS:
- Most expensive option
- More difficult to acquire
Night & Mouth Guard Aftercare
In order to ensure the longevity of your night guard and/or mouth guard, it is important to regularly clean them and follow best maintenance practices. Always wash your hands prior to handling your guard and always rinse and brush your guard following use with a soft bristle toothbrush. Once you have cleaned your guard, place it on a clean surface for approximately 15-30 minutes so it can dry. Finally, place the guard in its storage container, which should be kept somewhere other than your bathroom, as humidity can cause the guard to warp over time. While wearing your guard, you should also avoid smoking or consuming beverages or foods that are sugary.
In addition to following these important at-home maintenance practices, it is also important to schedule regular dental exams and bring your guard with you when you come. In addition to providing you with a professional cleaning and evaluating your overall oral health, these regular visits will also allow us to monitor your guard to ensure it fits properly and there are no signs of significant wear.
Cost for Night & Mouth Guards
Although custom night and mouth guards cost more than purchasing from a pharmacy or online, a custom guard will provide significantly more protection and dramatically reduce your risk of having cracked or chipped teeth, which will result in greater costs.
In addition to covering the process of customization, the final cost of a custom fit night guard and mouth guard will be determined by what material is used and what insurance coverage from your dental plan can be applied. It is important to be aware that you are fully responsible for all fees of treatment, and payment is due at the time of service, regardless of your insurance coverage. Monthly payment plans can be arranged, but this will need to be accomplished prior to the procedure being performed. Although we will not have a contractual arrangement with your provider, our staff is happy to assist with processing your insurance claim to ensure that you maximize your benefits and receive the high-quality care you need and deserve. For your convenience, we accept Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Scheduling an appointment for a custom night guard or mouth guard is the first and most important step towards protecting your teeth from future damage. At Kingwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are dedicated to creating an environment where open dialogue is encouraged, so we can ensure you have a thorough understanding of the procedure being performed, and confidence that you are receiving high-quality specialized care designed to meet your unique needs.
To learn more about night guards, mouth guards, and/or treating TMJ or bruxism, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 281-359-9100, or visit our office, which is located at 1542 Green Oak Pl, Kingwood, TX 77339.
We look forward to hearing from you, and are committed to providing you with exceptional quality dental care that is grounded in a deep sense of respect!