Occlusal Mouthguards

What are Occlusal Mouth Guards?              

Occlusal mouthguards are far more comfortable and effective than over the counter splints at your local drugstore.          

We work with you to customize your mouthguard using the latest technology. The process begins with a digital scan of your teeth and surrounding gums. The information is transmitted to a local lab along with the colors of choice. Within a week or so, you will receive your personalized mouthguard and be ready for action.

Mouthguards can also be used for day and nighttime teeth grinding, a common issue that affects about 10% of people, including up to 15% of children. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can range from mild to severe. The causes for teeth grinding can include stress, sleep disorders, and an abnormal bite. Be it day or nighttime teeth grinding, the resulting wear on your teeth can thin out precious tooth enamel and, if the bite force is strong enough, even cause teeth to form micro-fractures, break, and even crack, which leads to much more costly dental work. Teeth clenching can also cause headaches, jaw pain, tooth pain, and even lead to the nerves in your tooth becoming non-viable. Mouthguards worn at night are often referred to as night guards, and these custom-made mouth appliances can even help protect costly cosmetic dental work you've had in the past, like porcelain veneers and dental implants. Our custom Detroit night guards or mouthguards are preventative appliances used to keep your teeth and smile safe.              

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At Lakeshore Dental Specialists in Detroit, prevention is paramount. There is the risk of accidental trauma from contact sports when you participate in hockey, football, boxing, lacrosse, and soccer. Wearing a mouthguard protects you from a surprise blow to your head or neck.                

A mouthguard can also prevent the trauma caused by clenching and grinding your teeth at night and during the day.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding        

Here are some of the signs that you may be experiencing teeth grinding:  

         
• Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
         
• Fractured teeth
         
• Sensitive teeth
         
• Frequent toothaches and/or facial pain
         
• Jaw pain or tightness
         
• Headache or earache from muscle contractions pain in your jaw
         
• Tongue tenderness
         
• Insomnia: the difficulty falling or staying asleep
       

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Top 10 Benefits of Occlusal Mouth Guards        

By wearing an occlusal mouthguard Detroit patients can experience many advantages, including:

1. Prevent tooth damage when participating in contact sports or grinding your teeth, especially while asleep

2. Ward off toothache or headaches

3. Can be customized to align your teeth and bite

4. Decrease tension in your jaw joints and muscles

5. Improve the quality of sleep through muscle relaxation

6. Prevent snoring

7. Enhance breathing while asleep

8. Stays firmly in place during activities

9. Durable and resilient

10. Easy to clean

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