Mouthguards Arlington Heights

Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding and TMJ Disorder

Is your tooth enamel showing signs of wear, but you aren’t quite sure why? It could be due to unconscious teeth grinding and clenching that’s occurring while you sleep. This condition, also known as bruxism, is more common than you’d think and can develop in both adults and children alike.

Alternatively, bruxism can also act as a precursor for TMJ disorder, or TMD. The TMJs, or the temporomandibular joints, are the same joints that attach your jaw to your skull. They are responsible for the many complex movements your jaw makes. If you grind and clench your teeth regularly, it can put large amounts of stress on your joints, leading to chronic jaw pain and headaches. While similar to mouthguards for bruxism, TMJ mouthguards also act as a splint to keep the muscles relaxed and the bite stable.

Mouthguards for Sports (Sportsguards)

If you participate in any contact sports, it is imperative that you wear a sportsguard to protect your smile. This includes:

• Football
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Wrestling
• Rugby
• Boxing
• Martial Arts

When you choose a custom-made sportsguard over a store-bought option, you’re guaranteed to get the most optimal protection and longest-lasting appliance possible.

Mouthguards for Sleep Disorders

Do you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, gasping for air or choking for no reason? Does it feel like you can never get a good night’s sleep, even when you choose to go to bed earlier than usual? It could be because you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. This condition occurs when oral structures (i.e., tongue, soft palate) constrict the airway. With a sleep apnea oral appliance, we can reposition your jaw, increase the size of the airway, and effectively prevent apnea episodes from happening in the first place!

The Benefits of Mouthguards

Mouthguards can accomplish many things, whether it’s protecting the integrity of your tooth enamel or completely transforming your life. When you have a mouthguard that fits your needs, it can:

• Prevent future enamel erosion
• Stop chronic pain in your mouth, neck, upper back, and shoulders
• Stop chronic headaches and migraines
• Help you sleep throughout the night
• Give you confidence while playing your favorite sport
• Protect current restorations, cosmetic or otherwise
• Help you save money on emergency and restorative dental costs