Protect Your Smile with Customized Mouthguards
As your dental office of choice in Riverside, California, Neal Edwards DDS strives to protect your smile for life. In addition to preventive dental exams and cleanings, tailor-made education, and fluoride treatments, we offer customized mouthguards. Whether you need a bruxism or an athletic mouthguard, you can count on Dr. Neal Edwards and the team.
Why you may need a mouthguard
Patients with bruxism — habitual grinding of teeth — need a mouth guard to protect their teeth from damage. The chronic grinding and clenching of teeth lead to gradual wear and tear of your teeth, leading to cracks and chips over time. A mouth guard protects your teeth from bruxism by preventing the upper and lower teeth from making contact.
If you participate in high-contact sports, you need a sports mouthguard to protect your teeth and other soft tissues from injury. A sports guard also protects your teeth when participating in high-intense sports like heavy lifting. A custom-fitted mouthguard safeguards your teeth from fractures or falling out and also protects you from more severe injuries like jaw fractures and concussions.
Our customized mouthguards
All dental guards aren’t created the same. There are generic mouthguards, “boil and bite” mouthguards, and custom-designed mouthguards created by our dental clinic. While all mouthpieces offer some form of protection, they differ in cost, comfort, and effectiveness.
Dr. Neal Edwards recommends custom mouthguards because of their superiority in protecting your smile. Customized dental guards are made after taking your bite impressions, resulting in appliances that fit comfortably and offer optimal protection.
Besides comfort, patients fall in love with our custom mouthguards because they are easy to maintain and made using durable materials. “Off-the-shelf” dental guards may be cheap, but they offer sub-optimal protection and don’t fit well. They also don’t last long, requiring frequent replacements.
Custom-designed mouthguards near me
Don’t take your dental health for granted. Protect your smile against sports injuries or bruxism using a customized mouth guard. Think you need a mouthguard in Riverside, CA?
Talk with us in your next dental appointment or schedule an appointment today by dialing (951) 614-0033. The Neal Edwards DDS dental team looks forward to protecting your smile.
FAQs
What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a removable appliance worn in the mouth to protect your teeth, lips, gums, cheeks, and jaws from trauma. Depending on the need, a mouthguard can be worn during the day or at night.
Who needs a mouthguard?
Not everyone needs a mouthguard. However, some patients may need a mouthguard to protect their oral structures or enhance their airway health. You may need a mouthguard if you:
- Play sports: Accidents can happen in sports. A sports or athletic guard cushions your teeth, lips, gums, etc., reducing the severity and frequency of sports-related injuries. We recommend sportsguards for contact and high-risk activities like rugby, skiing, boxing, cycling, etc.
- Suffer from bruxism: Persistent teeth grinding (bruxism) exerts excessive pressure on your teeth, increasing the risk of fractures and cracks over time. A nightguard provides a protective cushion between your upper and lower teeth, reducing potential damage.
- Having obstructive sleep apnea: While multiple treatment options exist for OSA, oral appliances are among the most effective. These devices gently reposition the lower jaw and tongue, ensuring an open airway for uninterrupted breathing during sleep.
What kind of mouthguards do you provide?
Mouthguards can be generic, boil-and-bite, or customized. Generic or stock mouthguards are the cheapest but provide the least protection. They come in limited sizes and rarely fit well, and they can cause more damage than good.
Boil and bite mouthguards are a step up from stock mouthguards. They require boiling to mold to your mouth shape. They offer a better fit and protection than generic mouthguards but aren’t the best.
We offer custom-fitted mouthguards after taking your bite impressions. Bespoke mouthguards provide the best fit and protection. They are also created from resilient materials for durability.
How long do mouthguards last?
Our customized mouthguards can last several years with good care while store-bought ones need replacement every few times. Bruxism nightguards can last up to 5 years, but sports guards need replacement every 1-3 years, depending on the frequency of use.
How do I care for my mouthguard?
Caring for your appliance keeps it healthy and strong. Here are tips to keep your mouthguard in excellent condition.
- Clean your mouthguard with a soft brush and non-abrasive soap
- Avoid cleaning with hot water, as it can distort the shape
- Handle with care to avoid accidental damage
- Store it away from pets and children in a ventilated case
- Don’t chew with your mouthguard to prevent damage or staining
- Replace if damaged, loose, or no longer comfortable
- Always bring your nightguard during your dental visits for inspection
Does dental insurance cover mouthguards?
Dental insurance may cover mouthguards, but it depends on the type of mouthguard and your specific coverage. Many insurance plans partially cover night guards if they are medically necessary to treat bruxism or sleep apnea. However, most dental insurance plans don’t cover mouthguards for sports, as they are considered elective. Always contact your insurance provider to verify your benefits.
Do I need a mouthguard?
Neal Edward DDS is thrilled to offer several mouthguard options in Riverside, California, and the nearby locations. Call (951) 614-0033 and discover the right mouthguard for your needs.
