Sleep Apnea Appliances, Mouth and Sports guards
Custom-fit guards that protect your teeth from grinding, clenching and sports impact.
Protect your smile while you sleep — and play
A mouth guard is a removable, protective dental appliance worn over your teeth to shield them from injury, reduce jaw strain, or prevent damage from chronic tooth grinding. It acts as a shock-absorbing cushion, protecting your teeth, gums, lips, and jawbone from physical forces and wear.
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What are the different types of Mouth Guards?
The Three Main Types of Mouthguards
- Nightguards (For Teeth Grinding / Bruxism)
- What they do: Designed to be worn while you sleep to prevent you from unconsciously clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth.
- Benefits: They prevent your tooth enamel from wearing down, protect expensive dental work like crowns or veneers, and alleviate chronic morning headaches and jaw joint (TMJ) pain.
- Material: Usually made of a hard, durable acrylic or a dual-laminate material (hard on the outside, soft on the inside).
- Athletic Mouthguards (For Sports Protection)
- What they do: Worn during contact sports (like hockey, rugby, football, and basketball) or non-contact sports with a risk of falls (like gymnastics, mountain biking, or skateboarding).
- Benefits: They prevent chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth, protect your lips and cheeks from getting cut by your teeth, and lower the risk of jaw fractures.
- Material: Made of a thick, shock-absorbing rubber or soft plastic.
- Snore Guards & Sleep Apnea Appliances
- What they do: Specialized medical mouthguards prescribed for chronic snoring or mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
- Benefits: They work by gently holding your lower jaw and tongue forward, which keeps your airway open and clear throughout the night.
What are the differences between store-bought guards and custom-made guards?
- Stock Mouthguards (Pre-made): Inexpensive, ready-to-wear guards bought at sporting goods stores. They offer the lowest level of protection, are bulky, make it difficult to breathe or talk, and cannot be adjusted.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Bought over the counter, these are softened in boiling water and then inserted into the mouth to mold around your teeth. They offer a slightly better semi-custom fit than stock guards.
- Custom-Made Professional Guards: Custom-crafted by your dentist using a 3D digital scan or physical impression of your teeth. While they have the highest upfront cost, they provide the absolute best protection, fit snugly without slipping, and are highly comfortable.
Types of Mouth Guards
There are several types of mouth guards available, each designed for different purposes.
Type of Mouth Guard | Best For | Key Features |
Stock Mouth Guards | Occasional sports use | Pre-made, low cost, limited fit |
Boil and Bite Guards | General use | Adjustable fit after heating |
Custom Mouth Guards | Sports and long-term use | Made by a dentist, best fit and protection |
Night Guards | Teeth grinding (bruxism) | Worn during sleep to protect teeth |
Custom mouth guards in Saskatoon offer the best combination of comfort, durability, and protection compared to over-the-counter options.
Who Needs a Sleep Appliance or a Mouth Guard?
Our office in Martensville recommends mouth guards for:
- Adults with ENT testing revealing mild to moderate sleep apnea
- Children in contact sports like football, hockey, soccer
- Adults in contact sports like football, hockey, martial arts
- Adults who grind or clench their teeth at night or during the day
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers related to mouth guards.
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