Nightguards and Mouthguards

Sometimes your teeth need a little extra protection. Nightguards and Mouthguards are appliances that protect your teeth when circumstances are out of your control. At Champaign Dental Group, we are excited to offer a variety of dental guards to keep your smile safe in every situation.

What Are Mouthguards?

Mouthguards are flexible appliances that are molded to fit over your teeth. They protect your mouth, jawbone, and teeth during intense physical activities and sports such as football, basketball, boxing, etc. We recommend wearing a mouthguard during any activity in which you may fall or hit your mouth.

Our skilled team can make a personalized mouthguard for you that is comfortable and effective. Wearing a mouthguard in risky situations can prevent traumatic injuries and save you money.

How Are Nightguards Different from Mouthguards?

Nightguards are designed to be worn while you are asleep. We usually recommend nightguards to patients who have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or bruxism. These conditions affect the joints and muscles in your jaw and can affect the way you bite and chew.

Often, patients with TMJ disorder and/or bruxism suffer from teeth grinding and clenching. People with these dental issues often put a strain on their teeth unconsciously in their sleep and wake up in considerable amounts of pain. Nightguards protect your teeth from nighttime wear and tear and can reduce tension headaches and migraines.

Do I Need a Nightguard or Mouthguard?

If you are involved in any intense or high-contact sports, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your mouth from injury.
If you suffer from TMJ disorder or bruxism, we recommend wearing a nightguard to prevent nighttime clenching and grinding.
If you are uncertain if you have TMJ disorder or bruxism, some symptoms to watch for include:

• Chronic jaw pain
• Frequent migraines or headaches
• Excessive tooth wear
• Flattened, cracked, or very worn teeth
• Chronic facial pain
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Tired or tight feeling in jaw upon awakening

If you would like to learn more about TMJ disorder or bruxism, call our office today at 937-653-8650 to speak with a member of our team or to schedule a consultation.

Can I Just Use an Over-The-Counter Mouthguard or Nightguard?

Choosing the right dental guard is very important. There are two types of over-the-counter guards – premade guards and boil-and-bite guards. These can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and are relatively inexpensive.

However, these guards are usually bulky and uncomfortable. Because they are not custom-made to fit your teeth, they do not offer the same level of protection as professionally made guards.

If you decide a dental guard is right for you, we will make an impression of your teeth which will be used to create a custom appliance at a lab. Typically, patients can choose from a variety of styles and colors. Dental guards usually last between 3-10 years.

If you are interested in learning more about mouthguards and nightguards, call us at 937-653-8650 to schedule an appointment. We are happy to answer any of your questions.