Your natural beauty begins with a confident smile.
Protecting Your Smile from Trauma and Wear
Teeth are incredibly strong, but they are not indestructible. Many people unknowingly grind or clench their teeth while sleeping (bruxism), leading to worn enamel, sensitive teeth, and chronic jaw headaches. A custom-made nightguard acts as a protective cushion, separating the upper and lower teeth to prevent this damage and relax the jaw muscles while you rest.
For the athletes in your family, a sports mouthguard is essential gear. Store-bought “boil-and-bite” guards often fit poorly and offer limited protection. Our custom-molded sports guards fit precisely, staying in place during intense activity to absorb impact and prevent broken teeth or lip injuries. It is a small investment that prevents painful and expensive dental emergencies.
Who Benefits From a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding
Grinding or clenching during sleep (sleep bruxism) is often linked to stress and anxiety, and also to snoring, sleep apnea, smoking, heavy caffeine or alcohol use and some medications. Signs worth mentioning to a dentist include:
- Flattened, chipped or worn teeth, or fillings that keep breaking
- Jaw muscle ache or stiffness in the morning
- Headaches around the temples or earache with no ear problem
- A partner hearing you grind at night
A guard protects the teeth but does not cure the cause. If loud snoring or daytime sleepiness suggests sleep apnea, that should be assessed by a doctor, because a standard night guard is not a treatment for it. Mild grinding without damage may simply be monitored.
Alongside a guard, simple measures can reduce grinding: relaxation techniques, regular exercise, a consistent sleep routine, and cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and smoking. Daytime clenching is often a habit you can learn to notice; resting the jaw with lips together and teeth apart helps. Children grind too, and many grow out of it, but tell the dentist if a child’s teeth look worn or they complain of jaw pain.
Custom Sports Mouthguards
Contact and high-speed activities such as football, basketball, hockey, rugby, martial arts, skating and cycling carry a real risk of broken teeth and lip injuries. The ADA recommends a properly fitted mouthguard for these sports at every age and level. Custom-made guards are formed over a model of your own teeth, so they stay in place and allow easier breathing and speech than stock guards. Children whose teeth are still changing may need a new guard as they grow, and patients with braces need a guard designed to fit around them.
How a Custom Guard Is Made
- Assessment: The dentist examines wear patterns, the jaw joints and muscles, and existing fillings or crowns to decide which type of guard you need.
- Impressions: Impressions of your teeth are taken; no anesthesia is needed.
- Fabrication: A dental laboratory forms the guard from the model, using a harder material for most night guards and a resilient, shock-absorbing material for sports guards.
- Fitting: At a second visit the guard is tried in and adjusted so it seats fully and your bite feels even.
- Review: A follow-up check confirms comfort and that the guard is not creating new pressure points.
Caring for Your Guard and When to Replace It
- Rinse it after each use and brush it gently; let it dry before storing it in its ventilated case.
- Keep it away from hot water, car dashboards and pets, which can warp or damage it.
- Bring it to your dental check-ups so its fit and wear can be checked.
How long a guard lasts depends on the material and how hard you grind. Replace it if it cracks, wears through, feels loose or changes your bite. Contact the clinic if jaw pain increases, your bite feels different in the morning, or the guard causes sore spots.
Custom Versus Over-the-Counter Guards
Stock guards come in a few sizes and are the least protective because they fit poorly. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and shaped in the mouth, which improves fit but can leave thin areas. Custom guards made from impressions cost more and need dental visits, but are generally considered to offer the best fit and protection.
Who Provides This Treatment
Custom night guards and sports mouthguards at Mankhool Dental Clinic are provided by Dr. Christopher Cura Vicencio, a General Dentist at the clinic since 2011 and a graduate of the University of the East College of Dentistry in the Philippines. His focus on preventive care includes protecting teeth from wear and injury for children and adults.
Why Choose Mankhool Dental Clinic ?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I use a boil-and-bite guard?
How do I know if I need a nightguard?
Can I wear my sports guard at night?
How do I clean it?
How long does it last?
Is it comfortable to sleep in?
Why choose us as your dental services provider?
Our office is equipped with the latest equipment and technology to bring a high level of excellence to the care we provide. You’ll feel right at home thanks to our friendly team and service-minded approach.
Dr. Christopher Cura
At Mankhool Dental Clinic, we blend advanced expertise with genuine care to transform your dental visits into empowering experiences. Choose us for smiles that last.
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward a healthier smile.
