Bite Guards in Lanham, MD
A bite guard is a mouthguard used to protect the teeth from damage due to teeth grinding or clenching. Most people grind or clench their teeth from time to time, but some grind or clench their teeth on a regular basis while sleeping. This is known as bruxism.
A bite guard will prevent the upper and lower teeth from touching, protecting them from damage. Many patients also report improved jaw pain and tension and relief from headaches when using this oral appliance.
How Are Bite Guards Made?
A custom bite guard will be designed using impressions of your teeth. This ensures that the mouthguard will fit your mouth comfortably and will provide optimal protection. They are made of clear plastic. It fits over the upper teeth, protecting them from damage during sports or bruxism.
What Are the Benefits of Bite Guards?
Protecting Teeth
A bite guard is a removable oral appliance designed to protect patients from severe dental damage, such as tooth fractures, tooth loss, and temporomandibular joint disorders. It works by evenly distributing the force of your bite across the entire surface area of your teeth. This prevents your teeth from bearing the brunt of your bite force, which helps prevent common dental problems.
Reduce the Risk of Bruxism
A bite guard is particularly helpful for patients who suffer from bruxism or chronic teeth grinding. If left untreated, teeth grinding can increase a patient’s risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). A bite guard can help protect the patient’s teeth from damage while also preventing further damage to the TMJ.
Reducing Wear and Tear
A bite guard is a mouth guard that can reduce the amount of wear and tear on your teeth.
In addition to reducing tooth wear, bite guards can also reduce tooth sensitivity.
Preventing Damage to Jaw Joints
Even patients who do not grind their teeth in their sleep can suffer from jaw joint pain. Bite guards are a great way to protect the jaw joint from abnormal wear and tear that can lead to pain.
Improving Oral Hygiene
Bite guards are also effective at improving oral hygiene. They prevent individuals from grinding their teeth, which is a habit that can cause wear and tear on the teeth. Over time, this habit can even damage the protective layer of teeth, the enamel. The enamel is extremely thin, which means it doesn’t take much to cause damage.
To learn more about our dental services, call Lanham Smiles Family Dentistry at (301) 459-0914 or schedule an online appointment. You can also visit our dental office located at 9500 Annapolis Road, Suite C6, Lanham, MD 20706.
