At Smart Smile , we understand the importance of protecting your smile. Whether you're an athlete looking to safeguard your teeth during sports or someone in need of relief from teeth grinding , our custom-fitted mouth guards offer superior protection, comfort, and durability.

Our Orange County implant dentists want everyone to feel comfortable during their dental treatment. That’s why we take the time to get to know your goals for dental implants. Dr. Lori Bagai has over 30 years of experience in dentistry, so you can rest assured that your health is in capable hands. She’s been providing everything dental care for all of Orange County, CA, and our surrounding counties for years. 

Dr. Bagai and her expert team have helped many patients restore their smiles with the All on 4 dental implant process. We will work with you to create a custom treatment plan that meets your unique needs. If you’re looking for dentistry near Irvine, Santa Ana or Anaheim that can boost your confidence, choose Orange County All on 4 dental implants from Smart Smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

TRANSCRIPT

What is a mouth guard and why might someone need one?

A mouth guard is a device that can be of different types, placed in between your teeth to prevent wear and tear from teeth grinding, clenching, TMJ symptoms, and a variety of other reasons.

What are the most common types of mouth guards?

Mouth guards come in different types. They can be in the form of retainers, which are very comfortable, or an actual night guard. They can also be an athletic guard or a sports guard. So, there are many different kinds of night guards.

What is a mouth guard for teeth grinding and how does it work?

A mouth guard for teeth grinding is a device that's placed either on your top teeth or on both your arches, top and bottom, to prevent you from damaging your own teeth.

How can a mouth guard help with TMJ disorders?

A mouth guard helps prevent further injury to the TM joints. TM joint issues arise from injury to the joints, and placing a mouth guard between your teeth can help protect your jaws, thereby alleviating symptoms.

What are the benefits of a night mouth guard for sleeping?

A night mouth guard helps prevent damage from parafunctional movements such as grinding or clenching at night, which many people are unaware of. These movements exert a lot of force, and a night guard protects the teeth from them.

What is a sleep apnea mouth guard and how does it help with breathing during sleep?

A sleep apnea night guard is given to people with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate a CPAP device. It slightly advances the lower jaw, opening the airway and improving breathing during sleep.

How effective are snore mouth guards in reducing snoring?

Snore mouth guards are effective in reducing snoring. They help alleviate it, improve sleep quality, and provide relief for both the user and their sleeping partner.

What should someone look for in the best anti-snoring mouth guard?

The best anti-snoring mouth guard is a custom-fitted one. Consulting a dentist ensures you get a night guard suited to your specific needs for maximum effectiveness and comfort.

What is the difference between a custom mouth guard and a store-bought one?

Custom mouth guards are designed specifically for your teeth, gums, bite, and tongue shape, while store-bought ones are one-size-fits-all. Long-term use of ill-fitting store-bought guards can cause damage to gums and teeth.

How does a dentist create a custom snore or sleep apnea mouth guard?

A dentist starts with a consultation to determine the best device for your needs. They take a digital scan or impression, then a lab fabricates a custom-fitted mouth guard tailored to you.

How do you properly clean a mouth guard?

A special cleaning spray is available for mouth guards, making it easy to maintain. Simply spray the night guard with it for proper hygiene.

How often should a mouth guard be replaced?

A mouth guard should be replaced when there is significant wear and tear. Regular dental checkups help assess its condition and ensure it remains effective.

Can mouth guards help prevent dental damage during sports or while grinding teeth?

Yes, sports mouth guards offer extra protection for athletes involved in contact sports like football or boxing. These guards are different from night guards and provide enhanced safety.

Are there risks or side effects associated with using a mouth guard?

Generally, there are no side effects from wearing a mouth guard. However, if your bite is misaligned, it’s best to correct it before using a night guard to avoid complications.

When should someone consider using a mouth guard for sports like football or boxing?

Anyone participating in contact sports such as hockey, football, boxing, or soccer should wear a sports mouth guard to protect their teeth and orofacial structures from injury.