Mouthguards & Nightguards – Dental Q&A
Do you provide athletic mouthguards in Columbus, Ohio?
Yes. The Smile Method provides custom-fitted athletic mouthguards for patients in Columbus and Gahanna, Ohio. Custom mouthguards offer superior protection and comfort compared to boil-and-bite store models because they are made from a precise impression of your teeth. We make mouthguards for football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, lacrosse, and other contact sports.
What is a nightguard and do I need one?
A nightguard is a custom-made oral appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from the damage caused by grinding and clenching (bruxism). You may need a nightguard if your dentist finds worn, flattened, or chipped tooth enamel, if you have jaw pain or headaches in the morning, or if your sleeping partner hears you grinding.
What is the difference between an athletic mouthguard and a nightguard?
Athletic mouthguards protect teeth from impact trauma during sports — they are designed to absorb and distribute forces from a blow to the face or jaw. Nightguards are designed to protect teeth from the sustained pressure of grinding and clenching during sleep. They are made from different materials and serve different purposes — one is not a substitute for the other.
What is TMJ and can a mouthguard help?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint — the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders (TMD) cause jaw pain, clicking or popping when opening the mouth, headaches, ear pain, and difficulty chewing. A custom occlusal splint or nightguard is one of the most common conservative treatments for TMJ symptoms.
Is a custom nightguard better than a store-bought one?
Yes. Custom nightguards made from dental impressions fit your teeth precisely, are more durable, and are significantly more comfortable to wear consistently through the night. Store-bought guards often cause jaw strain because they do not align with your bite, and many patients stop wearing them because of discomfort.
Can children wear mouthguards for sports?
Yes. Children who play contact sports should wear mouthguards starting with their first year of organized play. Children’s mouthguards need to accommodate growing teeth and should be replaced as the mouth changes. Custom-fitted mouthguards are available for children whose permanent teeth have come in.
Can I wear a mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes, and it is especially important to wear a mouthguard during contact sports if you have braces. A blow to the mouth with braces can cause the brackets and wires to cut into the inside of the lips and cheeks, in addition to damaging teeth. Special orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit over brackets.
How do I care for my mouthguard or nightguard?
Rinse your mouthguard with cool water after each use and brush it gently with a toothbrush (no toothpaste — it is abrasive). Let it air dry before storing in the ventilated case provided. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot cars, which can warp the material. Bring it to your dental appointments for inspection and professional cleaning.