Mouthguards and Bite Splints
Mouthguard
If you are involved in a physical sport like football or soccer, or even riding a bike or skateboarding, you may want to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. There are two types of mouthguards, a pre-fab which you can buy at the store and are often only made in a couple of sizes, or a custom mouthguard made in a dental office.
Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and using a special material, will make a custom-fit mouthguard. This type of mouthguard with its good fit, comfort in wearing, and overall quality is easily retained in the mouth and does not interfere with your breathing or talking. It is a simple way to prevent a painful and costly injury such as a chipped tooth or may even help to avoid getting a tooth knocked out.
Your dentist may recommend an appliance if you grind your teeth at night which is called a bite splint. This type of mouthguard will prevent further damage to your teeth.