Mouth Guards Marina, CA
Mouth guards protect the teeth and gums from damage. People can use mouth guards to protect their teeth and mouths during a range of activities, from playing sports to sleeping. There are various types of mouth guards, depending on the patient's needs.
Monterey Peninsula Smiles offers mouth guards in Marina and the surrounding area. Our team can help you keep your smile safe. Call us today at (831) 920-0008 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Mouth Guard Candidacy
Mouth guards are a preventative appliance that can protect the teeth and gums from harm or injury. These tools are a great way to protect the soft tissues of the tongue, lips, and inner cheeks. They help cushion the face from trauma during sports, prevent broken teeth, and stop injuries to the jaw, face, tongue, or lips.
There are various mouth guards that patients can choose from depending on their needs. People who may benefit from getting a mouth guard include those who:
- Grind their teeth
- Have specific sleep issues
- Have temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
- Participate in contact sports
“Mouth guards are a preventative appliance that can protect the teeth and gums from harm or injury.”
The Process of Creating a Custom Mouth Guard
Custom mouth guards provide people with the best protection and fit for their mouths. They are designed to a patient's specific needs, whether it is for sports or nighttime use. Our team personalizes these devices to a patient's bite to provide optimal protection and comfort for the teeth and gums. The first step of creating a custom-fitted mouth guard is to take a mold or impression of the patient's teeth.
The impression will serve as a replica of the mouth so we can create a mouth guard over it. There are two methods to create custom mouth guards. The first method involves stretching the thermoplastic mouth guard material over the model with a vacuum machine. The other method is the pressure laminate method which involves using a pressure thermo-forming machine to stretch the mouth guard material over the model. This technique gives mouth guards multiple protective layers rather than only one.
“Custom mouth guards provide people with the best protection and fit for their mouths.”
When To Wear a Mouth Guard
Patients with night mouth guards should wear them every night. Like anything new, it may take a few days to get used to sleeping with it in place. As long as the mouth guard is comfortable and fits well, it should not take long to adjust. Patients must dedicate themselves to wearing their mouth guard consistently to experience its health benefits. Sporadic use will make the adjustment period harder and will be counterproductive to correcting the health problem.
Patients with dental mouth guards designed for wear during physical activity should wear them every time they participate in an activity that puts them at risk for injury to their mouth or teeth. Often, athletes take out their mouth guards and chew on them, which can cause them to break down or deform. Patients should follow all care instructions to keep them from wearing out prematurely.
“Patients must dedicate themselves to wearing their mouth guard consistently to experience its health benefits.”
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Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that happens when breathing becomes interrupted during sleep. When untreated, sleep apnea can cause people to stop breathing many times at night and lead to serious health complications. Fortunately, mouth guards are available to help people manage their condition and improve their breathing ability. Specialized mouth guards can prevent the tongue from slipping back and blocking the throat or move the jaw forward.
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) push the lower jaw forward to open up the airway. Tongue retaining devices (TRDs) hold the tongue and prevent it from slipping back and blocking the airway. These appliances can also help people who snore since they keep the airway open during sleep. Although there is no cure for snoring, mouth guards can significantly minimize the amount.
“Specialized mouth guards can prevent the tongue from slipping back and blocking the throat or move the jaw forward.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How often should you wear a mouth guard?
Q. How is a mouth guard created?
Q. How can mouth guards help sleep apnea and snoring?
Q. How can mouth guards protect teeth during sports?
People Also Ask
Q. What sorts of trauma can necessitate tooth extraction?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. How effective are mouth guards?
Mouth Guards and Sports
Many dental injuries are sports-related. Mouth-related sports injuries can result in fractured tooth roots, broken or chipped teeth, and cuts to the lips or inner cheeks. Mouth guards are essential pieces of equipment for any person that plays sports to avoid dental trauma.
They are especially important for people who play high-contact sports and are at greater risk for facial trauma. The highest risk sports for dental injuries are basketball, football, hockey, martial arts, and boxing. People who play non-contact sports, such as skating, biking, and gymnastics, can also benefit from wearing a mouth guard to protect their mouth.
“Mouth guards are essential pieces of equipment for any person that plays sports to avoid dental trauma.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does a mouth guard cost?
A. The cost of a mouth guard depends on the type, material, and other specifications. Some insurance plans may help cover the cost. Since every insurance plan is different, patients should contact their insurance provider for more coverage information.
Q. How should I take care of my mouth guard?
A. It is important to take care of mouth guards to prevent them from breaking or warping. Rinsing the device with cold water and brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush will remove unwanted bacteria and debris. We recommend storing them in a protective container and avoiding hot surfaces or sunlight that can cause the mouth guard to warp.
Q. What causes bruxism?
A. Bruxism is when someone grinds their teeth and clenches their jaw. It is often the result of stress, sleep disorders, acid reflux, or a misaligned bite. Certain activities, such as smoking or drinking alcohol, can also increase the risk of grinding teeth.
Q. Can mouth guards go over braces?
A. Braces wearers should use a mouth guard since they are especially vulnerable to sports-related injuries. Braces can help prevent soft-tissue injuries to the inner cheeks and lips. Patients can have custom-fitted mouth guards that fit over braces.
Q. How long does a mouth guard last?
A. The longevity of a mouth guard will depend on how frequently a person uses their device. With the right care, mouth guards can for several years. Patients should bring their mouth guard to dental check-ups for inspection. Custom-fitted mouth guards are typically more durable than over-the-counter ones.
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Family Dental Terminology
Learn More About Mouth Guards
Mouth guards can protect the mouth and teeth during various activities, from sports to sleeping. Our team at Monterey Peninsula Smiles can determine whether you are a good candidate for a mouth guard. Call us at 831-920-0008 for more information about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Monterey Peninsula Smiles was established in 1995.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Marina, Seaside, Salinas, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Castroville, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Sand City and Pacific Grove
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