Mouthguards and Nightguards in Lakewood, CO

To protect your teeth from accidental damage from contact sports or when you’re asleep, try a custom fitted mouthguard from your dentist. Patients in Lakewood, CO can contact Callahan & Klein Dental for professional grade bite guards.

Reasons You May Need a Mouthguard

Here are some of the most common reasons you may need a mouthguard or bite guard from your dentist:

For contact sports such as football, hockey or boxing
If you grind your teeth while sleeping (bruxism)
To protect existing dental work like braces or bridges
To prevent chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth
To guard against injuries to the cheeks, lips or gums
To help prevent concussions
For superior fit, comfort and protection to over the counter mouthguards.

How Are Dental Mouthguards Made?

If you go to your dentist for a mouthguard, they are custom made for you, ensuring that they fit properly and won’t irritate or injure your gums. Lakewood patients coming to Callahan & Klein Dental will have an impression or model taken of their teeth from which the mouthguard is created. Patients will come back for a fitting, where your dentist will make sure the mouthguard fits perfectly, adjusting or filing any areas if necessary. Usually a mouthguard is only necessary for the top set of teeth but there may be conditions in which a set for your lower teeth may also be needed.

Signs You Might Need a Nightguard

Night guards are mouthguards that are worn when sleeping. Many people grind or clench their teeth at night, which is known as bruxism. This can wear down the surfaces of teeth and even eventually cause damage to the teeth and jaws. People who clench their teeth at night can wake up with a dry mouth, headaches or painful jaws.

A custom made nightguard from your dentist will put a protective layer between your back teeth, meaning they won’t come into direct contact. A mouthguard worn when sleeping can also alleviate symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, snoring and sleep apnea.

Your dentist will be able to identify signs of bruxism or TMJ disorder and may suggest a bite guard or mouthguard to wear every night. It’s important to use a well-fitting mouthguard when asleep as loose or badly-fitting guards will be a choking hazard.

How to Care For Your Mouthguard

It’s easy to keep your mouthguard in great shape.

After use, rinse it in cold water and brush it with a soft brush and toothpaste or a mild soap
When not in use, keep it in its ventilated or perforated box
Keep your mouthguard away from high temperatures to prevent it from warping
If your mouthguard is showing signs of wear, take it to your dentist

For a mouthguard for sports or to protect against bruxism in Lakewood CO, contact Callahan & Klein Dental for professional bite and night guards.

Still Have Questions?

Please reach out to us via email or phone if you want more information about dental crowns near you. We’re happy to talk to you about the best options for your smile!