Protecting your teeth from damage does not always require a procedure — sometimes it requires a well-made appliance worn consistently at the right time.
At 207 Dental in Auburn, ME, custom-fitted nightguards and athletic mouthguards are fabricated using digital scanning technology for a precise, comfortable fit that store-bought alternatives simply cannot replicate. Whether the concern is nighttime grinding that is wearing down your teeth or sports-related trauma that puts your smile at risk, the right custom appliance is one of the most practical and cost-effective protective investments available.
The Difference Between Nightguards & Sports Mouthguards
Nightguards and sports mouthguards serve distinct purposes and are designed differently to address the specific forces and risks they are meant to manage.
Nightguards are worn during sleep to protect teeth from the forces of bruxism — the habitual grinding and clenching that many patients engage in unconsciously during the night. Nightguards are typically made from a firm or semi-rigid material that absorbs and redistributes the forces of grinding without allowing the teeth to make direct contact, preventing the progressive wear, fractures, and jaw pain that untreated bruxism consistently produces over time.
Sports mouthguards are worn during athletic activity to protect the teeth, soft tissues, and jaw joints from the impact forces associated with contact and collision sports. A well-fitting custom mouthguard covers the upper teeth and provides a cushioned barrier that absorbs and disperses the energy of a blow to the face or jaw, significantly reducing the risk of chipped or fractured teeth, soft tissue lacerations, and jaw fractures.
Custom-Fit Vs. Over-The-Counter Options
Store-bought mouthguards and nightguards are widely available and significantly less expensive than custom appliances — and they are also significantly less effective. Boil-and-bite mouthguards produce an imprecise fit that shifts during wear, provides inconsistent protection, and is often uncomfortable enough that patients stop wearing them. Pre-fabricated nightguards are bulky, poorly adapted to the individual bite, and can actually create new occlusal problems by altering the bite relationship in ways that cause their own set of symptoms.
Custom appliances fabricated at 207 Dental using digital scanning are designed from precise three-dimensional models of your teeth, producing a fit that is stable, comfortable, and clinically effective from the first night of wear. Patients who have tried both consistently report that a custom appliance is significantly more comfortable and easier to wear consistently — and consistent wear is what determines whether any appliance actually protects your teeth.
Benefits Of Wearing A Nightguard Consistently
The protective benefit of a nightguard is entirely dependent on wearing it regularly. Patients who wear their nightguard consistently experience meaningfully better outcomes than those who wear it intermittently:
- Prevention of progressive enamel wear that flattens and shortens the teeth over time
- Reduced frequency and severity of morning jaw soreness, facial muscle fatigue, and headaches associated with nighttime clenching
- Protection of existing restorations including crowns, veneers, and bonding from the excessive forces that bruxism generates
- Reduction of temporomandibular joint stress that contributes to clicking, popping, and limited range of motion over time
- Preservation of the natural tooth structure that, once lost to grinding, cannot be restored without restorative intervention
Caring For Your Appliance
Proper daily care extends the lifespan of your nightguard or mouthguard and maintains the hygiene of the appliance itself:
- Rinse the appliance with cool water immediately after each use to remove saliva and debris
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — never toothpaste, which is abrasive enough to scratch the surface and create areas where bacteria accumulate
- Allow the appliance to air dry completely before storing it in the provided case to prevent bacterial growth
- Keep the appliance away from heat sources including hot water, direct sunlight, and car interiors that can warp the material and compromise the fit
When To Replace Your Appliance
Even a well-maintained custom appliance has a functional lifespan. Signs that replacement is warranted include visible cracks or fractures in the material, significant thinning of the bite surface from heavy grinding, a fit that has become loose or unstable due to changes in the dentition, and any distortion that prevents proper seating. Our team evaluates the condition of existing appliances at routine exam appointments and advises on replacement when the clinical picture warrants it.
Call our office or book your appointment online at 207 Dental in Auburn, ME today.