EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE IN ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NY

Mouth Guards

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Oral Hygiene in New York

What Is a Mouth Guard?

A mouth guard is a device used to protect the teeth from injury during sports. They are especially important for contact sports such as
football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and wrestling. Children are particularly vulnerable to dental injuries
and should always wear a mouth guard during games and practices.

Mouth guards are also recommended for individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, and there are specially designed guards for
braces.

Types of Mouth Guards

Custom Mouth Guards: Crafted in a dental office to fit your teeth perfectly. These offer maximum protection and comfort andare ideal for high-impact sports.Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards: Softened in hot water and molded at home to fit your teeth. These provide a balance betweenfit and cost.Stock Mouth Guards: Pre-formed and ready to wear. They are affordable but may lack proper fit and comfort.

Common Uses of Mouth Guards

● Sports Protection: Prevent chipped or broken teeth, cuts to lips, and jaw injuries. Essential for contact sports and useful innon-contact sports like gymnastics or skiing.● Night Guards: Protect against teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep, which can cause dental damage, jaw pain, andheadaches.
A properly fitted mouth guard is a crucial tool for preventing injury, ensuring safety, and protecting your smile—whether on the field, inthe gym, or while sleeping.

Creating Custom Mouth Guards at RI Advanced Dentistry

At Roosevelt Island Advanced Dentistry, we use advanced 3D technology to create precise digital impressions of yourteeth, eliminating the need for messy, uncomfortable traditional molds. Before receiving your mouth guard, yourorthodontist will help you choose the GuardLab device that best fits your needs.
How It Works1. 3D Scan: Visit our office for a quick 15-minute digital scan of your teeth.2. Customization: Design your mouth guard by choosing colors, images, and text to make it uniquely yours.3. Production & Delivery: Your mouth guard is created using your digital scan. Since GuardLab is located in the
U.S., your custom device ships within 10–14 business days.

Mouth Guard Materials

The effectiveness of a mouth guard largely depends on the materials used:
● Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA): Flexible and resilient, ideal for most sports.● Advanced Materials: For high-impact sports like football or hockey, some custom guards incorporate hard layersor polyolefin blends for added durability and protection.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends selecting mouth guards that meet ANSI/ADA standards toensure safety, comfort, and performance. Choosing a high-quality material improves fit, protection, andwearability—whether for sports or nighttime use.

Night Guards

Night guards, also called dental guards, are custom devices designed to protect teeth from grinding and clenching
(bruxism) during sleep.

Benefits of a Custom Night Guard:
● Prevents enamel wear, chipped teeth, and jaw pain
● Reduces headaches caused by grinding
● Absorbs impact forces, lowering the risk of sports-related injuries
● Improves sleep quality and long-term oral health

Dentists recommend night guards for patients with jaw discomfort, frequent headaches, or signs of teeth grinding.

Caring for Your Mouth Guard

Proper care ensures your mouth guard stays clean, comfortable, and effective.

Cleaning Tips:
● Spray with an antimicrobial, alcohol-free cleaner before and after each use
● Wait at least 60 seconds after spraying before placing it in your mouth

Storage & Safety:
● Store in a case when not in use
● Avoid wrapping in napkins (can be mistaken for trash)
● Keep out of reach of pets
● Avoid extreme heat, which can warp the device

With proper care, your custom mouth guard will protect your teeth, provide comfort, and last for years.

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