Mouthguards in Northfield, IL

At North Dental, we prioritize your oral health and the protection of your teeth, whether you're engaging in sports or need nighttime protection. Our custom mouthguards are designed to provide superior protection and comfort, preventing damage from sports injuries or teeth grinding. Located in Northfield, IL, we serve patients from nearby areas like Winnetka, Glenview, and Wilmette.

Mouthguards are a vital tool in protecting your smile from trauma or damage, especially for athletes and individuals who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding). Unlike over-the-counter options, custom mouthguards are specially fitted to your teeth, offering a higher level of protection and comfort. Whether you're playing sports or grinding your teeth at night, North Dental provides mouthguards tailored to your specific needs.

What Are Custom Mouthguards?

Custom mouthguards are protective devices created to fit the unique shape of your mouth. Made from high-quality materials, these guards provide a comfortable fit while offering maximum protection for your teeth, gums, and jaw. At North Dental, we offer two primary types of mouthguards:

1. Sports Mouthguards: For athletes, especially those involved in contact sports, mouthguards are essential for protecting the teeth from trauma and injury. Whether you're playing football, basketball, hockey, or even non-contact sports like gymnastics, custom mouthguards act as a cushion, preventing broken teeth, fractured jaws, and soft tissue injuries.
2. Nightguards for Bruxism: If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), a custom nightguard can protect your teeth from excessive wear and prevent issues like jaw pain, headaches, and cracked teeth. Our nightguards are designed to fit comfortably while you sleep, reducing the impact of grinding on your oral health.

Benefits of Custom Mouthguards

Custom-fitted mouthguards offer a range of benefits that over-the-counter options simply cannot match. Here’s why choosing a custom mouthguard at North Dental is a smart investment for your oral health:

• Superior Protection: Custom mouthguards provide the highest level of protection for your teeth and gums. Because they are tailored to your specific bite, they effectively absorb and distribute the force of impacts, reducing the risk of injury.
• Comfortable Fit: Unlike store-bought mouthguards, which can feel bulky or uncomfortable, custom mouthguards are made from a mold of your teeth. This ensures a snug and secure fit, making it easier to speak, breathe, and drink while wearing them.
• Durability: Custom mouthguards are made from durable materials that are designed to withstand high-impact situations. With proper care, they last much longer than over-the-counter options, making them a worthwhile investment.
• Prevention of Dental Damage: Wearing a mouthguard during sports or at night helps prevent costly and painful dental problems. Whether you're protecting your teeth from a sports injury or bruxism, a mouthguard can save you from needing restorative treatments like dental crowns or fillings.

Who Needs a Custom Mouthguard?

Custom mouthguards are essential for a variety of patients, including:

• Athletes: Any athlete involved in sports, particularly contact sports, should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and gums from injury. Whether you're a child playing youth sports or an adult competing at a high level, custom sports mouthguards provide superior protection.
• Patients with Bruxism: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard can prevent damage to your teeth and alleviate the discomfort associated with bruxism, such as headaches, jaw pain, and tooth sensitivity.
• Individuals with TMJ/TMD: If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD), a mouthguard can help reduce stress on your jaw muscles and alleviate pain associated with clenching or grinding your teeth. For patients dealing with TMJ, we offer specialized mouthguards as part of our TMJ/TMD treatment.

How Are Custom Mouthguards Made?

At North Dental, creating a custom mouthguard is a straightforward process:

1. Consultation and Evaluation: During your appointment, we’ll evaluate your specific needs and take impressions of your teeth. This ensures that the mouthguard will fit perfectly and provide the protection you need.
2. Mouthguard Fabrication: Once we have your dental impressions, we send them to a specialized lab where your mouthguard is custom-made using high-quality materials. The mouthguard will be designed to fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and protection.
3. Fitting and Adjustments: After your mouthguard is ready, we’ll invite you back to our office for a final fitting. We’ll ensure it fits comfortably and securely, making any necessary adjustments so that it feels just right.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

To keep your custom mouthguard in top condition, it’s important to follow a regular cleaning and maintenance routine:

• Clean It Regularly: After each use, rinse your mouthguard with cool water and use a toothbrush to gently clean it. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material.
• Store It Properly: When not in use, store your mouthguard in a protective case that allows air circulation. This helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the mouthguard in good shape.
• Check for Damage: Over time, mouthguards can wear out. Inspect your mouthguard regularly for any signs of damage or wear, and bring it in for a replacement if needed.

At North Dental, we’ll also check the condition of your mouthguard during your routine dental exams to ensure it continues to provide adequate protection.