Proactive oral appliance therapy: Protect your smile from teeth grinding and sports injuries with custom “guards”

Led by Dr. Shiva Talebi, the office of Tooth Architect Dental Care in Sandy Springs, Georgia, appreciates that you are more than a set of teeth and gums. We account for the connections between the mouth and the “rest of your body” in everything we do.

Oral appliances, such as our custom-made nightguards and sports guards, protect the teeth and keep the interconnected system of jaw joints, muscles, and other tissues and structures in good working order. 

The value and power of nightguards

Bruxism is the medical term for “chronic teeth grinding.” Often, individuals may grind their teeth during sleep and not even be aware of the problem. Dentists like Dr. Talebi, are on the front lines of detecting this potentially destructive condition. She may find telltale signs of bruxism during regular dental check-ups. These potential signs include: 

  • Chips 
  • Excessive wear and tear to the teeth 
  • Break-down of gums and supportive tissues
  • Small cracks or fractures 
  • Premature damage to dental treatment, such as fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns
  • Loose or misaligned teeth 

Patients may also complain about ailments that seemingly transcend oral problems, like chronic migraines, frequent earaches,tinnitus, and neck pain. These and other symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction or disorders are associated with bruxism. Any time the jaw and related muscles and tissues are stressed, it can give rise to pain that may radiate from the mouth and jaw to other parts of the face, head, and even to the neck, shoulders, and back. TMJ may also interfere with comfortable eating and chewing functions by making it difficult to painlessly and easily open and close the mouth. 

Bruxism has been implicated in TMJDs due to the extreme forces that are generated and placed on the teeth, gums, joints, and tissues due to chronic grinding and clenching behaviors. Nightguards ease TMJD symptoms and prevent further damage to the teeth and restorations by cushioning oral tissues and structures from the blow caused by bruxism. 

Unlike off-the-shelf nightguards, ours are made to fit your mouth and, in turn, have a high compliance rate due to the customized fit. Patients adjust to wearing them quickly. They are also an excellent investment; our guards are made from the highest-quality materials. So, they are built to last and are incredibly durable and strong. 

Custom mouthguards keep you in the game

Oral appliances at the dentist’s office come in many different forms. In addition to nightguards, Dr. Talebi may recommend mouthguards to pediatric athletes and adults alike. These guards or appliances are made to fit the unique contours and size of each patient’s mouth. They are designed precisely and with performance materials, so they can adequately protect your teeth, lips, and other parts of your mouth and face from injuries and trauma caused by blows from sports equipment or even other athletes. 

Patients are more likely to wear them as intended since they do not slip around. These comfortable sports guards also do not interfere with respiration and overall sports performance, which allows patients of all ages to run, jump, throw, and otherwise compete at the highest level and to the best of their ability. 

We welcome your questions and meeting you! Simply stop by our office in Sandy Springs, GA, or call Tooth Architect Dental Care today at (404) 666-8066.