Dental Guards in Burnsville, MN
At Inspired Smiles in Burnsville, MN, we understand how important it is to protect your teeth in every part of life, whether you are resting or active. That is why we provide custom-fitted night guards and athletic sports mouth guards designed to keep your smile safe. Led by Dr. Uyen Pham and Dr. Giang Pham, our team uses advanced digital technology to deliver guards that are precise, comfortable, and long-lasting.
If you wake up with sore jaws, experience frequent teeth grinding, or participate in sports, a custom dental guard may be the key to protecting both your oral health and your overall well-being.
What is the Difference Between a Night Guard and a Sports Guard?
Although both appliances are called mouth guards, they serve very different purposes.
- A night guard, sometimes called a dental guard or occlusal guard, is worn while sleeping. It creates a protective barrier between your teeth to reduce damage caused by grinding (bruxism) and clenching. Night guards also ease strain on the jaw joint and can help reduce TMJ-related discomfort.
- A sports guard or athletic mouth guard is designed to protect your teeth during physical activities. Contact sports like football, basketball, wrestling, and hockey carry a high risk of dental injuries. Sports guards cushion the teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaw to minimize the chance of fractures, soft tissue injuries, or knocked-out teeth.
At Inspired Smiles, we create both types of guards with a focus on fit, comfort, and effectiveness so you can protect your teeth whether you are at rest or in motion.
Why Would I Need a Night Guard or Sports Guard?
Night guards and sports guards address two very different needs, but both are an important part of preventive dental care, helping protect your teeth and overall oral health.
- Night Guard Benefits: If you grind or clench your teeth, you may notice headaches, jaw soreness, or worn-down enamel. Over time, bruxism can lead to cracked teeth, TMJ pain, and costly dental restorations. A custom night guard helps reduce pressure on your teeth, preserve enamel, and protect existing restorations such as crowns and fillings.
- Sports Guard Benefits: Even one sports injury can have lifelong effects on your smile. A custom athletic mouth guard absorbs the impact of collisions and helps prevent chipped teeth, jaw fractures, and damage to braces or orthodontic appliances. They are essential for children, teens, and adults who play contact sports or even high-impact recreational activities.
What Can Night and Sports Guards Help With?
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Protects teeth from damage during sleep.
- TMJ discomfort: Reduces pressure on the jaw joint, minimizing pain.
- Sports protection: Guards against broken teeth, lip or tongue injuries, and jaw trauma.
- Preservation of dental work: Protects crowns, veneers, and bridges from excess pressure.
- Improved sleep quality: Night guards may help reduce clenching-related headaches and allow for more restful sleep.
How Are Custom Mouth Guards Different Than Store-Bought Ones?
You may have seen “boil-and-bite” guards at the drugstore, but custom guards are far superior.
- Custom Guards: Made from digital impressions of your teeth, they fit securely and comfortably. This precise fit makes them more effective, easier to wear, and longer lasting. At Inspired Smiles, we use digital technology to design appliances that are exact to your smile.
- Store-Bought Guards: Typically bulky and loose, these can interfere with breathing, speech, and sleep. They wear out quickly and do not provide the same level of protection as custom appliances.
Choosing a professionally made dental guard means choosing long-term comfort and reliable safety.
Can I Wear a Dental Guard if I Have Braces?
Yes. Custom sports guards and night guards can be made to fit over braces, protecting both your teeth and your orthodontic appliances. This is especially important for student athletes, where sports participation increases the risk of dental injury. A properly fitted guard helps protect your investment in orthodontic treatment while keeping your smile safe.
How Do I Clean and Care for My Dental Guard?
Proper care will keep your guard effective and hygienic. We recommend:
- Rinsing your guard with cool water after every use
- Gently brushing with a soft toothbrush (avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the material)
- Storing it in a ventilated case
- Bringing it with you to dental visits for cleaning and inspection
With the right care, your guard can remain effective for years.
Experience top-notch dental care!
How Long Do Night and Sports Guards Last?
The lifespan of a dental guard depends on use and wear habits.
- Night guards usually last two to five years, though heavy grinding may shorten their life.
- Sports guards are often replaced each sports season, particularly for children and teens whose mouths are still developing. Guards worn with braces may also require more frequent replacement.
When Should I Replace My Night Guard or Sports Guard?
You should replace your guard if it:
- Becomes cracked, worn down, or misshapen
- Feels loose or uncomfortable
- Follows significant dental work or orthodontic treatment
- No longer offers the same level of protection
Children and teens typically need a new guard each year due to growth and orthodontic changes.
How Much Does a Custom Mouth Guard Cost in Burnsville, MN?
The cost of a custom mouth guard varies based on the type of guard, materials, and insurance coverage. While store-bought options are cheaper upfront, they cannot match the durability, protection, or comfort of a professionally made guard. At Inspired Smiles, we provide transparent pricing and flexible payment options so every patient can access the protection they need.
Why Choose Inspired Smiles for a Custom Dental Guard?
When it comes to protecting your smile, not all dental guards are created equal. At Inspired Smiles, we combine advanced technology, personalized dental care, and a welcoming approach to ensure you receive the best possible experience.
- Advanced Technology: We use digital technology to take precise digital impressions, which means no messy molds and a more accurate fit.
- Personalized Care: Every guard is custom-fitted to your unique smile and adjusted for comfort, ensuring maximum protection whether you need a night guard or an athletic mouth guard.
- Family-Friendly Dentistry: We serve patients of all ages, from children needing protection during sports to adults looking for relief from teeth grinding.
- Commitment to Comfort: Our doctors, Dr. Uyen Pham and Dr. Giang Pham, prioritize patient comfort, making every step of the process smooth and stress-free.
- Trusted Local Practice: As a Burnsville, MN dental office, we are proud to provide care to our community and build long-lasting patient relationships based on trust and integrity.
Choosing Inspired Smiles means choosing a dental guard designed for comfort, durability, and peace of mind.
Protect Your Smile with Dental Sealants in Burnsville, MN
Dental sealants are a smart, simple step to protect your smile. Whether you’re considering them for your child or looking for extra protection as an adult, our team at Inspired Smiles in Burnsville, MN is here to guide you with honesty and care.
Call or book online to schedule your dental sealants appointment today and take a proactive step toward lifelong oral health with Inspired Smiles.