Mouthguards in NW Calgary, AB
Mouthguards Near You
A mouthguard may help if you play a sport, clench or grind your teeth, or keep damaging your teeth and restorations. The right design depends on how it will be used. At Northwest Dental Centre, we provide mouthguards in NW Calgary, AB after examining your teeth and discussing the reason you need one.
If you are looking for mouthguards near you, we can help you choose an appliance suited to your activity, dental health, and bite.
Different Guards Serve Different Purposes
Sports mouthguards
These guards cushion impacts and help reduce the risk of injury to the teeth and soft tissues during activities where a fall or collision could occur.
Nightguards
These appliances create a barrier between the teeth during sleep. They may help protect enamel, restorations, and vulnerable teeth from damage related to clenching or grinding.
Orthodontic mouthguards
A sports guard can be designed to fit around braces and allow room for tooth movement. Its fit should be reviewed as treatment progresses.
A nightguard cannot guarantee that clenching or grinding will stop, and it is not automatically a treatment for headaches or jaw pain. Those symptoms may have several causes.
When Might a Mouthguard Help?
For sports, a mouthguard can be useful at any age when an activity carries a risk of contact or a fall. Examples include hockey, football, basketball, soccer, martial arts, baseball, gymnastics, and cycling.
A protective nightguard may be considered when we find:
Wear on the biting surfaces
Teeth are becoming flatter, shorter, or thinner.
Frequent chips or fractures
Teeth or restorations are repeatedly being damaged.
Signs of grinding
Someone hears you grinding during sleep.
Morning symptoms
Your teeth or chewing muscles feel tired or sore when you wake.
Restorations at risk
Crowns, bridges, implants, or other dental work need protection from repeated pressure.
These signs do not tell us the cause on their own. Our dentist in NW Calgary, AB will look at your history, tooth condition, bite, and symptoms before recommending an appliance.
How We Make a Custom Mouthguard
When we provide mouthguards in NW Calgary, AB, we follow a straightforward process:
Discuss the reason for the guard
We ask about your sport, symptoms, injuries, dental work, and previous appliances.
Examine your mouth
We check the teeth, gums, restorations, bite, and any areas showing wear or damage.
Choose the appropriate design
Material, thickness, and coverage depend on whether the guard is for sports, sleep, or use with braces.
Record the shape of your teeth
We take a digital scan or impression so the guard can be made for your mouth.
Check the fit
We make sure the guard feels secure, does not rub, and allows you to close comfortably.
Explain its use
We show you how to insert, remove, clean, store, and inspect the guard.
A custom guard should stay in place without constant clenching. It may take time to become familiar, but it should not cause ongoing pain or a lasting bite change. Contact us if it does.
Choosing the Right Level of Protection
At Northwest Dental Centre, we provide custom mouthguards near you for different protective needs. A record of your teeth allows us to select the design and check its fit. Store-bought sports guards are another option, although their fit and comfort can vary.
Before recommending a nightguard, we look for what may be contributing to wear or damage. A damaged tooth, uneven restoration, gum disease, sleep concern, or persistent jaw symptom may need separate attention. A guard should not replace an appropriate diagnosis.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
When you receive one of our mouthguards in NW Calgary, AB, we explain how to clean and store it:
Rinse it after wearing
Use cool or lukewarm water rather than hot water, which may distort it.
Clean it as directed
Avoid products that could damage the material.
Let it dry
Store it in a clean, ventilated case and keep it away from pets.
Check it regularly
Look for cracks, rough areas, thinning, or a loose fit.
Bring it to dental visits
We can check its condition and fit.
Growing children and teenagers may need replacements more often. Tooth movement, orthodontic treatment, dental work, and wear can also change the fit. A damaged, uncomfortable, or loose guard should be assessed rather than forced into place.
Request an Assessment
For a specific question about sports protection, grinding, or an existing guard, The Focussed Clarity Appointment™ may be a suitable starting point. We can examine the concern and explain the next step.
If you are searching for mouthguards near you, we are here to help. Call (403) 282-7933 or email [email protected] to request an assessment with a dentist near you. Northwest Dental Centre is located at 3604 52 Ave NW, #206, Calgary, AB T2L 1V9, Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sports mouthguard the same as a nightguard?
No. A sports mouthguard is designed to cushion impacts, while a nightguard is intended to protect the teeth from forces associated with clenching or grinding. One should not be substituted for the other.
Can a mouthguard stop me from grinding my teeth?
A nightguard can help protect your teeth, but it may not stop you from grinding. We will look for signs of damage and discuss other factors that may need attention.
Can I wear a sports mouthguard with braces?
Yes, but it needs enough room to fit over the braces and accommodate tooth movement. We can recommend an appropriate design and check the fit during orthodontic treatment.
How long will my mouthguard last?
There is no fixed lifespan. The material, frequency of use, grinding forces, growth, tooth movement, and care all affect replacement timing. Bring it to your visits so we can check its condition and fit.