Mouthguard Specialist
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Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry
Kelly Miller, DDS, MS
Prosthodontist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Kirkland, WA
If you take care of them, your teeth are designed to last a lifetime, but there are times when they could use a little support. Mouthguards, including sports guards and night guards, not only protect your teeth, but they may also solve other problems, such as TMJ disorders. At Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry, Kelly Miller, DDS, MS, offers custom mouthguards to help her patients in Kirkland, Washington, and the greater Seattle area, protect their teeth. To learn more about how a mouthguard can help preserve your teeth, call the friendly office staff to make an appointment.
Mouthguard Q & A
Why would I need a night guard?
A night guard is a device that you slip over your teeth while you sleep. The primary reason why patients at Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry turn to a night guard is because of bruxism, which is tooth grinding. Tooth grinding is common and also very hard on your teeth, as you wear them down prematurely. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if the grinding continues unchecked.
Since grinding usually occurs at night when you’re unaware you’re doing it, it’s near impossible to stop, which is where a night guard comes in. This customized oral device fits snugly over the top row of your teeth and provides a barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
A night guard may also be beneficial if you have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder due to grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. To prevent this, Dr. Kelly creates a night guard that better aligns your jaws and protects your TMJs against any increased pressure due to grinding and clenching.
What are the benefits of a sports guard?
Sports guards are great devices that are designed to protect your teeth from chipping, breaking, or cracking while you play a sport. Of course, not every sport requires that you protect your teeth, but any activity where there are flying objects or the risk of collision or falling may call for a sports guard. A few examples include:
- Hockey
- Football
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Skateboarding
- Baseball
- Boxing
Ultimately, you know your activity best, and if there’s any chance that you may damage your teeth, a sports guard is a great investment in your dental health.
Why are custom mouthguards better?
If you’re dealing with bruxism or a TMJ disorder, it’s terribly important that you come in to see Dr. Kelly for a custom night guard. If you purchase an over-the-counter product, you may do more damage than good, as these inferior guards aren’t custom manufactured to your teeth and your particular issue. The last thing you want to do is to have a store-bought night guard alter your bite in a way that creates more problems.
As well, the custom sports guards that Dr. Kelly provides are designed to fit snugly over your teeth so that you’re not fumbling around with a loose mouthguard during your activity.
To learn more about protecting your dental health with a mouthguard, call Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry today.
