Night Guards vs. Sports Guards: Which Does Your Family Need?
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This Article will address
- The difference between a night guard and a sports guard
- How night guards help with teeth grinding
- How sports guards prevent dental injuries
- The difference between custom and store-bought guards
- How custom night guards are made
- How long night guards and sports guards last
- Whether one guard can serve both purposes
- How to choose the right guard for your family in Baton Rouge
Understanding the Difference Between Night Guards and Sports Guards
Night guards and sports guards are both protective dental devices, but they are designed for different situations and risks.
Night guards are worn while sleeping. They protect teeth and jaw joints from the damage caused by grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism.
Sports guards are worn during athletic activities. They protect teeth, lips, gums, and the jaw from impact injuries during contact or high-risk sports.
Key differences include:
- Purpose
- Night guards reduce damage from grinding and clenching
- Sports guards protect against sudden impact and trauma
- Design and thickness
- Night guards are designed to cushion and separate the teeth
- Sports guards are thicker and designed to absorb force
- When they are worn
- Night guards are worn during sleep
- Sports guards are worn during practices and games
Best for night guards:
- Adults or teens who grind or clench their teeth
- Patients with jaw pain, headaches, or worn teeth
Best for sports guards:
- Children and teens in organized sports
- Adults who participate in contact or recreational sports
How Night Guards Help Protect Teeth from Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding often happens during sleep and can go unnoticed for years. Stress, sleep patterns, and bite alignment can all play a role. Over time, grinding can wear down enamel, cause tooth fractures, and strain the jaw muscles.
Night guards create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This helps:
- Reduce enamel wear and chipping
- Lower stress on the jaw joints
- Decrease muscle tension that leads to morning headaches or jaw soreness
- Protect dental restorations like crowns or fillings
At O’Shee Family Dentistry, we focus on comfort, precision, and preventive care. Custom night guards are designed to fit comfortably, making them easier to wear consistently and more effective over time.
How Sports Guards Help Prevent Dental Injuries
Sports-related dental injuries are common, especially among children and teens. These injuries can include chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, lip injuries, and jaw trauma.
Sports guards help prevent injuries by absorbing and distributing the force of an impact. Instead of force being transferred directly to the teeth, the guard acts as a cushion.
Custom sports guards offer added benefits:
- A more secure fit that stays in place during activity
- Improved comfort and breathing
- Better protection compared to store-bought options
Sports guards are important for children, teens, and adults who participate in contact sports or activities where falls or collisions are possible.
Custom vs Store-Bought Guards: What Families Should Know
Families often ask whether store-bought guards are enough. While stock or boil-and-bite guards may seem convenient, they come with limitations.
Comparing options:
- Stock guards
- One-size-fits-all
- Least comfortable and least protective
- Boil-and-bite guards
- Molded at home
- Improved fit but inconsistent protection
- Custom guards from a dentist
- Designed for your exact bite
- More comfortable, durable, and effective
For growing kids and active families, custom guards offer better protection and are more likely to be worn consistently. Our goal is to recommend what truly fits your family’s needs, without pressure.
How Custom Night Guards Are Made at O’Shee Family Dentistry
How are custom night guards made?
Creating a custom night guard is a straightforward and comfortable process.
The steps typically include:
- A dental exam and evaluation to confirm grinding or clenching
- Digital impressions or scans for accuracy
- Precision fabrication using advanced dental technology
- A fitting appointment to ensure comfort and proper alignment
This process allows us to create a guard that feels natural and provides reliable protection night after night.
How Long Do Night Guards and Sports Guards Last?
How long do night guards and sports guards last?
The lifespan of a guard depends on how it is used and how much force it absorbs.
On average:
- Night guards can last several years, depending on grinding intensity
- Sports guards may need replacement more often, especially for children who are growing or athletes who play frequently
Signs a guard may need replacement include:
- Cracks or thinning material
- Changes in fit
- Increased discomfort
Regular dental checkups allow us to evaluate the condition and fit of your guard and recommend replacement when needed.
Choosing the Right Guard for Your Family’s Needs in Baton Rouge
Every family is different, and needs can vary even within the same household.
You may benefit from a guard if:
- Your child or teen plays sports
- You wake up with jaw pain or headaches
- A teen grinds their teeth and also plays sports
- Someone in your family wears braces or aligners
Professional guidance from Dr. O’Shee helps remove the guesswork and ensures the right dental solution for each family member.
Protecting Your Family’s Smile Starts with the Right Guard
Choosing the right dental guard helps protect your family’s smiles today and in the future. Whether your needs involve teeth grinding, sports protection, or both, personalized dental care makes all the difference.
At O’Shee Family Dentistry in Baton Rouge, LA, we provide comfortable, custom solutions for patients of all ages. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our office by phone, email, or online form. We are here to help your family feel confident about their dental care.
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Meet Dr. O’Shee
Dr. Seth O’Shee is a proud Louisiana native and trusted family dentist serving the Baton Rouge community. Originally from Ville Platte, Dr. O’Shee brings a small-town warmth and personal touch to every appointment. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Louisiana State University and went on to complete his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry. Driven by a passion for both precision and patient connection, Dr. O’Shee finds deep satisfaction in using his hands to restore confidence through beautiful, healthy smiles.
As the lead dentist at O’Shee Family Dentistry, he emphasizes patient comfort, clinical excellence, and long-term relationships. Whether he’s treating a child at their first visit or helping an adult overcome dental anxiety, Dr. O’Shee’s compassionate approach ensures every patient feels heard and cared for. Outside of the office, he enjoys kayaking, playing video games, and cheering on LSU sports.