Night Guards vs Sports Guards

April 11, 2023

Night guards and sports mouth guards are both dental devices that are worn in the mouth to protect teeth, but they are used for different purposes and have different characteristics.

Night guards, also known as occlusal guards, are dental devices that are worn at night to protect the teeth and jaw from the effects of bruxism, which is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep. Night guards are designed to fit over the upper or lower teeth and act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from coming into contact with each other. Night guards are usually made of a material that conforms to the shape of the teeth and can be worn comfortably throughout the night.

Sports mouth guards, on the other hand, are dental devices that are worn during sports and other physical activities to protect the teeth, gums, and jaw from injury. Sports mouth guards are designed to fit over the upper teeth and protect the teeth from being knocked out or damaged by a blow to the face. They are usually made of a hard, durable material that can withstand impacts and are custom-fit to the individual's teeth.

In summary, night guards are worn at night to protect the teeth and jaw from the effects of bruxism, while sports mouth guards are worn during sports and other physical activities to protect the teeth, gums, and jaw from injury.