Mouthguard Types
Different types of mouthguards and their dental applications.
Mouthguards are removable dental appliances designed to protect teeth, gums, and jaw joints from trauma or harmful habits. Three main categories exist: stock mouthguards available off-the-shelf, boil-and-bite guards that conform to the teeth after heating, and custom-made guards fabricated from dental impressions for the most precise fit. Sports mouthguards protect against dental injuries during athletic activities. They absorb and distribute impact forces, reducing the risk of broken teeth, lip lacerations, and jaw fractures. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for contact sports. Custom-fitted guards provide superior protection, comfort, and breathing ease compared to store-bought options. Night guards (occlusal splints) protect teeth from bruxism-related damage during sleep. They prevent direct tooth-to-tooth contact, reducing wear, fracture risk, and jaw muscle strain. Hard acrylic guards are most durable, while soft or dual-laminate guards offer greater comfort. TMJ splints are specifically designed to reposition the jaw and relieve temporomandibular joint symptoms.