The purposes of mouth guards with Dr. Tom Alexander

Dr. Tom Alexander of Sterling Plaza Dentistry in Irvine, California, is a dentist who offers a wide range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental procedures for patients in and around his community. In addition, he provides protective solutions for the smile, such as mouth guards. Mouth guards are used in various situations to help patients reduce the risk of damage to the teeth and gums while also providing proper jaw alignment for problems such as temporomandibular joint disorder or obstructive sleep apnea.

What types of mouth guards are available at Sterling Plaza Dentistry?

  • Nightguard for TMJ/TMD. For patients who have been diagnosed with the temporomandibular joint disorder, the use of a nightguard can help in keeping the tension of the jaw joint from resulting in daytime pain and discomfort. The mouth guard helps cushion pressure and maintain jaw alignment to address common symptoms of TMJ/TMD.
  • A Mouth guard for sleeping. Patients who have obstructive sleep apnea may find that using a mouth guard while sleeping can help control the condition and ensure a good night’s rest. Mouth guards for obstructive sleep apnea improve sleep and keep the airways open, allowing patients to get the deep, restful sleep at night that they need to feel their best each day!
  • A Mouth guard for grinding teeth. Patients with bruxism may experience damage and pain to the teeth due to clenching and grinding that involuntarily occurs when they sleep. By using a special mouth guard, patients can protect their smiles and reduce muscle tension caused by this condition.
  • Sports mouth guards. Patients active in high-contact sports such as football, soccer, and hockey can significantly reduce their risk of damaged teeth and gums by using sports mouth guards. These appliances are custom-made for the patient’s smile and can reduce chipped or knocked-out teeth.

How do I obtain a mouth guard for my smile?

Mouth guards come in various types to ensure patients have access to protection for their teeth and gums. If you live in the Irvine, CA community and want to speak to our team at Sterling Plaza Dentistry, call our office at (949) 868-2224 to request a consultation visit and initial evaluation. The office is located at 2 Osborn, Suite #140, and is open to new patients and families.