Mouthguards: One Small Device. Two Big Reasons You Might Need It.
When most people think of mouthguards, they picture athletes. But at Alora Dental Spa, we see patients who need them for two very different reasons, and honestly, both matter a lot more than people realize.
If you have a young athlete gearing up for the season, or you have been waking up with a sore jaw and tension headaches, keep reading. A properly fitted mouthguard might be exactly what you have been missing.
Protecting Your Child's Smile on the Field
Youth sports are so good for kids. The confidence, the teamwork, the physical activity and we love seeing our patients thrive in that way. But contact sports do come with real risk to the teeth and jaw, and a well-fitted mouthguard is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your child’s smile while they do what they love.
The ones sold at sporting goods stores technically do something. But they fit poorly, they’re uncomfortable, and kids end up pulling them out mid-game or leaving them in the bag. A custom mouthguard made right here at our office fits your child’s exact bite, stays put, and actually protects the way it should.
We recommend them for football, basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, wrestling, gymnastics, and really any sport where there’s a chance of contact or impact. It’s a small investment that can save a lot of heartache down the road.
Grinding, Clenching, and TMJ: Let's Talk About It
More people grind their teeth than know it. It usually happens during sleep, so by the time someone notices, there’s already wear on the enamel, tension in the jaw, or morning headaches that have just become part of the routine. None of that is normal, and none of it has to be.
For patients dealing with grinding or TMJ issues, a custom nightguard sits between your upper and lower teeth and absorbs the pressure your jaw would otherwise put on itself all night. It takes the strain off your joints, lets your muscles actually rest, and protects your teeth from the kind of damage that adds up over time.
Over-the-counter guards exist, but a guard that doesn’t fit right can actually make things worse. We take digital scans so yours fits the way it should, comfortable enough that you’ll actually wear it.
If you’ve been waking up with jaw soreness, or someone has told you that you grind your teeth at night, it’s worth mentioning at your next visit. We’ll take a look and talk through your options.
What to Expect at Alora
Getting a custom mouthguard is simple. We take a digital scan, send them to our lab, and you come back to pick up a guard that fits perfectly. The whole process usually takes two short appointments.
Whether it’s for your child’s upcoming season or for your own overnight comfort, we’re here to help figure out what’s right for you.
Ready to get started? Request an appointment at Alora Dental Spa and we’ll take care of the rest.
📍 Alora Dental Spa — Conveniently located in Downers Grove, IL 📞 Call us today or book online to schedule your consultation.
Proudly serving patients throughout the Chicagoland area, including Downers Grove, Naperville, Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Lisle, Westmont, Wheaton, Elmhurst, Burr Ridge, and the greater DuPage County region.