What Are Mouth Guards?
Mouth guards are a type of oral appliance designed to prevent injury to your child’s teeth, mouth and soft oral tissues. They are a removable appliance, and typically cover the upper teeth to provide the most effective protection for your child’s teeth and mouth. There are several types of mouth guards available depending on the type of problem they are protecting your child’s smile from.
The Custom Mouth Guard Difference
Young athletes and restless sleepers face different risks, so the right protection depends on your child’s activities and nighttime habits. Dr. Cantu and Dr. Hager consider those needs when recommending a custom oral appliance that protects vulnerable teeth and fits comfortably into your child’s routine.
Night Guards:
Bruxism, also known as nighttime teeth grinding, can gradually wear down your child’s enamel and contribute to jaw discomfort. We design custom night guards in San Antonio to cushion your child’s teeth while they sleep. This protective barrier helps prevent cracks and excessive wear while helping reduce the strain associated with nighttime grinding.
Sports Mouth Guards:
High-impact activities require dependable protection for your child’s smile. Our custom athletic guards help shield against sudden impacts during football, wrestling, biking, and other sports. By absorbing force, these guards help protect the teeth, arches, lips, and gums so your child can stay focused on the game.
Four Steps to a Safer Smile
Protecting your child’s smile should not feel complicated. Our clinical team in San Antonio guides you through each stage, taking the time to create an appliance that feels comfortable and stays securely in place. With the right fit, your child can move naturally on the field or sleep comfortably without being distracted by bulky protective gear.
Evaluation:
We examine your child’s teeth and learn more about their athletic activities or nighttime grinding habits. This helps us determine which type of protection will serve them best.
Impressions:
Our team takes precise impressions of your child’s teeth. These measurements allow the appliance to follow the natural shape of their smile for a secure, comfortable fit.
Delivery:
Once the appliance is ready, we check how it fits and make any necessary adjustments. Your child should be able to wear it comfortably without it slipping out of place.
Education:
We show your child how to insert, remove, and care for their new mouth guard. You will also learn when it should be replaced as their teeth and jaw continue to develop.
Your Guides to Reliable Oral Defense
Your child’s smile is still developing, which means the fit of their mouth guard must be monitored as their teeth and jaws change. Dr. Derrick Cantu, DDS, and Dr. Cara Hager, DDS, understand how growing teeth and changing jaws affect the fit of an oral appliance. Dr. Cantu brings research experience in dental trauma, while Dr. Hager focuses on preventive, minimally invasive care. Together, their expertise helps protect young smiles in San Antonio from sudden injuries and ongoing wear before more involved treatment becomes necessary.
Protect Their Smile Today
Your child should be free to run onto the field or settle into bed without preventable damage following them into tomorrow. A custom mouth guard can protect their growing teeth from sudden impacts and the gradual wear caused by nighttime grinding. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Cantu or Dr. Hager to find dependable protection shaped around your child’s smile.
