Will Mouthguards Straighten Teeth?

two mouthguards

Are you looking to straighten your teeth? You may be wondering if there’s some kind of mouthguard out there that you can get to shift your teeth into their perfect positions. The quick answer is that a mouthguard isn’t actually the right choice for you, but it can help in other ways, and you do have other options for achieving your dream smile.

The Purpose of Mouthguards

There are two main types of mouthguards. First, there are athletic mouthguards, which you put in to shield your teeth from trauma while you’re playing contact sports. Then, there are night guards, which you wear while you sleep to protect your teeth from grinding. In both cases, they’re used as a preventive measure so your teeth don’t suffer damage. They are not, however, used for straightening teeth in any way.

When you get one of these mouthguards from a dentist, they are made using a mold of your teeth, so they snugly fit your teeth specifically for the highest level of protection. They’re often made from a thicker, durable material, which only adds to that protection.

What to Wear to Straighten Your Teeth

If you’re concerned with straightening your teeth, then you may want to look into getting something like Invisalign. Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment where you put in a series of clear aligners custom made to change the position of your teeth. These aligners look a little bit like mouthguards but they’re made from a thinner material and are designed to push teeth rather than simply match the shape of your teeth and protect them.

Mouthguard at Overland Park Family Dental

Whatever kind of mouthguard you may be looking for, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Overland Park Family Dental to discuss your options. Our knowledgeable team would be happy to help in any way that we can to point you in the right direction for your smile. Call or email us today!

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