Dental Guards
(Protective Guards)

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The foundation of SmileArt clinic’s operations is dedicated to oral health. Our goal is not only to treat existing dental problems but also to provide effective preventive solutions to protect teeth from damage. Dental guards are one of the most effective preventive measures, helping to protect teeth from damage and ensure oral health.

We offer various types of guards for different needs: guards for teeth grinding at night, anti-snoring guards, teeth whitening trays, guards for strengthening the temporomandibular joint, sports guards, and retention guards for orthodontic treatment. Each guard is custom-made to fit the teeth precisely, ensuring maximum comfort and protection. In dentistry, protective guards have become an integral part of preventive care.

A woman is lying on a pillow in a bright bedroom, free from toothache

Night Guards

Bruxism, or unconscious teeth grinding and clenching during sleep, is a common problem that places significant stress on the temporomandibular joint and teeth. In the long term, this leads to tooth wear, enamel cracks, and damage to restorations (fillings, crowns).

A night guard during sleep:

  • Forms a protective barrier, separating the upper and lower jaw teeth and preventing friction. The guard material is subjected to wear, thereby protecting the teeth from irreversible damage.
  • Stabilizes the temporomandibular joint. A properly made guard ensures relaxation of the jaw muscles, which helps reduce morning headaches and tension in the facial area.
  • Protects existing dental restorations. For patients with implants or veneers, night guards are essential to prevent fractures of expensive structures due to overload.
Transparent mouthguard (night guard) on a black background

Sports Guards

In contact sports (boxing, hockey, basketball, combat sports, etc.), there is a high risk of facial and dental injuries. Sports guards are mandatory equipment to minimize the possibility of serious damage.

Unlike universal guards available in sports stores, a custom-made dental protective guard from our clinic ensures:

  • That the guard fits snugly on the teeth and does not move, allowing the athlete to breathe and speak freely.
  • Impact absorption, as it is made from a special multi-layered material that dissipates force upon impact, protecting not only the teeth but also soft tissues, and significantly reducing the risk of jaw fractures.

Guards can be made in various colors and designs, adapting them to team uniforms or individual preferences.

A man uses his fingers to place a red mouthguard over his upper teeth

Our Dentists and Availability

At SmileArt clinic, experienced specialists who genuinely care about your health work. Our dentists regularly update their knowledge and are ready to solve the most complex situations. We know that problems do not recognize calendars and often surprise us on weekends, which is why our clinic offers the possibility to receive assistance on Saturdays as well.

We strive to be available when you need us most, and the opportunity to see a doctor on Saturdays is often crucial to alleviate pain and save a tooth. Our working hours are designed to ensure maximum accessibility, so if you have an acute problem, we invite you to call us immediately, and our administrators will try to find the earliest possible appointment time.

Orthodontic and Retention Guards

The clear dental guard is placed in a storage case for daily hygiene

After orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners), teeth tend to return to their original position. To consolidate the achieved result, orthodontic guards, also known as retention guards, are used.

Retention guards are transparent and thin, designed for nighttime use to stabilize the new position of the dental arches.

Aligners are a modern alternative to braces, consisting of a set of transparent guards that gradually correct tooth position.

Specialized Guards

Night guard for teeth grinding (bruxism), transparent mouthguard on a black background

Whitening trays are custom-made guards that ensure even application of whitening gel to the tooth surface, protecting the gums from chemical irritation. This is the safest method for at-home whitening.

Anti-snoring guards are designed to hold the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, opening the airways and reducing snoring.

SmileArt

Why choose
SmileArt for guard
fabrication?

An intraoral scanner next to a laptop, with a 3D model of the teeth and gums displayed on the screen
A woman uses her fingers to place a clear dental guard over her upper teeth
In the dental office, the dentist and patient review the 3D intraoral scan of the upper jaw for a night guard

Dental Guard Costs

The price of a dental guard includes a full range of services: consultation, optical scanning, modelling, materials, and fabrication. The cost of guard fabrication ranges from 120 to 150 EUR.

To receive a precise cost estimate and consultation, please contact SmileArt reception.

A person uses their fingers to place a dark-colored mouthguard over their upper teeth

Guard Care and Hygiene

For guards to last long and not pose risks to dental health, proper care is essential. A guard can accumulate bacteria if hygiene is not maintained.

How to care for your dental protective guard?

After each use, the guard should be rinsed with cool water. Hot water can deform the material, rendering the guard unusable. For cleaning, it is recommended to use a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive agent, such as non-abrasive toothpaste.

Dental Hygiene Before Use

Always brush your teeth thoroughly before inserting the guard into your mouth. If guards are placed on unclean teeth, bacteria and food residues become “trapped” against the enamel. This creates an ideal environment for acid formation, which damages tooth tissues. Use fluoride toothpaste to further strengthen enamel before bedtime.

Storage

When the guard is not in use, it should be stored in a special, ventilated case. This will protect it from being lost or from pets, who often enjoy chewing on such items.

A clear dental guard is placed over the upper row of teeth

Frequently Asked Questions

How do custom sports guards differ from those bought in stores?

The main difference is the level of protection and comfort. Store-bought guards are often loose, hinder breathing, and do not provide sufficient shock absorption. A custom dental protective guard precisely matches the patient’s tooth shape, guaranteeing stability and higher safety.

How long does a night guard last?

The lifespan depends on the intensity of bruxism (teeth grinding). On average, a guard lasts from 1 to 3 years. If the guard is cracked or has holes, it must be replaced to maintain its protective functions.

Can a sports guard be used as a night guard?

No. Sports guards are made of softer and thicker material for impact absorption. Using them during sleep, the soft material can provoke a chewing reflex, increasing muscle tension. Night guards are harder and thinner to allow for jaw gliding.

Is wearing a guard painful?

Initially, when starting to use a new guard (especially an orthodontic one), a slight pressure or discomfort may be felt, which is temporary. A properly made guard should not rub the gums or cause pain in the temporomandibular joint.