Athletic Mouthguard Vs. Night Guard: Features and Styles

In part oneof this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basic differences between athletic mouthguards and dental night guards used by many people. While both of these devices help protect the teeth and the mouth in important ways, they're used for very different purposes and are designed quite differently to accomplish their goals. 

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're happy to offer a wide range of MMA mouthguards, football mouthguards and other mouthguard types for any need you or your child may have. Here are some of the other key ways that athletic mouthguards differ from dental mouthguards, though both may be useful to you.

Specific Features

When it comes to their specific features, athletic mouthguards tend to be a bit more detailed and complex. In most cases, they're designed to fit a particular type of sport or activity, and often come with extra features that help protect the jaw, tongue and other parts of the mouth in ways that dental night guards don't. For instance, certain types of football mouthguards may feature special straps or clasping mechanisms that keep them securely in place to allow for unimpeded movement without taking any extra risk.

Dental night guards, on the other hand, tend to be simple and straightforward, with a generic fit that makes them suitable for multiple types of activities. They may also have features such as a soft lining to provide extra comfort while they're in use.

Styles

Down related lines, athletic mouthguards allow for all sorts of expressions of style and team spirit, from customized designs to colors and logos that make them truly special. Custom MMA mouthguards, for instance, will often feature unique patterns or images on them to help give the wearer a sense of pride and team spirit when they're in the ring.

Dental night guards tend to be more subtle and plain, as their main goal is simply to protect the teeth during sleep.

Can They Be Worn Interchangeably?

Simply put, the answer here is no. These devices are designed to be used for very different purposes, and while they may both offer some level of protection, they're not interchangeable. A dental night guard may provide some basic protection during physical activity, but it won't offer the same levels of comfort or security as a specialized athletic mouthguard.

Likewise, an athletic mouthguard isn't really suitable for wearing overnight, as it may be too uncomfortable or bulky to stay in place properly.

In short, if you're looking for a mouthguard for any purpose, make sure you get the one that's best suited for your specific needs. Damage Control Mouthguards can help you find the perfect fit so you can have peace of mind while participating in any activity. Be sure to check out our selection online and get in touch with us if you have any questions!