Custom Mouth Guard
While you can buy mouth guards at many stores, it's best to get one from your dentist. Store-bought mouth guards may not fit well and can actually do more harm than good. Dentists can make a mold of your teeth so the mouth guard fits snugly and comfortably.
What is a Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard is a removable dental appliance worn over the teeth to protect them from injury. Athletes often use them to prevent tooth damage during contact sports, but they can also be worn to treat TMJ disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding). It acts as a barrier, reducing the force of the impact caused by a direct blow to the jaw and absorbing the pressure from nighttime grinding or clenching.
Mouth guards go by many names. Teeth guard, night guard, occlusal guard, bite guard, and mouth protector are some common names for mouth guards. They are typically made from soft, pliable materials such as latex or silicone. Custom mouth guards from dentists are made based on an imprint of your bite to ensure a comfortable fit while you sleep.
What is an ideal Mouth Guard?
The American Dental Association (ADA) advises patients wearing orthodontic appliances such as braces and retainers to ensure their dentists approve their mouth guards. The ADA also sets the following standards for an ideal mouth guard.
It should be fitted correctly to the wearer's mouth and precisely adapted to their oral structures
The mouth guard must cover all remaining teeth on one arch
It should be made of strong material approved by the FDA
It should be able to absorb high-impact energy to reduce or limit transmitted forces upon impact
It should have a comfortable and secure fit
It should not cause allergic or toxic reactions
Mouth guards should be relatively easy to clean
What are the types of Mouth Guards?
The most important thing when choosing a mouth guard is to ensure it fits properly. A properly-fitting mouth guard should be comfortable and not interfere with breathing or speaking. There are three main types of mouth guards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fit.
Stock Mouth Guard
A stock mouth guard is a pre-made, ready-to-use mouth guard that you can purchase at most sporting goods stores. They are usually made of latex or silicone and come in a variety of sizes. While they may not offer the same level of protection as a custom-made mouth guard, they are much less expensive and can be a good option for those on a budget. However, they may need to be replaced more frequently than a custom mouth guard due to wear and tear.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guard
Boil-and-bite mouth guards are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. A thermoplastic material is heated in boiling water until it softens, and then the mouth guard is inserted into the mouth and shaped around the teeth. Once it has cooled, the user bites down on the mouth guard to create an impression of their teeth. The material hardens as it cools, creating a custom fit.
Custom Mouth Guard
These mouth protectors are prescribed and fabricated by a dental professional and have many advantages over other mouth guards. They are not bulky and allow for better breathability. Custom mouth guards are made to fit your mouth exactly, providing the best fit, comfort, and the highest level of protection for the teeth.
In addition, custom mouth guards are made from high-quality materials, so they'll last longer and provide better protection than a store-bought mouth guard. Custom-made mouth guards can be more expensive than other types, but they are worth the investment if you play sports regularly or have bruxism.
Why Do You Need A Mouth Guard?
Sports
Wearing a mouth guard is one simple way to help keep you safe while playing sports! They are often used in contact sports, such as football, boxing, and hockey, where there is a risk of getting hit in the face and losing teeth. Studies have shown that using mouth guards significantly reduces the incidence and severity of jaw fractures and injuries to the teeth and lips.
Teeth Grinding
Most people are unaware that they grind their teeth because it happens during sleep. But they often wake up with headaches, sore jaw, or tooth sensitivity. Grinding can also cause wear and tear on the enamel, leading to cavities and tooth loss. Mouth guards are an important part of treatment for bruxism because they offer protection for your teeth, relief from pain, prevention of gum recession, and improved sleep quality.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD)
This condition causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control chewing. The exact cause of TMJ disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be related to problems with the alignment of the teeth or jaw or to changes in the joint itself. TMJ disorder can cause jaw pain, headaches, earaches, dizziness, and a popping sound when you move your jaw. Mouth guards absorb impact and evenly distribute forces throughout the jaws and teeth. This helps reduce stress on the joint and surrounding muscles, which, in turn, helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Snoring
One option to reduce snoring is to use a night guard. Custom-made night guards help keep the airway open so you can breathe properly. It also prevents your tongue from falling back into your throat and blocking the airway.
Sleep Apnea
You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly or wake up frequently at night gasping for air. This condition can be dangerous because it interrupts your breathing while you sleep. Night guards can help keep your airway open to make you breathe properly at night. It is less invasive than other treatments for sleep apnea, such as CPAP machines.
Teeth Restorations
Dentists also recommend wearing mouth guards to protect your teeth if you have dental implants, crowns, bridges, or veneers. Wearing a properly-fitted night guard helps protect your new teeth from damage caused by excessive contact.
If you have concerns about whether or not you need to wear a mouth guard at night, call us today. Dr. Samani will make a recommendation based on your health history and current oral health status.
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