Custom Mouthguards
A mouth guard is a protective device that fits inside your mouth, designed to prevent injuries to your lips, teeth, and gums. It’s essential for individuals participating in physical activities or those who grind or clench their teeth, as it acts as a barrier against impacts and forces. Mouth guards also help prevent jaw injuries, tooth fractures, and tooth loss.
Store-Bought vs Custom-Fit Mouth Guards
When considering mouth guards, a key decision is between store-bought and custom-fit options.
Custom-fit mouth guards guards are crafted by dental professionals using precise impressions and measurements, ensuring optimal accuracy and comfort. Made from durable thermoplastic, they offer superior longevity compared to store-bought alternatives, typically lasting three to four times longer.
Store-bought mouth guards are mass-produced with a generic shape, aiming to fit a broad range of individuals. However, due to variations in mouth shapes and sizes, they may not provide a proper fit for everyone. An ill-fitting mouth guard can potentially cause more harm than not wearing one at all.
Selecting a Mouth Guard
When selecting a mouth guard, is it best to understand why we do not recommend store-bought and always recommend our patients to acquire a custom mouth guard instead.
Sports Guards
For sports activities, custom-fit sports guards are highly recommended to prevent injuries to the face, teeth, and jaw. Whether participating in contact sports like football, rugby, or hockey, or recreational activities like skateboarding or cycling, a sports guard provides crucial protection against trauma. They help protect teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues, and reduce pressure from impacts.
Night Guards
Night guards are essential for individuals experiencing headaches, TMD, sensitive teeth, or teeth erosion due to bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). Custom night guards, crafted from dental impressions, offer superior comfort and protection compared to boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all options. They help prevent tooth damage and relieve tension associated with teeth grinding.
Anti-Snoring Mouth Pieces
Although many believe that snoring occurs from the nose, it actually begins behind the tongue. This is due to our muscles relaxing during sleep. As we sleep, the airway gets smaller, which causes the throat to vibrate due to a lack of space, which is what makes the snoring sound.
Anti-snoring mouthpieces address snoring caused by airway resistance during sleep. Snoring can also indicate sleep apnea, a more serious condition involving breathing interruptions. Snoring devices work by repositioning the jaw to prevent tissue vibration and airway obstruction. Options include:
Snoring chin straps: These devices wrap around the head to keep the mouth closed, but they’re often less effective and uncomfortable.
Mandibular advancement devices: These resemble retainers and open the airway by advancing the lower jaw.
Tongue stabilizing devices: These isolate the tongue, pulling it forward to create space between the tongue and throat, reducing vibrations.
Need a Mouthguard in Sexsmith, Alberta?
Get in touch with the experienced denturists at Sexsmith Denture Clinic.