Since a facial injury can harm braces or other fixed appliances, a properly fitted mouth guard is especially critical for persons who wear braces or have permanent bridge work. Mark Sutton DDS can recommend a mouth guard for your specific oral work. Also, you are not recommended to use any orthodontic retainers or other detachable appliances during contact sports or leisure activities that put your mouth at risk of harm. However, Invisalign trays are an exception since they may be worn during sports, often in conjunction with mouth protection. If you use Invisalign trays and participate in sports, see your dentist about whether you should use them and how you should use them.

An overview of mouth guards

Mouthguards are devices used to guard your teeth from grinding or clenching while sleeping or from injuries sustained while participating in sports. Also, they can assist with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Mouth guards only protect your upper teeth, but your dentist may design a mouth guard for your lower teeth if you have braces or another permanent dental appliance on your lower jaw. Also, your clinician will be able to suggest the finest mouth guard for you. A good mouth guard should be comfortable, tear-resistant, sturdy, and easy to clean, and it should not obstruct your breathing or speaking. If you grind teeth at night, a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint, which is similar to a mouth guard, may be made to protect your teeth.

Types of mouthguards

Mouth guards are covers worn over teeth that are frequently used to prevent teeth from harm caused by teeth grinding and sports. Mouth guards are classified into three types:

  1.     Boil and bite mouthguards are accessible at many sporting goods retailers and may provide a better fit than stock mouth protection. The “boil and bite” mouth guard is composed of thermoplastic material. It is softened in hot water before being placed in the mouth and molded around the teeth with finger and tongue pressure.
  2.     Stock mouthguards are performed and ready to wear. They are reasonably priced and are available at most sports goods and retail stores. However, little can be done to improve their fit; they are large, have breathing and speech difficulties, and offer little or no protection. However, dentists advise against using them.
  3.     Custom-fitted mouthguards are uniquely created and manufactured in a dental clinic or a professional laboratory according to your dentist’s specifications. Your dentist will first take an imprint of your teeth, after which a mouth guard will be made over the model using a specific substance. This custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other varieties due to the material used and the extra time and labor needed, but it gives the most comfort and protection.

Whether you participate in sports or have a sleep issue, a mouthguard can provide protection and aid in getting a good night’s sleep. If you are still unsure about the kind of mouthguard you require, consult your dentist. They can help you design a custom-made mouthguard or recommend an over-the-counter solution. Call Greenwich Dentistry to schedule your appointment today to determine which mouth guard procedure is correct for you.