Do you indulge in sporting activities a lot? If yes, you are more likely to have heard or worn mouthguards, at least on some or other occasion. For those not aware of a mouth guard, it is dental equipment that protects your teeth from getting chipped, pulled out, or dislocated. By wearing a mouthguard, you can be assured of the safety of your teeth while playing contact sports.
Night Guards for Bruxism and TMJ Disorders
Mouth guards are also suggested for those having bruxism. It is commonly called nightguards. Bruxism is a condition in which a person has the habit of relentlessly and involuntarily grinding teeth. A dentist may recommend a mouthguard even for those having TMJ disorders. It has to be taken note that the mouthguards for patients having bruxism and TMJ disorders will be custom-made by a dental technician. It is not advised to buy over-the-counter mouthguards, which can have a bad impact by worsening the complications on the teeth. The person having such disorders can wear the mouthguard only during the night while sleeping. The dentist asks the person to practice self-restraint from grinding the teeth during the daytime.
Classification of Mouth Guards
Mouth Guards are generally classified into three types.
Readymade Mouthguards
These types of mouthguards are readily available for purchase at affordable prices. However, it is not recommended by a dentist. This type of mouthguard is designed as disposable and is made non-custom fit. It does not offer the required protection for back teeth. It is available in sizes ranging from small, medium, and large. It is not safe to use for those having protruding teeth. It can also affect a person’s ability to speak. It is also not safe to wear for those playing contact sports.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
This type of mouthguard is available at stores selling sporting goods. The mouthguards have to be boiled first. Once it softens, you will have to bite on it. It helps the mouthguard adapt to the shape and contour of your mouth. Thus it provides users with a better and more accurate bite. It also prevents the user from further damage that may be caused by an irregular bite. The price for boil-and-bite mouthguards may vary depending on their brand and quality.
Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards are the most preferred type of mouthguard by the dentist. It is because it gives maximum protection to the teeth. It also provides the perfect fit for the person using it. For example, the dentist may ask you to bite into a putty-like substance to take the impressions of the teeth. It will be then sent to a professional dental technician for coming up with a plaster cast based on which the professional technician will build the custom mouthguard. However, it is expensive compared to other types of mouthguards.
You will have to wear the plaster cast and let the dentist know about any discomfort you might have while wearing it. A dentist may change the custom mouthguards depending on your feedback. In addition, the dentist will educate you about the tips to follow while taking care of the custom mouthguards. Are you looking for a custom mouthguard? Get in touch with your nearest dentist in Jupiter, Florida, for seamless services.