Custom Sport Guards / Mouth Guard
Why you might need a Sport Guard / Mouth Guard for your mouth...
Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth. They function to protect teeth from injury and reduce the risk of concussion during sports. Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), your Hygienist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. Your Hygienist can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.
Types of mouth guards:
- Stock mouth protectors are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting good stores and department stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide little or no protection. Dentists do not recommend their use.
- Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in a dental office or Laboratory. An impression of your teeth is taken and a mouth guard is then moulded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a special mouth guard-type of dental appliance -- called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint -- may be created to prevent tooth damage.
