MouthguardStandard mouthguards are devices made from thermoplastic material. They can be worn to provide a layer of protection to the teeth and gums, but over-the-counter mouthguards are not usually fitted to the mouth. If you are looking for a higher level of protection and a more comfortable fit, our office can provide you with a custom-fitted mouthguard! At Dallas Oral Surgery Associates, we are able to provide patients with custom mouthguards and mouthguard impressions by request. A comfortable custom fit guarantees better protection, and the added comfort helps encourage you to wear the mouthguard more often. Types Of MouthguardsMouthguards can be divided into three types based on construction and comfort: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom mouthguards. Most sporting goods stores and some grocery stores provide stock mouthguards, but these non-fitted mouthguards may cause discomfort during wear and provide minimal protection from trauma. As the name suggests, boil-and-bite mouthguards are placed in hot water before being placed in the mouth. The thermoplastic material in boil-and-bite mouthguards becomes soft when heated, so the material will mold to the shape of the teeth when pressed into the arches. These mouthguards provide slightly more protection than stock mouthguards, but they are often equally as uncomfortable. Custom-fitted mouthguards are built based on an impression of your mouth and use custom materials. When consulting with your dentist, an impression will be taken and sent to a laboratory that builds these custom mouthguards. These mouthguards provide a level of protection, fit, and comfort far beyond stock mouthguards and boil-and-bite mouthguards, making them much more effective at preventing trauma and much easier to wear. Who Can Use Mouthguards?Both children and adults seeking additional protection during sport activities are standard candidates for mouthguards. You will most frequently see mouthguards worn by athletes involved in close-contact sports, but you should also consider wearing a mouthguard while taking part in activities that pose any risk of damage. Non-contact sports like skating or biking also pose a potential risk of mouth injury, so we suggest wearing a mouthguard when taking part in these activities—there is no shame in taking additional precautions to prevent trauma and serious injury! We also recommend mouthguards for patients dealing with sleep apnea, snoring, and bruxism, or teeth grinding. With the use of a mouthguard, we can help patients prevent potential tooth damage or decay caused by severe grinding or clenching. We advise patients with mild sleep apnea to wear mouthguards while sleeping to keep their airway open. Mouthguards can also reduce snoring in many cases to help patients sleep comfortably through the night. If you or your loved ones participate in close-contact or high-intensity sports, mouthguards are a must. If you have children at home who are active in sports, we consider it a necessity to teach the importance of using mouthguards early on to prevent early dental trauma and lifelong discomfort. Our team looks forward to helping you learn how to best protect your smile! If you would like to book a consultation or learn more about the benefits of a custom mouthguard, give us a call at 214-363-9946. |