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Mouthguards

Mouthguards

Why would I need a mouthguard?

It is advisable to wear a professionally made mouthguard if you play sports such as rugby, cricket, hockey and football. Impact to the face, either from a ball or another player, can cause shock waves to travel through your jaw leading to bone damage, or a direct hit can shatter or chip a tooth. In fact dental injuries are a common occurrence in these kinds of sports. A mouthguard will not help prevent chipping or breaking teeth as a result of impact, it will act as a shock absorber to help protect against a painful broken or dislocated jaw.

Mouthguards can also be custom made to wear at night if you are susceptible to clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism). A mouthguard will not cure your bruxism, but if you have come to your Town View Dental & Implant Clinic dentist for guidance and advice on teeth grinding, they may offer a mouthguard as a method to provide relief from the pressure and the sound while you explore the causes. The application of a mouthguard will even out the pressure across your jaw as well as provide a barrier between your bottom and top teeth. The soft material means that it reduces wear on your teeth and also helps to diminish the grinding sound.

You may also require a mouthguard for some teeth whitening treatments.

    The making of a mouthguard

    Your Town View Dental & Implant Clinic orthodontist will make your mouthguard to fit the exact shape of your jaw, ensuring that it stays in place comfortably, provides maximum protection and lasts for as long as possible.

    Your local Clacton-on-Sea dentist will take an impression of your teeth from which to make the finished guard. This first impression is used to make a complete plaster cast model of your jaw, gums and teeth that the dental laboratory technicians will use. They shape the mouthguard material around the model to create a part that fits snugly over either your upper or lower teeth. The expert technicians will use the model to make sure that the bite is as comfortable as possible, and make small adjustments until the mouthguard is at a stage ready to be delivered to back to Town View Dental & Implant Clinic where you can pick it up. Your mouthguard will come with care instructions and a container to protect it when you are not wearing it. 

      Maintaining your mouthguard

      • Scrub your mouthguard after every use with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.
      • Keep it in its protective case when you are not wearing it.
      • Mouthguards are plastic, so keep it out of very hot water and the sun – these will cause it to melt and deform.
      • Make sure you regularly replace your mouthguard, not only for good hygiene but also to update it as your teeth naturally change and move.

      A strong, durable mouthguard could last you years but, of course, the lifetime of your mouthguard depends on how well you care for it, and whether it takes any blows from your sporting activities. On average a mouthguard will last around six months to a year. If your teeth are still moving or coming through, then it is important to get your mouthguard replaced more regularly to ensure that it fits correctly.

        What colour will my mouthguard be?

        Your mouthguard can be made out of see-through plastic, so that it is near invisible, or you can have it made in a colour of your choice. Sometimes sports teams have their mouthguards created in team colours.

            Can I buy a mouthguard off the shelf?

            You can buy pre-formed mouthguards from some sports shops. These kind of mouthguards are made to mould at home (known as a boil-and-bite). It comes in a shape that will fit any jaw to firstly be boiled at home. While the guard is still hot, you place it over your teeth and shape it to your jaw. These are less accurate than a mouthguard provided by an orthodontist and can therefore be uncomfortable and awkwardly fitted. You may find them more brittle and liable to damage due to the heating and cooling process. To best protect your teeth, it is advisable to speak to  your dentist about your options.

            To get a custom made mouthguard contact your Town View Dental & Implant Clinic dentist to make an appointment.

              Mouthguards

              A mouthguard is a custom-made dental appliance that fits over your teeth and gums. It helps protect your teeth, jaw and soft tissues by absorbing and spreading pressure or impact. Because it is made specifically for your mouth, it is more comfortable and effective than off-the-shelf mouthguards. At Town View Dental & Implant Clinic, mouthguards are professionally made to suit your individual needs.

              Why might I need a mouthguard?

              For sport

              If you play contact or ball sports such as rugby, hockey, cricket or football, wearing a mouthguard is strongly recommended. A mouthguard helps reduce the risk and severity of dental and jaw injuries caused by impact.

              For teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

              If you grind or clench your teeth, a night-time mouthguard can help protect your teeth from wear, reduce pressure on the jaw, and ease muscle strain. It does not cure bruxism, but it can help manage symptoms.

              For jaw pain and TMJ problems

              In some cases, a mouthguard may help reduce strain on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. It can help the jaw rest in a more relaxed position and may ease symptoms such as jaw pain or stiffness. Your dentist will assess whether this is suitable for you.

              How is a mouthguard made?

              Your dentist will take an impression or digital scan of your teeth. This is used by a dental laboratory to create a mouthguard that fits securely, feels comfortable and allows normal breathing and speech. You will be given care instructions and a protective case.

              Looking after your mouthguard

              • Clean it after each use with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste
              • Store it in its protective case when not in use
              • Keep it away from heat, as this can cause it to warp
              • Replace it if it becomes worn, damaged or no longer fits properly

              Most mouthguards last around six months to a year, depending on use and care.

              Can I buy a mouthguard from a shop?

              Shop-bought or “boil-and-bite” mouthguards may offer some protection but are not tailored to your teeth and can be uncomfortable or less secure. For the best fit and protection, we recommend a professionally made mouthguard.

              Book a consultation today

              To find out if a custom mouthguard is right for you, contact Town View Dental & Implant Clinic to book an appointment.

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