How Mouthguards Are Used in Dentistry
In preventive dentistry, dental experts invest in different oral techniques to help protect the mouths of patients from infections and damage. Mouthguards are very significant in this specialty of dentistry. However, it is not the only area where mouthguards in Paramus, NJ are used. Read on to learn more about mouthguards, and the different ways they are used in dental health.
What Are Mouthguards?
They are dental appliances used to cover the surfaces of teeth for the sake of protecting them from damage. Many people that have used mouthguards in 07652 have done so to protect their teeth from external impact.
Mouthguards come in different types and sizes so that there is something for every patient. The types that exist can be used to serve different needs in dentistry.
Types Of Mouthguards
The common types of mouthguards near you are:
- Stock mouth protectors – they are very easy to access, even at a local sports store near you. They are usually pre-made so that they come ready to wear. They come in different sizes, ensuring that everyone has a size that would fit them. They are also inexpensive, proving a great deal for many people. However, because they are pre-made, their fit will not be perfect. Some can be ill-fitting and uncomfortable to wear. Still, they get the job done, by protecting your teeth from external damage.
- Boil and bite mouth protectors – they are also pre-made, making them readily accessible for you. The difference between these mouthguards and the stock mouth protectors is the fit. Ideally, the boil and bite mouth protectors feature a thermoplastic material. This material allows the mouthguards to adjust accordingly when the heat is involved. Technically, you need to put the mouthguards in hot water before you wear them. This softens the material, which you then place over your teeth and adjust accordingly. You can use your finger or the tip of your tongue to shape it properly over your teeth.
- Custom-fit mouthguards – these are the type of mouthguards you won’t find at a local store near you. Instead, they are made by a dentist, after proper consideration of the needs you have. Usually, a dentist will take impressions of your mouth. The impressions will act as the measurements of which the mouthguards will be created. This ensures that the mouthguards you get fit you perfectly. Any dental experts will recommend the custom-fitted mouth protectors over any other type.
How Are Mouthguards Used?
When you resolve to get a mouthpiece to protect your teeth and mouth in general, there is a reason for it. Usually, mouthguards are used to offer extra protection to your teeth. In most cases, mouthguards are used for the following reasons:
- For protection from external pressure – most of the beneficiaries of mouthguards near you are sportspersons. When you are involved in high-contact sports like rugby, soccer, football, or other such sports, your teeth are at a high risk of damage. A mouthguard will be needful for guarding your teeth against such pressure and force that might break your jaw and damage your teeth.
- Teeth grinding treatment – teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a dental problem that causes grinding or clenching of teeth together. This problem mostly occurs when you are sleeping, causing many dental problems. To protect your teeth from the damage of teeth grinding, a custom-fitted mouthguard is prescribed. The mouthguards used for this purpose are often referred to as nocturnal bite plate or bite splint.
- Sleep apnea treatment – sleep apnea is a dental-related sleeping disorder that causes shortness of breath at night, disrupting healthy sleeping patterns. To treat this condition, a mouthguard can be made that helps keep your upper and lower jawbone away from each other. This improves breathability, reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Summary
Any of the above-mentioned mouthguards are useful in dental health. However, when choosing a mouthguard, be sure that it does not deter you from speaking properly, or even interfere with your breathability. The goal is to protect your mouth without compromising your health. Besides that, notice that most mouthguards are made for the upper teeth, and not your whole mouth. Still, in special cases, a dentist can customize a mouthguard for both your upper and lower jaw.