Benefits of a Fitted Mouth Guard

Benefits of a Fitted Mouth Guard If you are an athlete, or have watched contact sports, you are probably familiar with a mouth guard. But what exactly is it? Well, a mouth guard is a soft plastic or laminate device used mainly in sports to prevent oral injuries to the teeth, mouth, cheeks, tongue, and jaw.

However, a mouth guard can also be used for reasons other than sports. For example, mouth guards can be used as splints to reduce strain over the temporomandibular joint in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). They can also be used to prevent tooth attrition in bruxism (broadly characterized by grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw).

The types of injuries that can occur without the use of a mouth guard are chipped or broken teeth, fractured crowns or bridgework, lip and cheek injuries, fractured jaws, root damage to the teeth, and concussions. Mouth guards can be ready-made, mouthformed, or custom fitted mouth guards.

Ready-made mouth guards are fresh off the shelf, whereas mouth-formed mouth guards are fitted to your teeth by placing the mouth guard in very hot water and then, biting into it firmly. However, custom or fitted mouth guards are still the best and most effective option. A fitted mouth guard protects against trauma and injuries, especially concussion. In fact, a fitted mouth guard can reduce your chances of concussion by more than 50%. In this article, we’ll talk at length of the benefits of fitted or custom mouth guards…

Fitted mouth guards are a snug fit: Everyone’s teeth, jaw, and mouth vary in size and shape. Both ready-made and Mouth-formed mouth guards are not as good a fit as custom or fitted mouth guards. Fitted mouth guards are created keeping your specific dental history in mind. This means that any braces or appliances you have in your

mouth are protected as well. To make a custom-fitted mouth guard, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. The cast of your impression makes a near perfect model of your mouth. This is then sent to a dental lab where your mouth guard will be constructed. Once the mouth guard is ready, your dentist will inspect it and ensure that you are satisfied with the fit.

Fitted mouth guards are comfortable: Since your mouth guard is made from a perfect impression of your teeth and mouth it is extremely comfortable, without any unwanted or unnecessary bulky material left over. Custom-fitted mouth guards are more likely to be worn as they are more comfortable, especially for children.

Introducing custom-fitted mouth guards to children at a young age means that they are more likely to wear them as adults.

Fitted mouth guards offer maximum protection: A fitted mouth guard will protect all of your teeth, as well as your jaw. If impact takes place, this mouth guard will absorb the shock and distribute the impact properly. With concussions continuing to rise in athletes, custom-fitted mouth guards are measures that can help prevent concussions and other injuries. Custom-fitted mouth guards also protect your braces and other appliances, such as retainers and implant-supported dentures, which can be costly to repair.

Fitted mouth guards are of the correct thickness: Fitted mouth guards vary in thickness depending on what they are going to be used for. For example, heavy contact sports such as boxing, hockey, and football require thicker fitted mouth guards to handle the stress. Low contact sports, such as tennis and racquetball require mouth guards that are thinner. If you have a fitted mouth guard made just for you, it will be of the right thickness.

Fitted mouth guards are extremely cost-effective: Being proactive and wearing a mouth guard before an injury takes place, can save you from having to spend on costly dental reconstructive services in the future. By only spending on a fitted mouth guard, you can also protect costly dental work you may have had done, such as porcelain veneers and dental implants.

Fitted mouth guards make breathing easy: Unlike ready-made or mouth-formed mouth guards, fitted mouth guards fit perfectly over your teeth and jaw. This prevents gagging and difficult breathing.

So, now you know more about fitted mouth guards. At the Tacoma Dental Group, we are cosmetic dentists that work with each patient individually to determine the treatment they need. We also ensure that we put your oral health above all else and would be happy to discuss your need for a fitted mouth guard.

Do not hesitate to discuss your dental needs including your need for a fitted mouth guard, as it may mean the difference between severe trauma and protection for your teeth, mouth, and jaw. Here’s to healthy teeth that are safe from injury…

For more information on how you can schedule an appointment for a thorough dental check-up and consultation, contact Dr. Ron Lo at 253-383-1551 or at tacomadentalgroup@gmail.com.

Source – Tacoma Dental Group