Dental Mouth Guards
What Are Dental Mouth Guards?
Why Are Mouth Guards Needed?
The primary function of a dental mouth guard is to protect the teeth. People who grind their teeth often have no idea they do it and have no control over it. This can cause teeth to break, crack, or fracture. Rather than deal with an emergency appointment and lifetime damage to your permanent teeth, a dental night guard can keep them protected. These mouth guards are made of a thin but durable material specifically made to fit comfortably on your teeth.
Who Is a Candidate for Mouth Guards?
What Happens During the Mouth Guard Creation Process?
To make a mouth guard, we will take a quick upper and lower impression. These molds are then sent to the lab and used to craft a new mouth guard using strong and durable materials. You will come back into the office to be fitted with the mouth guard, and we can make adjustments to the guard as needed so that it’s as comfortable as possible. It is recommended that you wear your custom dental mouth guard nightly. It will last several years but feel free to bring it with you to appointments, and we will monitor it for signs of wear and let you know if it needs to be replaced. If it is cracked, or if there is a hole in it, it will need to be replaced.
Can I Wear a Mouth Guard If I Wear Braces?
Yes, you can wear a mouth guard when you wear braces. However, securing a mouth guard that will fit your teeth perfectly will be more complicated when braces are a factor. A custom-fit mouth guard is designed to snugly conform to the teeth, so you will probably go through multiple mouth guards before it’s time to remove your braces.
In light of this, you may want to use a soft versus a hard mouth guard, as a softer option will provide a bit more give. In addition, your dentist will need to regularly evaluate the fit of your mouth guard to keep it from working against the braces while your teeth shift into their proper place.
How Do I Care for My Mouth Guard?
To keep your dental mouth guard clean and intact, rinse it with water after every use. Also, remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth guard regularly with soap and water, as bacteria can cause bad breath or tooth decay. Hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive and works well for sanitizing mouth guards; simply place your dental guard in a cup of hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
If you think you are grinding your teeth at night and might benefit from a dental mouth guard or need to have one made for your child, call or text us today at (972) 646-0660 and we can get you into our office for an appointment right away.
FAQ
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