Learn more about mouth guards

March 4, 2013 1:23 pm
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Types of Mouth Guards

You don’t have to be a football player to benefit from wearing a mouth protector. Any adult or child involved in a recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth can obtain smile protection with this important safety device.

There are basically two types of mouth protectors:

Pre-fabricated:
A pre-fabricated mouth guard can be purchased at stores, these mouth guards are often only offered in a general size offerings.
Custom:
Mouth guards can also be fabricated by your dentist using an exact model (impression) of your mouth. This type of mouth guard provides superior fit and protection.

Custom-made mouth guards

Your dentist can create a special mouth protector just for you – one that will provide comfort and proper fit. A custom-made mouth protector is individually designed and constructed in the dental office or according to your dentist’s specifications in a professional dental laboratory.

First, the dentist makes an impression of the patient’s teeth. Using a special material, the dentist constructs the mouth protectors over a model of the teeth.

Although custom-made mouth protectors are somewhat more expensive than stock mouth protectors purchased in stores, their exceptionally good fit, comfort, and overall quality make them worth it. A custom-made mouth protector is easily retained in the mouth and does not interfere with speech or breathing. For these reason, custom-made devices are often preferred by sports enthusiasts and recommended by dentists. So give your smile a sporting chance – ask you dentist about mouth protectors.

Athletic Requirements

If you have dental appliances such as orthodontic braces or bridgework, you should wear a mouth protector that has been fitted by a dentist.
A mouth protector should be worn at all times during contact sports, in practice as well as during games.
Mishaps on the playing field, the basketball court, and while riding a bicycle or skateboard often involve blows to the head, face, and mouth.

Besides creating a painful emergency, injuries to the mouth can result in chipped or fractured teeth, nerve damage, and tooth loss. Wearing a mouth protector is a simple way to prevent many of these painful and costly injuries.

Above article written by: DentalHealthOnline.net

Cosmetic Dentistry
Gregory B. Garrett, DDS 
2215 Delaney Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
Tel: (910) 763-3679
Website: WilmingtonSmiles.net