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Taking care of your dental safety should always be a priority, especially when involved in high-paced activities. While many experts recommend using mouth guards to ensure maximum safety, are there any other benefits associated with using mouth guards?
In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of mouth guards available in the market as well as the additional benefits that can be attained using mouth guards.
What is a Mouth Guard
A mouth guard is an orthodontic device that is placed in your mouth to act as a cushion around the teeth. It is made from flexible and soft materials such as thermoplastic, silicone, or rubber.
Types of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards fall into two categories, i.e., sports guards and night guards, and within each category, there are three options: stock, boil and bite, and custom-made mouth guards.
Night Guards
These are worn during sleep to protect against teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can lead to dental wear, headaches, and jaw pain. They are usually more transparent and thinner compared to sports mouth guards.
Sports Mouth Guards
These are often used by athletes to protect against tooth damage from falls, blows, impacts, and collisions. They are commonly worn during high-paced or combat sports such as wrestling, football, hockey, basketball, etc.
Stock Mouth Guards
These pre-shaped and ready-to-wear guards are available in standard sizes and shapes. Unlike custom or boil-and-bite mouth guards , stock mouth guards are not adjustable and are designed to fit a range of mouth sizes.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
These mouth guards are molded at home by boiling them in water and then biting into them to create a custom fit.
Custom Mouth Guards
Customized according to your dental impressions, these custom mouth guards offer the most protection and provide enhanced comfort. They are offered by dentists and at-home providers.
Benefits
- Protection: Mouth guards significantly reduce the risk of chipped, cracked, or broken teeth while protecting the lips and gums as well.
- Prevent: They act as a cushion to blows and help prevent damage to teeth anchorage and pulp.
- Improved Sleep: Wearing a mouth guard while you sleep can help with snoring, jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, and other symptoms of TMJ disorder.
- Reduced Bruxism: Night guards can help alleviate discomfort associated with bruxism, leading to better sleep quality.
- Less Abrasion: Night guards will reduce the wear and tear caused by clenching or grinding your teeth.
Why Choose Custom Mouth Guards
When it comes to protecting your teeth, custom mouth guards, such as those offered by ALIGNERCO, are preferred by experts.
Here’s why they are better when compared to generic or over-the-counter alternatives:
1. Better Fit and Comfort
Custom mouth guards are made with precision to match your dental requirements. Unlike generic or boil-and-bite mouth guards, which are bulky or ill-fitting, custom guards are designed to fit snugly over the teeth for maximum comfort and stability. This tailored fit ensures no more uncomfortable rubbing or frequent adjusting.
2. Enhanced Protection
A custom guard ensures that all your teeth are shielded from impacts or grinding. This personalized protection significantly reduces the risk of damage to your teeth, gums, and dental work.
3. Optimal Performance
Custom mouth guards are crafted from high-quality, durable materials that offer better shock absorption and impact resistance.
To sum it up, mouth guards can be a great addition to your life that enhances your oral health and offers effective treatment options such as night guards, sports guards, custom-fit mouthguards, and much more. Still, it is better to consult with a specialist who can assess your dental conditions and recommend the best solution to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mouth guard is best for sports?
A custom-fit sports mouth guard will offer you enhanced protection and comfort for sports compared to the other options.
Can I sleep with a mouth guard?
You can sleep with a night guard that protects your teeth from bruxism and teeth clenching.
Does a mouth guard straighten teeth?
No, mouth guards do not straighten the teeth and only focus on safeguarding them from bruxism.
