MOUTHGUARDS IN SOUTHPORT
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Southport Park Family Dental
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Mouthguards are worn during sports and aim to protect teeth and reduce the severity of trauma that may occur to the teeth and soft tissues. Not all mouthguards are able to offer the same level of protection for your teeth. The Australian dental association recommends custom-made mouthguards provided by your dentist to provide the most superior protection for your teeth.
A custom-made mouthguard works by absorbing and spreading the shock of impact made to the teeth. They are reported to be more superior than over-the-counter mouthguards as they are made to fit the contour of your teeth, jaw and mouth.
Types of Mouthguards
Custom-made mouthguards
As the name suggests, these mouthguards are custom-made. Only dental professionals can design and make custom-made mouthguards. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make these mouthguards. As they are made to fit your teeth and jaw, they can provide the best protection. A custom mouthguard is well fitted, sits firmly in place, balances your bite, is comfortable and allows you to breathe, speak and swallow normally.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards
These mouthguards are available over the counter and are self-fitted. They generally are loosely fitted and may affect breathing and speaking. They may not conform appropriately to your bite and be uncomfortable to wear. They are not recommended by dentists as they do not provide the best protection for your teeth.
Stock
These mouthguards are pre-formed and ready-to-wear. Like boil-and-bite mouthguards, they offer the least protection for your teeth.
Three Custom Mouthguard Options
There are three different custom mouthguard options depending on your age and level of protection required for your teeth.
Single layer mouthguard
Single layer mouthguards provide protection for low and medium impact sports. They are normally recommended for children up to the age of 12 years. This range is also suitable for crowded or misaligned teeth. They are suitable for low impact sports.
Dual layer mouthguard
With double the material, dual layer mouthguards are normally recommended for medium to high impact sports. With dual coverage of dentition, custom-made aims to ensure speech and breathing remains unrestricted. They are suitable from the age of 13yrs to adults and for a range of sports.
Professional mouthguard
Professional mouthguards offer three layers of material to protect teeth. They are recommended for high impact sports to offer maximum protection. They are suitable from the age of 13yrs to adults
How to Look After Your Mouthguard
Some suggestions to look after your mouthguard include:
- Rinse with soap and cool (not hot) water after each use and allow it to air-dry.
- Do not leave it in direct sunlight or inside the car. Heat can damage the mouthguard.
- Have your dentist check your mouthguard at your regular check-ups.
- If the mouthguard starts to feel uncomfortable and not fit well, follow-up with your dentist.
At Southport Park Family Dental we can create custom-made mouthguards right here on site! If you would like to know more, call us on (07) 5655 7688.