Mouthguards
If you’re a night grinder or unconsciously clench your teeth, a mouthguard, also known as an appliance or splint, may be helpful. Some fit on the upper teeth while some fit over the bottom teeth. They are designed to keep your jaw in a more relaxed position to protect them from further damage.
One such splint, for example, called the anterior deprogrammer or NTI-tss fits over just the front teeth to keep the back teeth (molars) completely separated. This is based on the theory that most clenching is done on these back teeth. With the anterior deprogrammers the only contact is between the splint and a bottom front tooth. In studies, anterior deprogrammer has been found to help prevent bruxism.
Mouthguards are recommended by the dentists in order to protect your teeth, gums, tongue, and lips. If you are looking forward to getting one, you’re at the right place to know all about “Mouthguards”.
Purpose of Mouthguards:
Mouthguards help in multiple ways depending upon the existing or underlying problems. Given below are a few of the many benefits of wearing a mouthguard:
- Prevent friction/grinding of upper and lower teeth against each other, thereby preventing fracture of teeth, wearing out of enamel, and loosening of teeth
- Protect teeth from extreme sensitivity to hot, cold, and acidic drinks
- It can eliminate facial pain or pain in the Jaw muscles
- It helps in reducing headache
- It helps to reduce neck pain, & ear pain associated with teeth grinding
- It helps in reducing jaw joint pain (TMJ pain)
- Eliminates noise due to night time grinding of the teeth
There are three types of commonly used Mouthguards:
1.Stock Mouthguards:
These mouthguards are inexpensive and can be easily found in a sporting goods store, pharmacy, or departmental store. They are pre-formed and ready to wear but provide less protection. The fitting can be uncomfortable too. They are made up of rubber or polyvinyl. These pre-formed guards are bulky which increases the tendency to gag. It makes breathing and talking difficult because they require the jaw to be closed to hold them in place.
2. Mouth-formed Mouthguards
They are of two types:
- Shell liner: It is lined with acrylic gel or rubber that molds to the teeth and sets to keep its shape.
- Boil-and-bite: It is made up of thermoplastic. It is placed in boiling water to soften and then molded to the shape of your teeth and jaw. Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be reheated and refitted if the fit isn’t comfortable initially.
Both types of mouth-formed mouthguards are available online and at sporting goods or drug stores. While they are a better fit than stock mouthguards, but can be bulky and do not offer the same fit and protection as a custom-fitted mouthguard.
3. Custom-fitted Mouthguards/Deprogrammers (Made by the Dentist or via dentist instructions in professional labs)
They provide the greatest degree of fit, comfort, and protection because they are made from a cast to precisely fit your teeth. Your dentist makes an impression, uses the mold to create the custom-fitted mouthguard specially designed and fabricated according to your need.
Important reasons to wear MouthGuard
People who grind their teeth often have a sore jaw. This can happen when they wake up after a nap or when they are chewing. Teeth grinding can lead to several problems. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below then we would advice you to wear a mouthguard.
- Facial pain
- Headaches—tension headaches from day grinding and morning headaches from nighttime bruxism
- Earaches
- Damage to teeth: worn enamel, flattened teeth tops, loose teeth, chipped tooth
- Teeth that are very sensitive to cold, heat, or pressure
- Chewed places on the tongue or cheek
- Noise from the grinding or clenching that wakes your sleeping partner
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Physical symptoms are usually related to the teeth and jaw. Teeth might look worn down or could be chipped due to grinding. It can also wear down tooth enamel. If left untreated, this problem gives rise to future dental issues. This could include sensitivity to hot and cold foods & drinks.
Also, children or adults who are active in the sports mentioned below should always wear a mouthguard to decrease the risk of injury:
- Football
- Boxing
- Basketball
- Field hockey
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding
- In-line skating
- Cycling
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
What are the causes of teeth grinding?
The cause of teeth grinding is unique to each individual. Here are some of the common causes according to our professionals.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Tension
- Eating disorders
- Lack of sleep
- Snoring
- Short-tempered
- Teeth grinding
- Bruxism
- Suppressed anger
- Frustration,
- Antipsychotics and antidepressants,
- Jaw joint disorders
- Jaw muscle pain
- Tight jaw
How can Dentist help you to prescribe Mouthguards/Splints/Deprogrammers?
Highly experienced Dentist at Smile Dental Studio will take your detailed history and do a detailed examination of your teeth, Jaw and facial muscles along with neck, ear and head. If needed X rays/radiographs are taken to find the exact cause of individual problems.
Once the exact nature of the problem is understood we at Smile dental studio will make mold of your teeth along with other relevant measurements and utilize a special instrument (Adjustable Articulators) to fabricate a customized Mouthguard / Splint / Deprogrammer for you. We offer high-quality dental care in a safe and comfortable environment.
Schedule your appointment today or drop us an email at info@smiledentalstudio.in for more info.
