Mouth guards in Weston, FL
The tooth enamel is the strongest and most resistant tissue in the body. This structure can withstand the different forces inside the mouth without an issue.
However, it is still susceptible to wear and can chip and fracture upon a direct impact. Therefore, it is vital to protect it from trauma.
Although good oral care can prevent cavities and other conditions, it can't protect the teeth from a hit, fall, or impact. Moreover, it can't save them from wearing if you suffer from bruxism.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide a custom-made mouth guard that protects your teeth from wear while you sleep or fractures while you play sports.
If you wake up with a sore jaw or play contact sports like football or basketball, make an appointment at Advantage Dental to get a mouth guard.
What is a mouth guard?
A mouth guard is a specialized type of splint that protects your teeth during different activities.
These splints are usually custom-made to provide adequate protection. Furthermore, there are different types of mouth guards with multiple functions.
They can be made of hard acrylic material or soft thermoplastic material. The type of material depends on what they are intended for.
Also, just as with any other dental appliance, mouth guards must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Otherwise, bacteria can proliferate and cause other oral issues.
Types of mouth guards
There are different types of mouth guards, such as:
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Bruxism mouth guards:
Bruxism mouth guards are specialized splints that protect your teeth from bruxism while you sleep.
Bruxism is a condition that causes involuntary clenching or teeth grinding during sleep. This results in tooth wear, jaw muscle pain after waking up, and problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
The bruxism mouth guard function as a barrier, separating your upper teeth from their lower counterpart. This prevents them from wearing as you grind.
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Sleep apnea mouth guards:
These types of night guards are designed to reposition the jaw and the tongue during sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to briefly stop breathing repetitively during sleep. This results in poor sleep quality and a lack of energy throughout the day.
However, these night guards maintain the airways open while you sleep. Thereby, usually, they allow you to breathe better as you sleep.
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Sports mouth guards:
Sport mouth guards are meant to be worn while you play a contact sport. They are made of soft material that absorbs the impact. This protects your teeth if they get hit.
How are mouth guards made?
Custom-made mouth guards are made from a dental model of your mouth. The dentist needs to take a dental impression of your teeth. Afterward, the dental laboratory creates the acrylic mouth guard based on the dentist's instructions.
Once made, the dentist tries it in your mouth and makes any adjustments necessary, such as smoothing the edges.
Make sure to visit us at Advantage Dental if you want to protect your teeth with a mouth guard.
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