Mouthguards
are made of soft plastic and are placed between the upper and lower teeth. It
acts as a soft cushion and removes contact between the teeth. This orthodontic
treatment may be preferred for patients who have received orthodontic treatment
and need reinforcement. Mouthguards usually cover the upper teeth and are
designed to prevent tooth breaks, cut lips, and other mouth injuries.
Mouthguards are also recommended for pressure relief for patient's who experience
bruxism (teeth grinding).
Which
type of mouthguard should be used?
There
are tree types of mouthguards:
1- Stock Mouthguards: They
are made of PVC-based materials and come in various sizes.
2- Boil and Bite Mouthguards:
Prepared with a thermoplastic material, these mouthguards loose adaptation in
time.
3- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: Your dentist will take
measurements from your top jaw, design the mouthguard accordingly, and prepare
a soft essix plate with a thickness of about 5 mm. This kind of mouthguard is
individually designed and made for the patient.