Mouth Guards
Custom-fit mouth guards are prescribed and created by a dental professional from thermoplastic material and are based on a detailed mold taken of your mouth and teeth. They are made to protect your teeth during impact and will be most useful when playing contact sports.They’re highly personalized, as your dentist can adjust the thickness of the mouth guard, and they’re designed to fit perfectly in your mouth with no adjustments needed.
First, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This is generally done using a dental putty that forms to all the crevices of each tooth and creates an exact mold of your smile. The mold is then sent to the lab, where the actual mouth guard is created. The structure is made by layering superheated plastic to precise specifications and is then cooled to create an extremely durable piece of dental wear.
There are several benefits for mouth guards for sports-related uses:
- Reduces the risk of concussion from lower jaw impacts while play sports
- Sports mouth guards protect teeth from being knocked out or fractured
- Provides a comfortable fit allowing for natural breathing and speaking
- Prevents jaw fractures by acting as a cushion between the upper and lower jaw
- Meets sports teams regulations where relevant
Because custom mouth guards are so precisely made, they are able to provide you with optimal safety and comfort, as opposed to the bulky, confining “boil and bite” guards. The level of protection afforded by custom-fitted mouth guards is unrivaled by any other mouth guard, and their durability is enhanced by the snug shape, which hugs each tooth closely, eliminating unwanted movement and any need for adjustment.
For more information on customised mouth guards, please call Darwin Smiles on 08 8981 9993
Night Guard/Splint
A Night Guard is a common name for a dental appliance called an occlusal splint. These differ from a sports mouthguard in their design, the material from which they are constructed and their use. Your dentist will recommend an occlusal splint when there are clear signs that you are causing damage to your teeth through involuntary clenching or grinding at night or during the day.
The Occlusal Splint Fitting Process
Impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth to confirm an accurate fit
Using your impressions as a mold, the splint is crafted out of strong, durable plastic
When the splint is finished, it is properly fitted to your mouth
Simply wear the splint while you sleep every night
Benefits of an occlusal splint
Prevents migraine pain
Can reduce the damage and tension caused by grinding teeth during sleep
Prevents tension-type headache pain
Can help prevent jaw disorders by relieving pressure
Prevents the development of TMD (temporomandibular disorder)
Prevents damage to your natural teeth, fillings and
crowns from excessive grinding and clenching
Don’t live with painful migraines and headaches.
To find out if you might benefit from a custom-made occlusal splint, call Darwin Smiles on 08 8981 9993