Mouthguards
Mouthguards are a rubber protection which fit inside the mouth to protect the jaw, teeth and gums from damage during sports and high impact activities. There are many types of mouthguards, designs and materials.
An injury to the jaw, teeth or gums without a mouthguard will cause significantly higher chance of jaw fracture, tooth fracture, gum damage which can ultimately lead to need for complex reconstructive surgery of the jaw and loss of teeth. For these reasons it is wide policy in most contact sporting bodies have made mouthguards mandatory.
On the levels of protection, a Custom-fitted Mouthguard made at the Dentist will provide the greatest protection to the teeth and over-the-counter Mouthguards the least accuracy and least protection in excessive traumas.
How Do Mouthguards Protect the Teeth?
Mouthguards are effective in protecting the teeth against fractures, breakage or dislocation. Mouthguards provide cushioning around the teeth, protecting them from physical injury. Essentially, in a trauma, the mouthguard’s rubber will prevent tooth vs tooth contact and absorb the impact and disperse these forces across the entire arch. Teeth are also protected from coming into contact with each other and work to guard the lower jaw.
Who Are Mouthguards For?
Sporting Mouthguards are ideal to prevent Dental Trauma if you participate in physical sports or activities. Or, if you grind your teeth. Wearing a Mouthguard is effective in preventing chipped or broken teeth, damage to your mouth and tongue, dental nerve damage and other injuries.
Mouthguards can be worn by both children and adults.
Your Dentist may provide you with a custom Mouthguard for these purposes:
- Sporting Mouthguards for sports or physical activities
- Grinding Teeth (Bruxism) Mouthguards
- Sleeping Mouthguards (for snoring and sleep apnea)
Mouthguards Appointment Process
Your Mouthguard appointment process will start with an initial Consultation with one of our expert Dentists. At the Consultation, your Dentist will assess your condition and provide you with the best Mouthguard treatment options. The Dentist will take impressions of your teeth and bite. After your Consultation Appointment, our Dental Technicians will hand-craft your Custom Mouthguard in our in-house Dental Laboratory. When you receive your custom Mouthguard, your Dentist will outline how to best use it and manage your condition.
Typical contact Sports which Sporting Mouthguards are recommended
- AFL
- BMX
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Martial Arts
- Netball
- Hockey
- Football
- Rugby Union
- Rugby League
- Water Polo
Types of Mouthguards
- Custom-fitted Mouthguards – Custom Mouthguards are uniquely designed to fit your mouth. Your Dentist will take an impression of your teeth and bite. In our on-site Dental Laboratory, a Dental Technician will hand-craft your custom Mouthguard. Custom Mouthguards typically provide the best protection and comfort.
- Teeth Grinding Mouthguards – Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) is a common condition, often occurring while sleeping. Teeth grinding can lead to a range of Dental problems and injuries such as toothaches, jaw pain, sore gums and fractured teeth. A custom-fitted Occlusal Splint can assist in preventing Dental damage from Bruxism.
- Boil-and-bite Mouthguards – These Mouthguards use a thermoplastic material and you can shape it to your mouth at home. These are not as effective as custom-fitted Mouthguards and are best as a short-term solution.
- Over-the-counter Mouthguards – A one-size-fits-all type of Mouthguard. These Mouthguards are ready to wear, although don’t usually fit very well as they are not moulded to your teeth. As they do not fit perfectly, they offer the least protection.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
To maintain a clean and long-lasting mouthguard, it’s important to follow a few simple maintenance steps.
- Rinse after every use: It’s recommended to rinse your mouthguard with warm water (not hot water) after every use to remove dental debris.
- Daily cleaning: You should use a separate toothbrush to gently brush the mouthguard clean after every use. With cool water, you can use either non-abrasive toothpaste, soap or mouthwash to gently brush your mouth-guard clean.
- Monthly deep cleaning: For a comprehensive clean, it’s recommended to do a thorough clean of your mouth-guard at least once per month. This can be done using non-abrasive denture cleaning tablets by following the packet’s instructions, or use natural cleaning solutions such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Allow the mouthguard to sit in the cleaning solution for 10-30 minutes.
- Correct storage: Keep your mouthguard in a clean, dry case in between uses. You should also gently clean the case once per month.
Mouthguards Cost Brisbane
A Brisbane Smiles kids mouthguard cost is under $200 and an investment well worth the protection it provides. The price estimate is for Dentist/OHT impression and dental laboratory made, custom mouthguard with custom colour and is dual-layered with two layers to give additional protection from severe knocks. Colours can be selected to match school or team colours.
Turnaround time to construct a mouthguard is 1 business day subject to colour availability.
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Brisbane Mouthguard Appointments
If you’re suffering from Bruxism, a sleep disorder, or require tooth protection during physical activity, a Mouthguard can offer protection and relief. The Dentist will be able to provide a Custom Mouthguard for optimal protection and comfort. Book your Consultation today.