Why Choose a Custom Made Mouthguard?

While it is tempting to buy a cheap ready- made or ‘boil and bite’ mouthguard from the supermarket or chemist, it’s important to recognize the qualities that make a good mouthguard. 

The fit
A mouthguard must fit well so that it doesn’t fall out when used. It shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or hinder speech and/or breathing. A good mouthguard must cover the teeth as well as some of the jawbone to protect from tooth and bone fracture.  Most people struggle to get ready- made mouthguards to fit well. 

Thickness
Studies have shown that a mouthguard should be at least 3mm thick to be able to absorb the shock upon impact. Cheaper mouthguards may skimp on material. 

Durability
Mouthguards need to be long wearing, lasting as long as possible to minimise expense and maximise protection. A quality custom made mouthguard is less likely to wear down. 

Balance
A mouthguard should be balanced with the bite as this reduces the possibility of jaw joint injury. Ready- made mouthguards do not take into account the person’s bite and are therefore often unbalanced. 

Developing mouths
Parents often choose cheap mouthguards because they feel their children’s teeth will change a lot as they grow and develop. While it is true that children’s teeth change a lot as they grow, it is also very important to prevent damage to the developing teeth and jaws.  A more flexible, cheaper mouthguard can be fabricated by your dentist for children with developing teeth without compromising on quality. 

Colour
There are a variety of colours to choose from when ordering a custom made mouthguard. Many people choose to match their sports team’s colours. 

Name and Phone Number
Custom made mouthguards can have your name and phone number incorporated into them, so you won’t lose it.
Once made, your dentist can check the mouthguard every year to ensure it fits well and is not showing signs of deterioration

When playing contact sports, you or your child is at risk of: 

• Chipped teeth 
• Jaw or bone fracture 
• Teeth knocked loose or knocked out completely 
• Cuts and bruises to lips, gums, tongue and surrounding soft tissues 

The process of having a mouthguard made is simple. Impressions are taken of your teeth and sent to our Australian laboratory. You can select a colour combination of your choice. Approximately 10 days later, the mouthguard is ready to be tried in. If Dr Edwina is happy with the fit then you are free to go home with your brand new mouthguard! We recommend you care for your mouthguard by soaking it in a denture cleaner such as Steradent after use. 

Please call (02) 9460 1661 to arrange for a mouthguard to be custom made for you. 

Mouthguards for Sleep Apnoea

Mouthguards can also help those suffering from a mild form of sleep apnoea. Please see here for more information about sleep apnoea and snoring solutions

Dental Night Guards

The professional name for a dental night guard is an occlusal splint. An occlusal splint will prevent damage to your teeth from clenching and grinding.  

Clenching and grinding are signs of a problematic habit termed bruxism. Bruxism usually occurs at night while asleep but can happen anytime when concentrating or stressed.   

Often, people aren’t aware that they are clenching or grinding. Other signs of bruxism include: 

• Headaches 
• Restricted jaw opening or locked jaw 
• Pain when chewing, yawning or opening widely 
• Toothache 
• Earaches, hearing loss or ringing in the ears 
• Face, neck, back and shoulder pain or muscle spasms 
• Broken, worn or chipped teeth 
• Grinding sound when asleep 

Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment includes: 

• Rest: avoiding chewy or hard foods for a short period of time and avoiding extreme jaw movements 
• Heat packs 
• Medications (painkillers, sedatives or anti- inflammatory medications) 
• Lifestyle stress management 
• Physiotherapy 
• Surgery 

If you need an occlusal splint, Dr Edwina will take impressions of your teeth and send them to our Australian laboratory so your splint can be made. Within a fortnight, it is back and ready to be fitted. Sometimes, small adjustments need to be made. You wear it every night and at other times you notice you’re clenching or grinding. Every morning, you clean it with a wet, soft toothbrush and allow it to dry. Weekly soaking with a denture cleaner such as Polident can help keep it clean and fresh. 

Please call McMahons Point Dental on (02) 9460 1661 for more information about occlusal splints (night guards).