Are over-the-counter mouthguards better than dentist made mouthguards?
Dec 18, 2019 · By going to your dentist for a mouth guard, you are making the most beneficial and useful investment towards fixing oral discomfort. While they can be a more expensive option, getting a custom-fit mouth guard is a sure-fire way of knowing you will receive the best care for the best price with comfort and efficiency.
Should you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth?
How does a dentist make a mouthguard?
How durable are custom-fit mouthguards?
Jun 08, 2016 · Custom mouthguards are a better fit for teeth grinders and athletes for a variety of reasons. You may think a store-bought mouthguard is a money saver, but consider why custom mouthguards are always the better choice, even when it comes to your wallet! Offer More Oral Protection. That store-bought mouthguard is not made to fit your smile.
What type of mouthguard is best?
Best Athletic Mouthguards in 2022Best Overall: Shock Doctor Gel Max Mouthguard.Best Lightweight Design: SISU Aero NextGen Mouthguard.Best Value: Shock Doctor Pro Mouthguard.Best for Fighters: Venum Challenger Mouthguard.Best for Braces: Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouthguard.More items...•Dec 5, 2021
Whats the difference between a night guard and a mouth guard?
Well, firstly, they are made of different materials and serve different purposes. While a night guard is worn when the person sleeps to prevent teeth grinding, a mouth guard is used by athletes and sportsman to protect their teeth and keep them from accidents during a game, especially in contact sports.
Why did my dentist recommend a night guard?
Why your dentist recommends a mouth guard Mouth guards protect against broken teeth, a cut tongue and cut lips during athletic contests. They can alleviate the symptoms of tooth grinding. The wearer feels better in the mornings, and it prevents complications associated with bruxism from occurring.Apr 30, 2020
Is there a difference between mouthguards?
The biggest difference between store-bought mouthguards and custom-made mouthguards is the process in which they're made and the materials used to make them. Custom-fitted versions are made from thermoplastic, which is far more durable than the plastic you'll find in the store.Jun 6, 2018
What can I use instead of a night guard?
If mouth guards are uncomfortable or do not help remedy the situation, consider these three alternative options to discuss with your dentist.Occlusal Splints. One of the more similar treatments to a mouth guard is an occlusal splint. ... Botox Treatments. ... Biofeedback.Feb 11, 2020
Can you still grind your teeth with a night guard?
The problem with using a night guard is that it only addresses the symptoms – the damage to the teeth that bruxism can cause. However, a night guard doesn't get to the root cause of grinding the teeth. A person wearing a night guard will usually continue to grind and clench the teeth.Jun 14, 2017
Is Upper or Lower night guard better?
Upper guards are typically recommended because they don't remove easily compared to lower teeth nightguard. Dentists favor lower guards because they are often more comfortable and easier to get used to. The ideal night guard should protect all your teeth while not affecting your natural bite.Aug 28, 2018
Why do my teeth hurt after wearing my night guard?
If you do experience pain or your mouth is hurting after wearing a night guard, it is a sign that your night guard is not fitted properly in your mouth. The device may be too large or too small and is not providing the adequate protection that you desire and need.
What are the benefits of a night guard?
Guarding Against the Grind: The Top Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard to SleepPrevents Tooth Damage. A night guard ensures that your top teeth and bottom teeth have no contact while you sleep. ... Reduces Jaw Tension And Pain. ... Prevents Headaches. ... Provides Healthy Sleep Patterns. ... Prevents Snoring. ... Saves You Money.Apr 2, 2019
Are boil and bite mouthguards good?
In short, no. While boil and bite mouthguards may help soften the blow a bit they are not designed or made in such as way as to provide enough protection if you take a hit to the mouth. Wearers often find them to be extremely uncomfortable to wear and in some cases won't wear them at all.Jun 22, 2017
Can I use a mouthguard as a night guard?
You should not wear a sports mouth guard at night. It doesn't serve the same purpose as a mouth guard specifically designed for teeth grinding and could even cause damage to your teeth.Aug 1, 2021
Do dentists make custom mouthguards?
The dentist creates them depending on how you intend on using them. Dentists create custom-fit mouthguards from thermoplastic material based on a mold they take of your teeth and mouth. The dentist customizes these mouthguards type to personalize them for your mouth, but they all comprise of thick plastic.
Can a child wear a mouthguard?
If a mouthguard is uncomfortable, your child may choose to not wear the mouthguard or take it out during their sport. Who can blame them? Having an oversized piece of plastic shoved into your mouth doesn’t make for happy sport playing.
Can you buy mouthguards that fit your smile?
It was made to fit a variety of smiles, therefore the chances that it will accurately fit yours are slim. Even if you buy what you believe to be the correct size for your mouth, those standard mouthguards still don’t fully protect each and every tooth in your mouth.
What is an over the counter mouthguard?
Over-the-counter mouthguards are very similar to many mouthguards used by athletes while playing sports except over-the-counter mouthguards are intended to stop teeth from grinding during the night. Both sports and over-the-counter mouthguards are made of plastic, but while most sports mouthguards are very thick and brittle, ...
How much does a mouth guard cost?
Generally speaking, these mouth guards cost from $15 to $35.
Do children need mouthguards?
Children who are still growing will need their custom mouthguards updated more frequently to accommodate their changing mouths. However, it is a good idea to bring your custom mouthguard with you to each dental checkup so that your dentist can ensure that it is still fitting properly and is not damaged.
What is the least expensive mouthguard?
Stock mouthguards are the least expensive option and are available at sporting goods and chemist shops. They come in several sizes and are worn over the upper teeth. Stock mouthguards usually won’t fit as well and can be uncomfortable. They provide the least protection because they don’t fit tightly, and can make talking difficult while wearing one.
What is a custom mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards are made specifically for you by a dentist. First, an impression of your teeth is made, and a laboratory fashions a device that is perfectly fitted to your mouth. It is made of special materials that provide more protection, and thickness can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Why do athletes wear mouthguards?
Although they’re most commonly associated with protecting the teeth and mouth of athletes during sporting activities, they are also used to protect teeth from grinding during sleep, to reduce snoring and relieve sleep apnoea. Dentists recommend using mouthguards during sports and other recreational activities.
How thick should a mouthguard be?
Most dentists recommend a thickness of between 3 and 4mm, and custom mouthguards can also be fitted to both the lower and upper teeth, as well as being fitted to be worn comfortably over braces. Although custom mouthguards are more expensive, they provide the best protection against injury.
What are the different types of mouthguards?
Studies show that up to 39% of dental injuries happen during sporting activities! There are three types of mouthguards: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards and custom-made mouthguards.
What is a dental guard?
A dental guard is sometimes called a bite guard, and for good reason — it acts as a guard or cushion when you bite down to clench or grind your teeth. When your teeth grind together, they are under stress, which can lead to worn enamel and even cracks in your teeth.
Why do I need a night guard for teeth grinding?
Tooth grinding is also associated with TMJ, which is a dysfunction in your jaw joint. Because a night guard cushions and protects your teeth, it reduces these symptoms and side effects, preserving your overall oral health.
Why do I need a night guard?
If you have bruxism, a night guard is often essential to protect your teeth. However, you should also check with your dentist or doctor to try to find the root cause of your bruxism. Sometimes, bruxism happens when people clench their teeth due to stress and anxiety. Others’ bruxism may relate to sleep apnea, and still others might ...
How much does a night guard cost?
Costs will range depending on many factors, but here are average costs: Over-the-counter night guard: $5-$100. Dentist night guard: $400-$1,000+. The dentist night guard is pricey. But before you decide you can’t afford a custom-fit night guard, check in with your dental insurance.
How long does it take for a night guard to be adjusted?
Your dentist might also adjust the night guard once it arrives to ensure a comfortable fit. This process could take a few weeks to a month, and it could mean three or more trips to the dentist.
Stock Mouth Guard
Sometimes, you can “customize” these by cutting them with scissors if they’re too big… ugh. They generally don’t fit very well, they’re usually uncomfortable, and they’re pretty much useless. You will find teeth grinding versions of these in places like Walgreens in the dental night guard aisle. It’s best to avoid this type of mouth guard.
Boil & Bite Mouth Guard
You may have heard these described as “boil-and-bite”. These aren’t bad for certain uses and budgets. They do offer some degree of customization over “stock” guards, and they’re generally inexpensive. They’re made of a thermoplastic material, which is a fancy way of saying that they change shape when heated.
Custom Made Mouth Guards
This is where Sentinel Mouthguards comes in. Again, it’s all about customization. Where good mouth guards provide some degree of personal fit, great mouth guards are handmade specifically for you in a laboratory.
Why do dentists put mouth guards on?
Because an injury to your mouth or face could result in damage to the braces, a custom-fit mouthguard may offer protection. A dentist can custom create a mouthguard to potential provide individualized protection.
Why do you wear mouth guards?
Wearing an over-the-counter mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding or injury may be better than having no protection at all. But, because OTC mouthguards are not custom-fitted, your teeth are no longer protected if you move your jaw while sleeping and dislodge the mouthguard.
What is a mouthguard made of?
The dentist creates them depending on how you intend on using them. Dentists create custom-fit mouthguards from thermoplastic material based on a mold they take of your teeth and mouth. The dentist customizes these mouthguards type to personalize them for your mouth, but they all comprise of thick plastic.
What is a custom mouth guard?
Custom dental guards are designed to keep you from grinding your teeth since your dentist custom fits them to your teeth. Depending on how severe your grinding is, the custom-fitted mouthguard can vary in thickness.
What percentage of dental injuries are caused by sports?
Many risks are associated with mouth and teeth injuries. The National Institutes of Health published a 2014 report pointing out 13 percent of all dental trauma in children is due to sports injuries, and boys have a 50 percent higher chance of being injured than girls.
How does dental putty work?
They may use dental putty to form to our teeth crevices to create a precise mold of your smile. The dentist may either send the mold to the lab or use it directly in their office to create your mouthguard. They layer superheated plastic to the exact requirements to make the structure.
Is it safe to wear a mouthguard in contact sports?
With contact sports, there’s always a risk of dental injuries, such as fractured jaws. Making a mouthguard a part of your standard athletic equipment at an early age can be beneficial in protecting your mouth and teeth from injuries.
What is a mouth guard?
A mouth guard protects your teeth and jaw from the effects of teeth grinding (bruxism). When you find out you need a night guard, the question is: should you get a night guard for bottom teeth or upper teeth? It might seem logical to wear a dental night guard on both sets of teeth, but that is not recommended, and can even be harmful.
Why are mouth guards important?
Importance of Mouthguards for the Oral Health of Teeth Grinders. No matter which type of night guard you choose to protect your teeth from teeth grinding and clenching, the important thing is that you get one. According to Melissa Leone DDS, “Nightguards are an easy way to prevent the wear and damage that teeth-grinding cause over time.”.
Why do people wear night guards?
People choose to wear a night guard on their lower jaw for a few reasons, including: Gag Reflex: For people with a strong gag reflex, a lower night guard is often more comfortable because it doesn’t touch the roof or the mouth, which can trigger the gag reflex. Better Fit: While a night guard on either set of teeth should fit very snugly, ...
Is bruxism a sign of sleep apnea?
Additionally, bruxism can be a sign of sleep apnea, so while it’s imperative you begin protecting your teeth as soon as possible, you should also speak to your primary care provider about sleep apnea.
Why do my teeth hurt when I grind them?
When you clench and grind your teeth, your jaw muscles can become sore, you can develop sensitive teeth, and you can even develop problems with your temporomandibular joint. This may lead to jaw pain and dysfunction known as TMJ. Protecting your teeth from bruxism is key to avoiding broken teeth and orthodontic work.
Is a lower night guard better than an upper?
More Comfortable: According to “Koren Family Dental”, lower night guards are typically tolerated better; “users reported that a lower nightguard feels better than the upper nightguard which irritates when touched with the tongue.”. Despite these benefits of lower night guards, there are also some reasons a lower night guard might not be ...
Miscellaneous
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Medical uses
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Use
Advantages
- The level of protection afforded by custom-fitted mouthguards is unrivalled by any other mouthguard, and their durability is enhanced by the snug shape, which hugs each tooth closely, eliminating unwanted movement. For those who violently grind, clench, or gnash their teeth at night, custom-fit mouthguards can be made thicker, alleviating and reduc...
Durability
Safety
Prevention