A mouth guard is a protective plastic device placed over the teeth during certain activities. At Ace Dental in Roseville, we make custom-fitted mouth guards for maximum comfort and protection.
The primary purpose of mouth guards is to prevent blunt force from damaging the teeth and jaw joint. Professional, amateur and recreational athletes need mouth guards the most because their activities present the greatest chance for trauma due to blunt force.
Some examples of contact sports where mouth guards are recommended include:
If you have children who play any of these sports or a similar close-contact sport, it is advisable to make them wear mouth guards to protect their oral health.
It’s common to hear about sports-related injuries in major league sports, but they can also happen in amateur sporting leagues and even intramural school activities. No matter the age, experience, and skill of the player, injuries are always part of the game.
Some of the common examples of sports-related oral injuries include:
There are various forms of mouth guards, which are classified according to how they were made or fitted.
These over-the-counter products come in fixed sizes, which means they may not fit perfectly in your mouth. They are ready to wear and are perfect for on-the-spot mouthguard needs. They are also the most affordable since they are conveniently available and generic. Stock mouth guards can also be considered as disposable models.
Because of their poor fit, most stock mouth guards easily fall off when you move. However, they can fit well over orthodontic appliances (braces). Stock mouth guards should only be used if you forgot your custom mouth guard and you need a mouth guard urgently.
These are customizable mouth guards that are made from a clay-like material. First, you have to boil the mouth guard to soften it, then you have to press it on your teeth to make a mold. Once molded, let it sit and harden. It should fit well on your teeth and not fall out easily.
Compared to stock models, boil-and-bite mouth guards are slightly pricier but offer better customization. However, if you incorrectly make the mold or have the heat too high, the form could get lumpy and this can add pressure to your cheeks and gums. To prevent this, don’t press the material too tightly when fitting.
Although not as easily disposed of as stock models, boil-and-bite mouth guards are not long-lasting, either. They may only last for a couple of months. This may be good short-term value for the money, but would not make a good long-term solution.
Among the three, this type of mouthguard is the most expensive, but also the most comfortable, long-lasting, functional, and durable. Custom-made mouth guards can only be bought from a dental professional and they are created from impressions taken of your teeth.
Custom-made mouth guards may take a couple of weeks to be finished since they need to be fabricated in a dental laboratory. If you are planning to get a custom model, call us at (916) 772-0111 so we can schedule a fitting appointment.
When compared to other models, custom-made mouth guards offer the following benefits:
If you would like to get a mouth guard for you or your child, just call Ace Dental in Roseville at (916) 772-0111. Dr. Karanvir Sibia will be happy to take the necessary impressions and get your mouth guard made.
You may also visit us at 1070 Pleasant Grove Suite 110 Roseville, CA 95678, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. For other inquiries or appointment requests, please send us a message through our online contact form.
Playing sports is a great recreational activity, but it also has a lot of risks. Make sure you protect not only your oral health, but also your holistic health by using the correct gear, including mouth guards.
