Mouth Guards
Our teeth are under a lot of pressure every single day. However, certain lifestyle choices or conditions beyond our control can cause us to place more stress on teeth and even cause significant damage. This is where mouth guards from Fioritto Family Dental can help!
These custom dental appliances are designed to protect your teeth from both external threats like sports injuries and conditions like bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding). What are mouth guards and who is a good candidate for this dental appliance? What can you expect when you are fitted for one?
What are Mouth Guards?
Mouth guards are typically made of durable and safe plastic. There are three options to choose from: soft, hard, or dual laminate products. How can you select the right mouth guard for your needs?
The dental team at Fioritto Family Dental is happy to assess your situation and make recommendations. Generally speaking, soft mouth guards are suited for minor issues like intermittent bruxism, as they are the most comfortable and easiest to adjust to wearing. They are also thin enough to be worn comfortably day or night. For a more serious case of bruxism or added protection during sports, a more rigid and durable mouth guard is recommended.
A hard mouth guard is preferred if you suffer significant clenching and grinding leading to pain or tooth damage, but these mouth guards can take some getting used to. For sports applications, a dual laminate product with a soft inner portion and a hard exterior may offer the best of both worlds.
Who Should Get a Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards can be an ideal solution for those suffering from bruxism. Whether you’re unwittingly clenching and grinding your teeth due to stress or anxiety, a side effect of misalignment or malocclusion, or it’s related to another condition like sleep apnea, the end result can be headaches and pain in the jaw. Furthermore TMJ, damage to teeth from wear, and formation of crack or chips can occur.
A custom mouth guard can help to address all of these issues and stave off further damage. It can also protect your teeth from trauma related to sports accidents if you happen to participate in a contact or team sport where injuries are common. Since the mouth guards from Fioritto Family Dental are custom made for each patient, they are suitable for adults and children of all ages.
What to Expect
If we examine you and determine you need a mouth guard to protect your teeth, we’ll start by taking an impression so that a custom mouth guard can be made to fit your teeth perfectly. The process is painless, it will take only days to make your mouth guard, and you can begin using it immediately. Depending on the type you get, it will last anywhere from several months to several years, and may include a warranty period.
Contact the dentists at Fioritto Family Dental today at 440-951-5511. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment to assess your dental issues and formulate a plan to helping you feel better soon!