Mouthguards

Dental injuries can be painful and disfiguring, not just physically, but also financially. The good news is a custom-made mouthguard fitted by your dentist provides superior protection for those who participate in high contact sports, leisure and recreational activities. It effectively reduces the impact of blows to the face that would otherwise cause oral injury.

Mouthguards are also a beneficial device for adults and children who suffer from teeth grinding/clenching (also known as bruxism), which can lead to temporomandibular or TMJ disorders. When worn at night, a custom-made mouthguard protects teeth from further breakdown and damage.

Fit is everything

What sets a custom-made mouthguard apart from standard devices purchased over the counter, is the fit. During a consult our dentists will ensure your tailor-made mouthguard fits comfortably and precisely around your teeth and gums using moulds of your upper and lower teeth. This tight fit makes it possible to speak and breathe without difficulty. It also means your mouthguard is secure and won’t fall out while you’re playing sport. Contact Harbourtown Dental to schedule an appointment and have a high quality, tailored mouthguard designed for you or a family member.

Who needs a mouthguard?

A mouthguard can either be used as a protective device to prevent dental injury during contact sports or as a dental appliance to treat bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding) or TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joints/ Disorder).

Whether you are an adult or child who enjoys a good sporting challenge, the mouthguard can potentially save you from unnecessary dental pain and the cost of seeing an emergency dentist for a chipped or fell tooth. Contrary to popular notion, a mouthguard is not only suitable for team sports enthusiasts but also recommended for participants of solo sporting activities that involve contact with a fast moving object or risk of impact – examples include tennis, softball, skiing and horseback riding.

Patients who suffer from TMJ disorders or bruxism can also wear a specialised mouth guard – usually custom-made by a dental technician. Bruxers are people who frequently clench or grind their teeth. Such mouthguards are worn during sleep to protect the teeth from the high stress caused by the grinding activities. By reducing the clenching, the mouthguard or splint also helps to alleviate the symptoms that TMJ sufferers experience, including jaw joint pains and headaches.