Orlando Mouthguards

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Nobody wants to deal with the effects of tooth fracture and loss, which is why more and more individuals are turning toward the protection of dental mouthguards. Simply put, a mouthguard is a soft plastic device that covers your teeth and gums to prevent injuries to the mouth, jaw, teeth, face and head. Wearing one can greatly reduce the risk of traumatic injury, consequently preserving the quality of your teeth and smile.

BENEFITS OF MOUTHGUARDS

While the idea of wearing a mouthguard might not seem appealing, the benefits make it a worthy investment. Some of the key advantages of mouthguards include:

  • Protects the mouth and brain from external forces
  • Prevents damage to other orthodontic appliances
  • Reduces the risk of costly repairs

In addition to protecting your gums and teeth from external impact, mouthguards can shelter you from head injuries by cushioning blows. Moreover, mouthguards prevent damage to orthodontic appliances such as bridges and braces, which saves you from expensive repairs down the line.

Some individuals benefit from mouthguards more than others. At your appointment, Dr. Patel can assess your needs and help determine whether or not you should be utilizing a mouthguard.

DO I NEED A MOUTHGUARD?

There are two central reasons why someone might need a mouthguard. The first is bruxism, or teeth grinding. According to Premier Health, approximately 10% of people unintentionally grind their teeth at night, which can cause jaw pain and poor breathing. Teeth grinding is typically the result of stress–when someone is under stress, their body responds by clenching muscles and producing cortisol, which lowers oxygen intake and causes muscle pain. A mouthguard can prevent grinding and clenching, which leads to better breathing and reduced jaw pain.

Another segment of the population that benefits from mouthguards is athletes. The Journal of the American Dental Association reports that up to 39% of dental injuries are sports-related–even low-impact sports can cause injuries that lead to tooth chipping and loss. Not only do mouthguards protect the teeth and mouth, but they also reduce the risk of head injuries. Mouthguards essentially lock your jaw in place, stabilizing your muscles and limiting the odds of sustaining a concussion or whiplash. Sports that come with a high risk of mouth and brain injuries include:

  • Football
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Lacrosse
  • Wrestling

You don’t need to be a professional athlete to use a mouthguard–any child or adult that plays sports can take advantage of these tools.

CUSTOM VS OVER-THE-COUNTER MOUTHGUARDS

When it comes to choosing a mouthguard, there are two main options: a custom mouthguard and an over-the-counter, or ready-made, mouthguard. Understanding the differences between the two will help you make the best decision.

Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

Over-the-counter mouthguards, also known as stock mouthguards, can be purchased online or at your local pharmacy. The easy availability of ready-made mouthguards makes them a convenient option for anyone looking for quick, simple mouth protection.

On the downside, stock mouthguards are not designed to meet the unique characteristics of every individual’s mouth. Thus, it might require some effort on your part to find one that fits well. The imprecise measurements mean that they cannot offer a high level of protection–a stock mouthguard may even fall out during an athletic event. Finally, these mouthguards are typically made of bulky material that can cause discomfort and even gagging.

Custom Mouthguards

Unlike a stock mouthguard, a custom mouthguard cannot be bought at a local store. Rather, they are professionally crafted by a dentist to meet the exact proportions of your mouth and jaw. The material is evenly spread across your mouth, which provides a heightened level of comfort and stability while promoting protection and proper breathing. Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials and are designed to last long.

There are methods available that help you create your own custom mouthguards, such as bite and boil mouthguards. These devices are softened with hot water before the user bites into them, resulting in a rough mold of the mouth and teeth. While these are less expensive than professional custom mouthguards, they are not built to be long-lasting and can be easily bitten through. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a high-quality, durable mouthguard that can efficiently protect your mouth without causing discomfort, your best bet is a custom model.

HOW ARE CUSTOM MOUTHGUARDS MADE?

Creating a custom mouthguard is a quick, simple process. Over the course of 20 minutes, Dr. Patel will take impressions of your teeth and register your bite to create a mold of your mouth. Your completed mouthguard will be ready in about 10 days. Dr. Patel recommends Under Armour Performance Mouthwear, a premier brand that enhances athletic performances and helps get bruxism under control.

TAKING CARE OF MOUTHGUARDS

To prolong the lifespan and protect the quality of your mouthguard, it’s important to take good care of the device. Dr. Pruig suggests the following care regime:

  • Store the mouthguard in a clean, well-ventilated container
  • Limit exposure to heat
  • Brush your mouthguard with a toothbrush and paste before and after each use
  • Keep your mouthguard in a safe place in your home
  • Secure the mouthguard when transporting it to prevent damage

It’s also advisable to bring your mouthguard in during dental visits to ensure that it is in prime condition.

SCHEDULE A CUSTOM FITTING

Whether you are experiencing jaw pain from unintentional teeth grinding or worried about sustaining an injury due to sports, it’s important to get a mouthguard to prevent any severe damage. Obtaining a custom mouthguard from a professional is the best way to protect your teeth, jaw and brain while optimizing comfort.

Dr. Patel and the Dynamic Smile Team are ready to equip you with a mouthguard that fits perfectly and feels good. If you’re looking for a custom fitting or simply want to learn more about mouthguards, don’t hesitate to request an appointment today!

Reviews

What Our Other Patients Are Saying

Tracey Harrison
Tracey Harrison
April 26, 2023
I love Dynamic Smile! Dr. Patel is awesome, so kind, so smart, compassionate and always goes the extra mile for her patients. Eileen, my hygienist is amazing! Everyone there, I feel so spoiled! Even my daughter said, “Wow! It’s like me Peds dentist who spoiled me with games and videos, did not even know they were working on my teeth! But on the adult side now! Love you all!
Ann Recatto
Ann Recatto
March 29, 2023
Dynamic Smile is the best! The entire team is amazing. I actually love going to the dentist.
Eric J
Eric J
March 28, 2023
I love the new folks there and their care, service, and attitude are the best ever! Tina gave me my best cleaning ever and Dr. Patel was kind and honest - she said lets watch a few things. Of course no visit could go unpunished a bit... floss more!!!
Emmanuel Diaz
Emmanuel Diaz
March 23, 2023
This is the best dentist I’ve ever been too. Everyone is super nice & Dr. Patel is awesome! They really care about you as a patient and treat you like family!!
Scott Mallwitz
Scott Mallwitz
March 21, 2023
Amazing practice - welcoming staff, skillful technicians and thoughtful, compassionate care. A wonderful experience.
Natalie Laing
Natalie Laing
March 15, 2023
Dr. Patel designed the most beautiful and realistic restorations for me. The entire staff is professional, patient and kind. They make sure you are comfortable during the entire procedure. They even created a Playlist of me favorite music for me to listen to during the procedure. Dr. Patel even put lipstick on me so I could be sure I was happy with my new smile. The whole procedure was a great experience from beginning to end. I'll be returning as a patient for the rest of my dental care.😍😍😍
Anthony Sims
Anthony Sims
March 10, 2023
Dr Patel and her staff are the best in the business! My Invisalign results are amazing!
Dr. Ruth D Edwards
Dr. Ruth D Edwards
February 28, 2023
DSD has taken care of my teeth for over 20 years, primarily Dr. Puig. Welcoming environment, customer oriented staff, skilled dental professionals. Looking forward to working with Dr. Patel.
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