Mouthguard
Mouthguards are custom-made, rubber-like appliances that fit over the teeth and gums to protect them from being damaged.
If you wake up with jaw pain, tooth pain, sensitivity, headaches, a sore neck, or even a chipped tooth, then you could benefit from a nightguard to protect your teeth from being damaged while you sleep.
What is a Nightguard?
A nightguard (also called a bite guard) is a type of mouthguard worn at night. In addition to relieving stress before bed, a nightguard is the simplest and most commonly prescribed treatment for sleep bruxism.
Nightguards are moulded from plastic and customised to fit your teeth comfortably. They are designed to protect your tooth enamel from grinding while also helping to prevent you from clenching your jaw while you sleep.
If you often wake up with pain or tenderness in or around your jaw, you might suffer from sleep bruxism. We encourage you to schedule an appointment at SOS Dental to investigate sleep bruxism and be advised of a suitable treatment.
Essix retainer
Essix retainers are a type of orthodontic retention device used to protect the results of your braces or clear aligner treatment. They are a set of clear, removable plastic retainers, and you will wear them regularly following your orthodontic treatment.
Sportguard
A sportguard is a plastic tray worn over the top row of teeth. They protect the teeth, mouth, lips, and face from sports-related injuries.
Wearing a mouthguard can protect athletes from the following injuries:
- A review of your medical history. Tell your dentist about your diet or medications, as these may impact your treatment and oral health.
- Have a conversation with your dentist about any concerns you have regarding your teeth, mouth, or overall oral health—we encourage you to ask questions.
- An oral exam, including a visual gum tissue check and visual oral cancer scan
- X-rays, if necessary, to see your teeth below the gum line
- A comprehensive treatment plan with recommended treatment and ongoing care from your dentist
Young people who are still growing will need to have their mouthguards replaced more regularly to ensure a proper fit.
For adults, sportguards can be brought in during a regular dental visit so that we can check if it requires replacing as they tend to wear over time.
Wearing a sportguard is a necessity for contact sports. They’re highly personalized, as your dentist can adjust the thickness of the mouth guard, and they’re designed to fit perfectly in your mouth with no adjustments needed.
