What Kind of Mouth Guards are Covered?

Custom made mouthguards can be made for:

• Sleep apnoea and snoring

• Sports

• Teeth grinding

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Sleep Apnoea and Snoring

A custom-made mouth guard can help with snoring and sleep apnoea by preventing the lower jaw from dropping back and closing airways while you sleep.

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Devices used for treating sleep apnoea do not look very different from sports guards; they fit over the upper and lower teeth and have hinges that allow the lower jaw to be moved forward. This means that as the muscles in and around your mouth relax during sleep, the airways in your throat are kept open.

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Sports 

Custom-made mouth guards provided by dentists are made of stronger plastics than over-the-counter varieties and are ideal for contact sports. They provide better protection and last much longer.

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Bespoke mouth guards are designed just for you, to fit your mouth and teeth exactly, and so also offer a more secure and comfortable fit. If you’re looking for protection for your teeth or braces, our dentists will be happy to discuss your options with you.

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Teeth Grinding

Excessive teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) can cause teeth to become worn and chipped. It may also cause you to wake up with a sore jaw, earache or neck pain, and can result in headaches.

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A dentist can check the way you bite to see if you’re grinding your teeth and may recommend wearing a mouth guard at night. These are designed to keep your upper and lower teeth apart to prevent premature tooth wear and reduce the tension in the jaw muscles.

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How are Mouth Guards Made?

Mouth guards are made by the dentist taking an impression of your teeth to create a mould of your mouth.  This ensures that the mouth will fit your teeth exactly and should not affect your smile, unlike an over the counter mouth guard.  

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A dental technician will then make a mouthguard from this mould.  Depending on what you need the mouth guard for, it can be made in a variety of thicknesses and plastics.

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Caring for your Mouth Guard

Once you have your mouth guard, it is important to have it checked regularly by your dentist to ensure that it still fits.  Childrens mouth guards will need replacing more regularly as they grow and their teeth move.  

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You should regularly clean your mouth guard to ensure that you remove any bacteria or micro-organisms that can build up.  They are easily cleaned with toothpaste and a toothbrush, or wash it with warm soapy water, don't forget to rinse it!

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When properly looked after, an adult mouth guard can last for several years.

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