A Guide to Choosing the Right Dental Guard for Your Needs

Taking care of your teeth is essential for excellent oral health, but it's not always as simple as brushing and flossing. If you grind or clench your teeth, picking a mouthguard may be necessary to protect your teeth from injury. Dental guards are also often used to treat sleep apnea, reduce snoring, and ease jaw discomfort caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

Because there are so many different types of dental guards on the market, it can be difficult to choose the perfect one. This blog post will review the many types of dental guards, their characteristics, and how to select the best one for your requirements.

Types of Dental Guards

When picking a mouthguard, you must know the different types you can choose from.

Stock Dental Guards

Stock dental guards come in a variety of sizes. These guards are the most cost-effective alternative available at any pharmacy or drugstore. They may, however, not fit correctly or be unpleasant to wear. It might be challenging to select a size that fits well whether you have a tiny or large mouth.

Boil and Bite Dental Guards

Boil and bite tooth guards are also available in pharmacies or drugstores. They are constructed of thermoplastic material and may be shaped to fit your teeth. To use a boil and bite dental guard, first soak it in water to soften the material, then bite down on it to produce an impression of your teeth. When the material cools, it hardens and retains the form of your teeth. Boil and bite dental guards are more pleasant to wear than stock guards, although they may not fit as well as custom-made guards.

Custom-Made Night Guards

The most expensive alternative is custom-made dental guards, which provide the finest fit and protection. These guards are manufactured by imprinting your teeth and forwarding them to a dental lab, where it is custom-made for you. Custom-built dental guards may be constructed for upper and lower teeth and can endure for several years if properly cared for.

Features to Consider when Picking a Mouthguard

Before picking a mouthguard, consider certain necessary factors. Let’s discuss some of them below:

Thickness: Dental guards are available in various thicknesses, from thin to thick. Thinner guards are more pleasant to wear but may not give the same level of protection as thicker guards. If you grind your teeth frequently, a stronger guard may be required to avoid tooth damage.

Material: Materials such as hard acrylic, soft silicone, and dual-laminate (a mix of hard and soft materials) are used to make dental guards. Hard acrylic guards are the most durable but the most uncomfortable to wear. Soft silicone guards are more pleasant, but their durability is low compared to their hard acrylic counterparts. Dual-laminate guards, the most common form of dental guard, offer a comfortable fit while being durable, offering the best of both worlds.

Size: Appropriate size is critical for a snug and effective fit. If the guard is too little, it may not give enough coverage, while a guard that is too huge may feel thick and bulky. Various dental guards are only available in conventional sizes. However, custom-made night guards can be requested for the most desirable and comfortable fit.

Durability: If you grind your teeth frequently, you will want a more robust guard to endure wear and tear. Custom-made guards are normally the most durable. However, strong acrylic guards are also a decent alternative for heavy grinders.

Purpose: Dental guards provide a variety of functions. A night guard may be required to protect your teeth if you grind your teeth. A snoring guard may be important to keep your airway open if you snore or have sleep apnea. If you suffer jaw discomfort or TMJ, a bite guard may be essential to ease the strain on your jaw.

6 Tips for Picking a Mouthguard

Let’s go over some of the tips for picking a mouthguard that’s long-lasting and effective.

1. Consult with Your Dentist

Consultation with your dentist is the first step in selecting the best dental guard. Your dentist may assess the state of your teeth and propose the best form of dental guard for your specific needs. They can also take an imprint of your teeth for a custom-made guard or refer you to a trustworthy dental lab that can do so.

2. Consider Your Budget

Dental guards can cost between $10 for a standard guard and $500 for a custom-made one. Consider your budget and select a guard that fits inside it. Custom-made guards are more costly but provide the finest fit and protection.

3. Determine Your Needs

Consider your oral issues and the function of your dental guard. A sleeping guard is required if you grind your teeth to avoid tooth damage. A snoring guard helps keep your airway open if you snore or have sleep apnea. A bite guard can reduce strain on your jaw if you suffer jaw discomfort or TMJ. Order custom dental guards that meet your requirements.

4. Consider Comfort

Your dental guard should be comfortable to wear and not cause irritation or pain. A soft silicone guard may be more pleasant than a hard acrylic guard if you have sensitive teeth or gums. A custom-made guard may be required for a perfect fit if you have a tiny or wide mouth.

5. Consider Durability

If you grind your teeth frequently, a more robust guard may be required to resist the wear and strain. Consider the guard's durability and select one that will endure for several years with proper care.

6. Read Reviews

Read customer evaluations before purchasing to verify the efficacy and comfort of the dental guard. Look for reviews from others with comparable dental difficulties to see how well the guard works.

Before Picking a Mouthguard

Let’s look at what happens before picking a mouthguard:

Consultation with a dentist: Before picking a mouthguard, you should meet with your dentist to review your oral conditions and establish whether a dental guard is essential.

Dental examination: During the appointment, your dentist will do a dental checkup to evaluate the state of your teeth and choose the appropriate type of dental guard for your needs.

Dental imprint: For custom-made night guards, your dentist will take your teeth's impression to guarantee a perfect fit for your mouth.

Picking a mouthguard: Your dentist will prescribe a dental guard depending on your needs and budget. Stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made night guards are available.

Fitting: Once you've selected a mouthguard, your dentist will fit it to your mouth so that it fits securely and snugly.

After Picking a Mouthguard

Once you have a dental guard fitted, here’s what you must focus on:

Wear and care for your dental guard: Your dentist will provide instructions on how to wear and care for your dental guard. Follow these steps precisely to guarantee that your guard gives the finest protection and lasts as long as possible.

Comfort: It may take some time to wear a dental guard, particularly if it is custom-made. Contact your dentist if you are experiencing any discomfort or irritation.

Regular checkups: Schedule frequent dental checkups to ensure your dental guard still provides good fit and protection. Your dentist can make any necessary changes or prescribe a new guard if required.

Replacement: You may need to replace your dental guard after a set period, depending on the kind of dental guard and the degree of wear and tear. Consult your dentist for advice on when to replace your guard.

Proper Care for Dental Guards

Proper care is required to preserve the longevity and functionality of your dental guard. Here are some suggestions for maintaining your dental guard:

• Use a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your dental guard daily.
• To keep your tooth guard safe from damage and infection, keep it in a case.
• Avoid exposing your dental guard to high temperatures or direct sunlight.
• Do not chew on or use your tooth guard as a tool.
• Examine your tooth guard regularly for indications of wear and strain, and replace it if required.

Clear Comfort Night Guards Offers the Best Custom-Made Night Guards

Picking a mouthguard that fits your needs and budget is essential. However, the best fit is only possible through custom-made night guards. Hence, choose a reliable dental guard manufacturer and get the best solution for your unique oral problems.

Clear Comfort Night Guards offers a wide selection of dental guards to fit your unique needs. Our experts get the lab-manufactured products straight to you, saving the intermediaries costs.

Order custom dental guards today, or contact us for more information.