Mouthguards

A mouthguard is a thick protective shell covering your upper teeth and gums. Its main function is to protect you from dental injury, effectively shielding your teeth from external damage or trauma. 

Such dental injuries include:

• Fractured and chipped teeth
• Bruising and other soft tissue damage
• Concussion 
• Nerve damage

There are three styles of mouthguards: stock, ‘boil and bite’, and custom-fitted mouthguards. At Putney Dental, we provide custom-fitted mouthguards made from TGA-approved materials. Depending on the size of the mouthguard, prices range anywhere between $190 to $300.

Meanwhile, you can access cheaper stock and ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards over the counter at any local chemist.

Custom Mouthguards vs Over the Counter Mouthguards

While cheaper, over the counter mouthguards are made from a generic plastic that does not offer a proper fit. As a result, this leaves the mouthguard loose in your mouth and can affect your ability to talk or breathe. 

At an extra cost, you can invest in a custom-fitted mouthguard that securely locks over teeth and gums. Not only is this more comfortable, but it also guarantees the best level of dental protection. 

The Australian Dental Association recommends that people invest in a custom fit due to its superior quality and effectiveness. 

What is a Mouthguard Used For?

Mouthguards offer a range of uses for children and adults who may be considered at-risk for dental injuries.

Such risk factors include:

• Crowded teeth
• Lip incompetence (lips that don’t fully cover front teeth)
• Orthodontics
• Nocturnal teeth grinding
• Most sports

Types of Custom Mouthguards at Putney Dental

The shape and function of your custom mouthguard will ultimately depend on your specific need.

At Putney Dental Care, we provide three different types of custom mouthguards for children and adults:

• Sports mouthguards
• Mouthguards for braces 
• Night guards

In an initial consultation with one of our dentists, we will establish why you want a mouthguard to determine the specific type. 

Sports Mouthguards

The Australian Dental Association reported that 1 in 4 children had damaged their teeth from playing a sport, demonstrating the importance of mouthguards. Moreover, Sports Medicine Australia states that mouthguards are essential for games and training sessions, with most local leagues enforcing mandatory policies. 

Therefore, sports mouthguards should be worn by any child or adult participating in a sport with a high risk of collision or facial contact. Such sports include basketball, netball, hockey, rugby, football, boxing, skateboarding, climbing and gymnastics. 

Putney Dental Care offers sports mouthguards for all dental shapes and sizes. We also provide a custom colour service, allowing you to choose the guard’s colour design.

Mouthguards for Braces

If you have dental braces, wearing a mouthguard is more important. A mouthguard can protect your gums and mouth from lacerations caused by the brackets fixed on your teeth. 

Orthodontic mouthguards tend to be looser to allow the braces to continue correcting a person’s bite and teeth alignment. Our Putney Dental orthodontic team can provide specially made mouthguards for patients with braces, ensuring proper protection without disrupting treatment progress.

Night Guards for Sleeping

Night guards are a similar design to a plastic retainer that is worn at night while sleeping. A dentist may recommend a night guard if you have nocturnal teeth grinding (bruxism), temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) or sleep apnea. 

Putney Dental Care’s night guards are a fitted thin plastic cover, offering the best protection without disturbing your sleep quality.

In the case of bruxism and TMJ, night guards can provide a cushion for your teeth that effectively avoids damage inflicted by involuntary grinding or clenching. By wearing your night guard, you can enjoy benefits such as headache prevention, cracked teeth or inflamed gums. For further information, check out our guide on bruxism and TMJ.

Meanwhile, for sleep apnea, the guards aim to push your bottom jaw forward to open your airway. Consequently, this minimises your sleep apnea risk and can also help reduce snoring.

How Does a Dentist Fit a Mouthguard?

The process for your new mouthguard starts with an initial consultation with a Putney Dental general dentist. 

Your dentist will ask a range of questions, such as the type of mouthguard you need, if you have had any oral health problems, and if you are undergoing any dental treatments. To ensure that the final product exceeds your expectations, we will also conduct a general dental examination.

Following this, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a model of your dental set. Before finishing the appointment, you can request any special colours or designs that your dentist can include on the mouthguard order form.

Afterwards, we will use your dental model to mould a mouthguard, using the highest quality supplies to guarantee the best product grade. You can expect to return to our clinic in 2 to 3 weeks to collect your order and check if the mouthguard is a comfortable fit.

How Should a Mouthguard Feel?

When trying on your new mouthguard, there are a few questions you should ask yourself to ensure that it doesn’t feel uncomfortable:

1. Can I breathe and speak normally?
2. Can I drink water with the mouthguard?
3. Do I have to clench my teeth to keep the mouthguard in place?
4. Is the mouthguard too short (stops before the first and second molar)? 

While at the clinic, asking yourself these questions is the best way to ensure your mouthguard is a perfect fit. If you have any issues, you should let one of our dentists know, and they can make necessary adjustments. 

Mouthguard Care

Mouthguards are an expensive investment, so it’s important to maintain their good condition. 

When caring for your mouthguard, you should:

• Before use, rinse your guard with cold or warm water. 
• After use, clean your mouthguard using a soft toothbrush with warm soapy water.
• Always air-dry after cleaning
• Always store your mouthguard in the plastic case that we provide. 
• Keep away from intense heat as this poses a melting risk. 

Whenever you come in for a general dental check-up, feel free to bring your mouthguard so we can assess any wear and tear. 

Mouth Guards Near Me – Ryde, Gladesville & Meadowbank Dental Services

Whether you are looking to protect your new teeth following orthodontic treatment or looking to address your grinding habits, look no further than Putney Dental Care!

We offer the best mouth guard services for people and athletes of all ages in the Ryde, Gladesville and Meadowbank area. 

For more information, contact us today at (02) 9808 2588.

FAQ

Are Mouthguards Covered By Dental Insurance?

While most health insurers include the cost of mouthguards in their dental plans, it is worth checking with your health insurance provider on their specific coverage policy. 

Can a Mouthguard Damage Teeth?

Wearing a dirty or poorly fitted mouthguard can increase your risk of oral health issues such as cavities and cause damage to your gums. For this reason, it is essential to ensure your mouthguard is a comfortable fit and that you follow proper maintenance guidelines.

How Long Do Mouth Guards Last?

Mouthguards can last for more than one year. However, we recommend seeing your dentist every six months to ensure that your dental shape hasn’t changed.

Can I Be Allergic to My Night Guard?

Our night guards are designed to be harmless to wear. However, they may contain materials that could cause an allergic reaction. If you have any allergies, you should advise your dentist in your initial consultation.

Are Mouthguards Safe to Sleep In?

Wearing a sports mouthguard can cause serious damage to your oral health and risk choking. If you want to wear a guard while sleeping to treat teeth grinding and clenching, Putney Dental Care recommends using a night guard.