06 Mar The Perfect Mouthguard

Mouthguards available in Australia range from cheap, over-the-counter types to professionally custom-fitted mouthguards. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) strongly recommends wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard to ensure maximum protection. These are available at More Smiles.    Over-the-counter mouthguards do not provide enough protection against injuries to your teeth, mouth or jaw. Dental injuries can be very costly, so it is worthwhile investing in a custom-fitted mouthguard.

Custom-fitted mouthguards:

Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by your dentist, who takes an impression and creates a plaster model of your teeth. Custom-fitting allows your dentist to accurately assess your mouth and provide the best fitting mouthguard that is appropriate for you. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide a better fit than other varieties, as they are made to fit your mouth.  

When made by your dentist, a custom-fitted mouthguard is:

Comfortable

Well-fitting

Allows you to speak clearly

Won’t shift or fall out

Won’t restrict your breathing

Over-the-counter (boil and bite) mouthguards: Over-the-counter mouthguards are far less effective than those that are custom-fitted. These mouthguards include stock mouthguards that do not require fitting, and mouthguards that can be placed in hot water and then self-fitted by biting into the mould.

How long will my mouthguard last?

It’s important that you have your mouthguard assessed by your dentist at your regular dental check-up to ensure it still fits correctly for maximum protection. You may need a replacement if your new, secondary adult teeth have come through or if your mouthguard has been damaged.