Mouthguard
Lakeland, FL
 A common dental appliance that people who suffer from certain types of conditions, and those who engage in various activities can benefit greatly from, is a mouthguard. Mouthguards serve as a protective device for the teeth and the surrounding region.
To properly protect this area, it is necessary to have a device which accounts for every aspect of the tooth itself. This includes its enamel, shape, position, height, and other factors. The mouthguard needs to fit securely yet comfortably to be most effective. With all of these variables, there are a number of customizable options available in today’s dental industry. One of our skilled oral health practitioners here at Thomas Plunkett, DMD can help you find the one that will work best for you.
Sleeping Mouthguards and Activity Mouthguards
There are two main purposes that these dental protective appliances serve, therefore there are two main types; nighttime and sports mouthguard. The function of sports or activity mouthguards is to protect athletes and various other contact and combat participants from oral injury and damage. Nighttime mouthguards serve to manage and treat a condition known as bruxism, while another common function is dealing with snoring and sleep apnea.
Bruxism is the constant clenching and grinding of teeth when sleeping. In the vast majority of cases, the patients have no control over these problems, other than when they are stress-related and temporary. In other cases, it is a problem that tends to be chronic and continual. Without seeking assistance from one of our dental experts as soon as possible, this problem will only continue to worsen. If left untreated long enough, it can lead to serious damage to the enamel and tooth height, as well as to the jawbone.
Different Types of Mouthguards
In determining which kind of sleeping mouthguard would best serve to manage your bruxism or any other condition which requires one, our dentist will go over each of the various options that you have. We will also offer guidance by explaining the pros and cons of each choice. The most common types of these appliances are soft mouthguards, hard mouthguard, and dual laminate mouthguards. Each one possesses its own advantages and disadvantages concerning strength, durability, comfort, effectiveness as well as to which conditions they are most suited to treat. This is why it is important to consult with one of our dental experts before determining which type to go forward with.
Various Fitting Methods
There are also a number of ways that the mouthguard can be fitted for your mouth. The very basic starting point would be a stock version which is usually the kind you get over the counter. You cannot get these customized, making it difficult to get them to fit comfortably or correctly. However, when working with us you will find that other options may be available, depending on what the best treatment device and fitting technique is for your particular needs. Such other possible options might be boil and bite, as well as online or local lab customizations.
To find out more about how a mouthguard may help you or a family member better manage your nighttime teeth-grinding condition, simply give our dental wellness professionals here at Thomas Plunkett, DMD a call today. Our office number is 863-372-1010. |
