Mouthguards

A mouthguard that is made to fit correctly, functions much like a crash helmet for your teeth during an accident and can help prevent serious injuries such as jaw and tooth fractures. Most of these injuries occur when the lower jaw is forced suddenly into the upper jaw resulting from a collision.

Mouthguards are especially important for children, as it protects their growing teeth and developing bony structure and can prevent an injury that could cause many long-term dental problems, particularly if a tooth is knocked out or a jaw injury incurred.

There is an overwhelming array of mouthguards available from sporting goods stores and pharmacies; however, they provide only very limited protection. Generally, they are moulded by softening a material in boiling water and shaped by biting down, sucking in and holding for a few minutes while the material sets. Since this it is not possible to mould this material precisely to your teeth and gums there will bean excessive movement of the mouthguard, so much so that it is easily knocked out when it is required most – during an accident.

These over-the-counter mouthguards also have poor ability to absorb and distribute traumatic forces. Being usually thicker and loosely fitting, it can also impinge on your ability to speak clearly, breathe easily, and even limit your sporting performance by reducing self-confidence whilst playing sports.

The mouthguard that is custom-made from Carlingford Dental Surgery is made of a high-quality shock-absorbing plastic that is specifically fitted to your bite pattern, mouth and gum contour. Because the mouthguard is custom-made, it will not impede normal breathing and will be more comfortable to wear than the over-the-counter mouthguards, available at pharmacies or sporting stores. We can even make your mouthguard in a variety of colours to suit your team and style.

To make your custom-made mouthguard, we would take an accurate mould of your mouth and use this to reproduce a detailed cast of your teeth. A high-quality dental plastic is shrunk-fit under high pressure and temperature and to provide the maximum possible fit. This is then trimmed and polished to give you optimal comfort.

Detailed instructions on the care and use of your custom-made mouthguard are given whenever you receive your custom-made mouthguard at Carlingford Dental Surgery. Additional care instructions about your mouthguard are also available on this website.