Mouth Guards in NW Calgary
Keeping our teeth and gums clean on a daily basis is important to maintain a healthy and functional smile; protecting them from damage is just as essential. Wearing a dental guard when engaging in certain activities will preserve your smile and prevent the need for future treatments that are complex and costly.
If you’re interested in learning more about mouth guards, connect with us at Beddington Dental Clinic today.
What is a Mouth Guard? Why Do I Need One?
A mouth guard, also called a dental guard or appliance, is a device that serves one purpose: to shield your smile from internal and external forces and pressures that can cause harm. By extension, these devices help keep your jaw strong.
Patients of all ages may wish to acquire a mouth guard for a number of reasons, with the most common being playing competitive or recreational sports. Our teeth are strong, but they are not indestructible. This appliance can prevent
- Tooth fractures
- Injuries to your lips, tongue, and cheeks
- Broken jaw
- Trama
- Knocked-out tooth
- Bruxism (clenching and grinding)
Mouth guards are made from flexible dental plastic molded to fit your oral requirements. In most cases, patients receive a guard for their top row of teeth, but you can also get a guard for your bottom row. Talk to your dentist; they can let you know what the best decision is according to your case.
The Process of Getting a Mouth Guard
If you’re looking to acquire a mouth guard near you, there are two main ways you can go about doing so:
- Customized Mouth Guard As the name indicates, a customized mouth guard is designed by a dental professional. They will take x-rays and impressions of your oral cavity and then send this information to a lab where the device is made. These appliances are highly recommended because they will last longer, fit more comfortably, and provide the most protection.
- OTC Mouth Guards Over-the-counter mouth guards can be bought at sports stores or drugstores. They can either be boil-and-bite or stock guards. The former is fitted to your smile by being softened in hot water first; then, the patient bites down in the material to create an impression. Stock guards are essential one-size-fits-all, and though they are the most affordable, they are the least reliable.Regardless of the style of mouth guard you choose, do know that these appliances aren’t meant to last forever. Eventually, you will need to replace them.
Visit Beddington Dental Today
Our staff eagerly anticipates your visit to our neighborhood dental practice! Whether you’re coming to see us for the first time, or you’ve been here before, we guarantee comfortable, effective care.
We invite you to book a consultation if you want to find out more about mouth guards or our additional dental services. See you soon!