Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once the implants are in place, they provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, helping to restore your smile and facial aesthetics.
Enhanced Functionality: Implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak as normal.
Long-Term Solution: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a durable and reliable option for tooth replacement.
Preservation of Jawbone: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure.
Procedures:
Dental implant procedure is done in stages over time:
Initial Consultation: our dentist will assess your oral health and determine if your oral condition is suitable implants, the number of implants needed, the type of implant, any additional procedures required (such as bone grafting).
Implant Placement: the implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. It is performed under local anaesthetic so that you won’t fee pain during the operation.
Healing Period: After implant placement, a healing period of 3-6 months is required to allow the implants to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
Placement of Replacement Teeth: Once the implants have integrated with the jawbone, replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures are attached to the implants.
Dental implants offer numerous advantages and can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with missing teeth. If you’re considering dental implants, consult with our dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
FAQs:
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are considered a safe and effective treatment option for tooth replacement.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the implant procedure.
Can I have implant?
Not all people can have a dental implant. Your dentist will need to check that: your gums are healthy, your jawbone is healthy, you have enough bone to hold the implant, any medical conditions you have.
What should I do to look after my dental implant?
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day, clean between the implant and your other teeth using floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser, have regular dental check-ups.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is comprised of muscles, blood vessels, nerves and bones. There are two TMJs, one on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorders are problems or symptoms of the chewing muscles and joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull.
The cause of pain in TMJ includes:
The result of displacement of the cartilage disc that causes pressure and stretching of the associated sensory nerves
A bad bite or orthodontic braces stress and tooth grinding
Symptoms associated with TMJ disorders may include:
Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
Clicking, popping or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
Dentures are a cost-effective replacement option for teeth lost due conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma. They are typically made of acrylic resin (plastic) or a lightweight metal (mainly cobalt chrome) and are designed to look like your natural teeth.
Types of dentures
Full denture
A full denture is worn by patients who have lost all their teeth in either the upper or lower jaws, or both. The denture will replace missing natural teeth and sit on the gum ridges, providing support to the lips and cheeks as well as maintaining the distance between your nose, mouth and chin. By choosing not to replace the missing teeth, the distance between your nose, mouth and chin can become smaller over time.
Partial denture
A partial denture is used when a person still has one or more natural teeth remaining. The denture will replace the missing teeth and is usually held in place in the mouth by clasps that surround and hold on to the remaining teeth. These dentures may have an acrylic resin (plastic) or metallic cobalt-chrome base. Your dentist may discuss these material options with you when planning for a denture. (PIC) Upper and lower partial cobalt-chrome dentures.
Implant-retained denture
A removable implant-retained denture is an alternative to the standard full dentures. These dentures can be used to replace all missing upper or lower teeth. They are partially supported and held in place by dental implants that are retained within the jawbone and partially supported by the gums. This denture can still be removed from the mouth by the person wearing it. (PIC) a lower full denture held in place by two dental implants.
Children’s oral health needs vary greatly as they grow and develop. It is recommended children have their first dental visit when their first teeth appear in the mouth, or by the age of one, whichever comes first. Children should see their dentist regularly and understand that visiting the dentist is an important part of growing up.
If you receive a government benefit, such as Family Tax Benefit A payments, your child may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Eligible children up to 18 years are eligible for $1,013 of general dental treatment over a two-year period.
Baby Teeth
By the age of three, most children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth. Cleaning is important, because if baby teeth are removed earlier than intended due to decay, which may lead to future problems such as crowding of the teeth as the permanent teeth push through.
Baby teeth will start to fall out from around the age of six, to make way for the permanent adult teeth. Around the age of 21, most people have a full set of 32 permanent teeth, including 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw.
Tooth eruption for permanent (adult) teeth
Brushing and Flossing
Teeth should be brushed twice daily, ideally in the morning and then at night as the last thing that is done before bed with no foods or drinks after.
Brushing should go for 2 minutes each time. This can be made more fun by playing a song to ensure the correct length of brushing.
Use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. Electronic toothbrushes can be introduced from 3 years of age. Until 6 years of age, children should be using a low-fluoride toothpaste which is marketed in stores as children toothpaste. There is less fluoride in these kinds of toothpaste compared to the toothpastes created and recommended for children older than 6 years of age and adults.
Flossing is recommended for children once they have at least two teeth touching side-by-side. This cleans the surfaces in between the teeth that the toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
Eating and Drinking habits
It is important to limit your child’s sugary food and drink intake. Added sugar is the largest contributor in the development of tooth decay. Beware though, it is not just well-known sugary foods such as lollies, cakes and biscuits but foods such as breakfast cereal, muesli bars and flavoured yoghurts can include a lot of added sugar.
When it comes to drinks, water and milk are the best options for healthy teeth. Soft drink, cordial, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit juice can be high in sugar which can increase your child’s risk of developing tooth decay.
Tooth-friendly snacks include carrot and celery sticks, hard cheese and fresh fruit. Making your child’s meals and snacks from scratch can help to limit the amount of added sugar and allows for the use of fresh ingredients.
Teeth whitening is a popular way to make teeth look brighter, which gives you a more radiant and confident smile. Here at Green Apple Dental Care, we are proud to provide excellent teeth whitening services led by dental experts like dentists, dental hygienists, and oral health therapists. In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of tooth staining, the treatments available, and why it’s crucial to seek professional care for achieving a dazzling smile. Moreover, we will explain the benefits of professional teeth whitening and why it’s better than DIY methods. So, let’s explore the reasons behind tooth discoloration and discover how our experienced team can help you achieve whiter teeth you’ve always wanted!
Close-up Of A Smiling Woman’s Teeth Before And After Whitening
What causes tooth staining?
Tooth staining can happen because of different things. Some of these factors are:
Foods and Drinks: Certain drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine can stain teeth. They have strong colors that stick to the white enamel and make it look darker.
Tobacco: Tobacco products contain chemicals like tar and nicotine that can make teeth turn yellow. As people get older, the outer layer of enamel may get thinner, showing the yellowish dentine below, which makes the teeth look even darker.
Traumatic Injuries: If teeth get hurt, they can become darker over time. When a tooth experiences trauma, it may produce more dentine to protect itself, which can cause a visual darkening. In some cases, blood from inside the tooth can leak out and cause discoloration.
Medications: Some medications can also lead to tooth staining as a side effect. For example, if young children take antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline while their teeth are forming, they may experience discoloration of their adult teeth later in life.
It’s best to have teeth whitening done by a dental professional. They can figure out why the teeth are discolored and suggest the best way to lighten their color.
Types of Staining: Extrinsic and Intrinsic
Extrinsic Staining
Stains that show up on the outer surface of the tooth are called extrinsic stains. They happen because of things like drinking tea, coffee, red wine, or smoking. To get rid of them, you can try using whitening toothpaste, getting a professional dental cleaning, or trying chemical treatments.
Intrinsic Staining
Intrinsic stains are different because they are inside the structure of the tooth. They can be caused by various factors, like taking certain medications during tooth development, having dental injuries with blood leakage, having metal fillings (amalgam), or getting root canal treatments.
Treating Intrinsic Stains
Handling stains inside the tooth is more challenging than on the outside. However, depending on the cause, there are methods to treat the tooth from within.
If a tooth has been injured and had a root canal treatment, a process called internal bleaching can be used. A dental expert puts the whitening treatment inside the tooth, leaves it there for several days, and then cleans it out before filling the tooth. This procedure should be done by a dental professional and might be followed by a crown or veneer treatment. In the end, your teeth will be healthier, and you can enjoy whiter teeth and a brighter smile!
Teeth Whitening Treatment options
There are two main ways a dental professional can provide treatment to whiten teeth – ‘in-chair’ or ‘take-home’ whitening. Your dentist will discuss your options and provide advice on what type of treatment is best for you.
In-chair teeth whitening
A dental professional performs this treatment while you sit in the dental chair. The process uses strong hydrogen peroxide solutions to whiten your teeth visibly. Sometimes, the dentist may suggest a take-home whitening treatment to help you maintain the whiter tooth color at home. So, you can enjoy a brighter smile even after leaving the dental office.
Procedure of dental teeth bleaching. Selective soft focus.
Take-home teeth whitening
With this option, you complete the whitening treatment at home under your dentist’s supervision with the Philips Zoom! take-home teeth whitening kits and custom whitening trays, making it safe and convenient. Custom-made, thin plastic whitening trays are created to fit over the surface of your teeth. You place the tooth whitening gel in these trays and wear them for a specified amount of time, as instructed by your dentist.
Individual teeth tray for whitening on blue background
Professional Teeth Whitening: The Safe Choice
Dental professionals use teeth whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These are the key ingredients that make whitening effective. The strength of the whitening gel might vary depending on where the treatment takes place. Dental clinics usually use stronger gels compared to take-home kits.
Even though teeth whitening can give amazing results, it’s crucial to be careful to avoid possible risks. If strong hydrogen peroxide treatment touches soft tissues like gums, lips, or tongue, it can cause chemical burns. Moreover, using the gel incorrectly can lead to teeth sensitivity. That’s why seeking professional care is important. Dentists can give the right advice to prevent or reduce these risks. So, you can enjoy a brighter smile without any worries.
Whitening Dental Work: Crowns, Veneers, and Fillings
Are you thinking about whitening your teeth but have dental work like porcelain crowns, veneers, or white fillings? The teeth whitening gel is meant to brighten your natural tooth enamel and won’t change the color of these dental restorations. So, if your fillings, crowns, or veneers don’t match your newly whitened teeth, our dentists might recommend replacing them.
Before starting the whitening treatment, our dentist will discuss your dental work with you. This way, they can give you the best advice and ensure the treatment is suitable for your specific situation. So, you can have a clearer understanding of how the whitening process might affect your dental restorations.
Teeth Whitening and Pregnancy
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? It’s better to avoid teeth whitening during this period. There’s no clear evidence that teeth whitening is harmful during pregnancy, but there’s also no proof of its safety. To be on the safe side, it’s best to skip it for now.
If you’re thinking of using whitening toothpaste while pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor or dentist for advice. They can provide you with the right guidance and ensure you make the best decision for your oral health during this time.
Tooth Sensitivity
After the treatments, you might experience temporary tooth sensitivity. The whitening agents get into the enamel to break down stains, which can briefly expose tooth nerve endings. But don’t worry; this sensitivity usually disappears in a few days. At Green Apple Dental Care, our experts are skilled at reducing sensitivity and can offer personalized advice to ease any discomfort you may feel. So, you can enjoy a brighter smile without any worries!
Seeking Professional Guidance
If you have dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or veneers, keep in mind that they might not whiten the same way as natural teeth. To figure out the best options for your situation, it’s essential to talk to your dentist.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid teeth whitening because its safety during these times isn’t fully confirmed.
You can find various at-home teeth whitening options, like whitening toothpaste and over-the-counter bleaching agents. However, it’s safer and more effective to seek professional dental guidance. While baking soda might work for light surface stains, professional teeth whitening offers better and safer results.
Here at Green Apple Dental Care, we recommend professional care for teeth whitening. So, you can achieve the best possible results and minimize risks. Our skilled dental team will diagnose the cause of your tooth discoloration and suggest the most suitable treatment for you.
At Green Apple Dental Care, you can be assured that the teeth whitening cost is reasonable and won’t be a cause for concern. We are proud to provide affordable teeth whitening services for our valued patients. So, you can enhance your smile without any worries about the cost.
Get ready to brighten your smile with confidence and trust our expertise for a captivating smile. Book a consultation today to experience the wonders of professional teeth whitening at Green Apple Dental Care.
A dental veneer is made of a thin shell of porcelain or white filling material, called composite resin, which is glued to the front surface of the tooth. Depending on the reason for the treatment, veneers may be placed on one or multiple teeth.
Dental veneers are very thin, meaning not much or no tooth structure has to be cut away from the tooth or teeth for the treatment to be completed. The dentist will match the colour of the veneers with the surrounding teeth to make the veneers appear as natural as possible.
This treatment may be a suitable option if you have:
Gaps between the front teeth that you would like to close but your teeth are otherwise straight,
Teeth that are stained, discoloured, broken or chipped,
Slightly crooked teeth, or,
Teeth that are shaped oddly compared to the other teeth present, for example peg lateral incisors.
An example of a dental veneer used to improve the colour of a single front tooth
There are two types of dental veneers – composite resin veneers and porcelain veneers.
Composite resin is the white filling material used to fill cavities. It is applied directly to the front surface of the tooth and shaped by the dentist. This treatment is usually completed in one appointment but may require a follow up appointment if veneers are placed on multiple teeth.
Porcelain veneers are made by a technician in a dental laboratory. The dentist glues the completed veneers to the surface of the tooth. This treatment usually requires at least two appointments.
A crown may be recommended by a dentist to fix a badly broken, cracked or decayed tooth. They are commonly recommended for teeth that have had a root canal treatment, particularly the back premolar and molar teeth.
Artificial crowns are created to fit over the natural tooth after it has been cut back. They provide the tooth with added strength, and durability. They can also improve the appearance of the tooth or teeth when necessary.
Crowns can be made from a number of materials including porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy or a combination of porcelain and metal. The colour of the porcelain and zirconia can be matched to the colour of your other teeth.
Treatment Steps
Treatment often takes 2 appointments with your dentist.
In the first appointment the dentist will makes a copy of your tooth shape. Then your dentist cut back the tooth to reshape it. This is to make sure there is enough space for a new crown to fit on the tooth. Before you leave, your dentist will put a temporary, plastic crown over the reshaped tooth.
On the second visit, the temporary crown is removed from the tooth. The new crown is glued or cemented onto the natural tooth structure.
Before, during treatment and after crown are placed
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. If you have a tooth removed, your dentist may suggest a dental bridge as a replacement option.
Most commonly, this treatment involves placing a crown on the teeth that sit directly in front and behind the gap. These crowns are joined together by another crown that acts as a false tooth.
Similar to the treatment for a crown, a dental bridge usually takes two appointments and is also able to be made from porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy or a combination of porcelain and metal.
At the first appointment, your dentist will reshape the teeth located each side of the gap ready for the bridge to be made at a dental laboratory.
At the second visit, the treatment is completed by gluing or cementing the manufactured bridge onto the reshaped teeth. In between the visits, an acrylic (plastic) bridge will be temporarily glued to the reshaped teeth to protect them.
Periodontal disease, in other words, gum disease, has two common types: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of periodontal disease. Inadequate oral hygiene causes accumulation of dental plaque at the junction of the tooth and the gum. As a result, the gums become inflamed, with common visual signs being redness, swelling, and bleeding. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. However, bleeding gums are a sign of disease, as healthy gums do not bleed, and this can lead to more serious problems. Gingivitis is reversible with professional tooth cleaning and good regular oral care at home. It is important to seek professional assessment if gum bleeding is detected during brushing or eating.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is unable to be controlled, the inflammation progresses to periodontitis, a common chronic disease that affects at least 25% of the adult population. Periodontitis is caused by dental plaque that contains destructive bacteria that result in the loss of the supporting structures around the teeth.
This causes the formation of ‘pockets’ around the teeth and/or recession of the gums. As is the case with gingivitis, inadequate oral hygiene is a risk factor for periodontitis, as are various systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes) and harmful habits (e.g., smoking). Genetic predisposition is a major contributor to the risk of developing periodontitis, and patients with a family history of periodontitis should have their gum health closely monitored.
Although periodontitis is not usually painful, common signs of the disease include gum recession (tooth getting long) and mobility (loosening) of the teeth. If untreated, periodontitis may result in the loss of teeth. With professional care the condition can usually be stabilised.
What is dental plaque?
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth, both above and below the gums. It can make the teeth ‘feel fuzzy’ when they have not been brushed. When plaque builds up on the teeth, it can lead to gum disease.
Treatment for periodontal diseases
Firstly, the dentist assesses the causes and grade in an examination. The goal is to inform you on treatments and desired outcomes.
There are many factors that influence the steps of your treatment and outcomes such as, dental plaque which is the cause of the disease, smoking, diabetes and others which need to be controlled.
Depending on your disease stage and grade, your dentist may increase “step up” or decrease “step down” your treatment until your gums are healthy.
Non-surgical periodontal Treatment
STEP 1 of periodontal treatment is to establish a good daily oral hygiene routine. Your periodontist will help you to fine tune your cleaning to ensure all plaque is removed from all tooth surfaces every day. They will provide pro-tips on the best ways to do this and the best tools to use for your mouth. Performing good oral hygiene every day is essential to ensure the disease is controlled and even prevented. In addition, other factors such as diabetes and smoking will be addressed.
STEP2 includes thorough cleaning the teeth, also known as deep cleaning. All plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth, often over several appointments using local anaesthetic to make the teeth and gums numb.
In some specific cases, antibiotics can also be given with this treatment. After these treatment steps, the gums are given time to heal.
Non-surgical treatment of gum-disease using hand instruments.surgical treatment of gum-disease using ultrasonic machine.
In mild cases, no further treatment is needed. But in severe cases, bleeding gums and deep pockets might continue to be present. So further treatment is needed. This is STEP 3.
In STEP 3, step 1 & 2 can often be repeated. Or surgical periodontal treatment may be recommended. Common reasons for surgery include:
To improve access to cleaning in difficult areas, such as the surfaces of the tooth roots.
To make cleaning easier (pocket depth reduction).
To reverse the damage (regenerative procedures).
Graft tissue into areas where disease has caused the gum and bone tissues to be lost.
One of the best ways to limit the number of dental treatments is to keep good oral health at home. Good oral health can help to decrease the chance that dental treatment other than general preventive care is required.
3 simple steps to prevent tooth decay
Tooth decay is a disease that is strongly related to what we eat and drink. It is one of the most common disease in Australia, affecting people of all ages.
Millions of bacteria live inside the mouth. The acid created by the bacteria attacks the surface of the teeth. It causes the minerals inside the tooth enamel to dissolve. This process is known as demineralisation. The minerals being removed from the tooth surfaces causes it to weaken. This process happens every time we consume foods or drinks with sugar as an ingredient.
If these acid attacks occur repeatedly and not enough protection is provided to the teeth, over time this can lead to the development of tooth decay. Factors such as saliva and fluoride help to protect the teeth by neutralizing the acids and replacing the minerals back into the tooth’s surface. This is a process known as remineralisation.
1. Brush twice per day using a fluoride toothpaste; clean between the teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
The bacteria that cause tooth decay are particularly worse if they are allowed to grow on your teeth for a while. That is why it is important to regularly brush your teeth twice a day to stop the bacteria getting out of control. Make sure you use a fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride makes a big difference by strengthening and repairing our teeth, and make sure you are reaching all the surfaces of your teeth when brushing.
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is low in added sugar.
Sweet treats such as cakes, biscuits, and lollies that contain sugar are well known foods that can increase your risk of developing tooth decay.
However, many foods that are often thought of as healthy can contain a lot more sugar than we expect. Watch out for sugars hidden in foods such as breakfast cereal, bread and pre-made sauces. It is not just white or brown sugar that is of concern; there are multiple forms of sugar that can contribute to tooth decay, including honey and syrups. Sugary drinks including soft drinks, energy drinks, cordial and fruit juice also increase the risk of tooth decay.
Repeatedly snacking on these foods and/or frequently sipping on sugary drinks can do the greatest damage to the teeth. This is because the teeth are exposed to the sugar repeatedly and frequently and the teeth do not have time to recover after each exposure.
While it is hard to completely avoid sugar in your diet, there are some healthy habits for when you have sugary foods or drinks. Try to have them at a mealtime when there is more saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps to prevent tooth decay by washing away some of the sugars and acids, and by keeping bacteria under control. It can also repair the damage caused by acids on the tooth surface. Drink water or plain milk to rinse out your mouth as soon as possible after having sugar.
Tooth-friendly foods and drinks
Fresh fruits and vegetables (whole, not juiced), especially crunchy vegetables such as celery and carrot which get your saliva flowing.
Unsweetened dairy products such as cheese and milk contain calcium that is very good for preventing tooth decay.
Water is the best drink, but unsweetened tea or coffee with milk can also be a tooth-friendly option.
Sugar-free chewing gum is also helpful to produce saliva but not a good idea if you have any jaw issues.
Tap water is a tooth-friendly drink as in 89% of Australian communities, the community water supply has fluoride added to an optimum level to help protect and strengthen teeth.
3. Have a dental check-up at least once per year so that any conditions can be detected and treated early.
Quite often you may be unaware you have tooth decay, and it may only be visible to a dentist or on a dental x-ray. When you feel pain, a cavity has been going through the tooth for quite a while. It may require more complex treatments, or even removal of the tooth.
Visiting a dentist for a check-up regularly makes sure tooth decay is detected early, which can reduce the amount of treatment you need and make sure you can prevent decay in the future.
How tooth erosion occurs
Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure (enamel and/or dentine) that is dissolved from contact with acids. These sources of acid can come from within the body, such as stomach acid from reflux or vomiting, or from outside the body such as foods and drinks. Frequent acid contact for long periods of time increases the risk and wear of the teeth.
Tooth erosion is the result of an individual’s diet and oral hygiene habits adding up over time. The wear process occurs in two stages.
Erosion – acids that coat the surface of the teeth remove minerals from inside the tooth structure. This causes the outside tooth surface to become softened.
Wear – the softened and weakened tooth surfaces are worn away by forces rubbing on the teeth, such as the other teeth.
Tooth erosion most commonly occurs on the top, biting surfaces (known as occlusal surfaces) and inside surfaces of teeth. The inside surfaces are particularly affected when the acid source comes from within the body.
Tooth erosion can negatively affect the health and appearance of the teeth. Affected teeth can become increasingly sensitive, such as to hot and cold temperatures. As well, teeth can visually appear shorter with sharper edges due to the tooth structure being worn away. The tooth surfaces that are worn away can become thin and easily chip or fracture. When multiple or all teeth are severely worn, this can affect how the teeth bite together.
Once tooth enamel is worn away, the tooth can appear darker as the inside dentine layer becomes visible through the thin enamel. Dentine is yellowish-brown in colour, so this makes the overall appearance of the teeth appear darker.
Tooth structure that is worn away can only be replaced by a dentist using treatments such as fillings or crowns.
A mouthguard can protect you from some serious sporting injuries, such as broken jaws, fractured, cracked or knocked-out teeth, cut lips and tongues. If you play a contact sport, you are at risk of injuring your teeth and mouth.
Many sports have risk of contact and therefore serious dental injury, such as rugby, hockey, boxing, cricket, basketball, football, skateboarding and soccer. These sorts of injuries are often difficult to treat, and often involve a lifetime of expense which can lead to a lifetime of dental treatment.
How does a mouthguard work?
Sports mouthguards act to absorb and spread the impact of a knock to the face, which may otherwise result in an injury to the mouth or jaw/s.
Mouthguards should be worn during training and on game day.
Store-bought mouthguards
Mouthguards bought from chemists or sports stores include stock mouthguards and ‘boil-and-bite’ mouthguards.
Stock mouthguards are generic plastic mouthguards that are worn as they are and are not fitted to the shape of the individual wearer’s teeth and gums.
Store-bought mouthguard options often fit poorly and may remain loose in the mouth. They do not provide the same level of protection as a custom-made mouthguard and may interfere with talking or breathing.
Custom-made mouthguards
Custom-made mouthguards created by your dentist are the most protective for the teeth and mouth as they are specially designed to fit the exact contours of your mouth. They are comfortable to wear and allow you to breathe and speak easily compared to the store-bought options.
How to get a custom-made mouthguard
See your dentist for a custom-made mouthguard. It is best to have a check-up to ensure that no other dental treatment is required before a mouthguard is made.
To make the mouthguard, the dentist will take a mould of your teeth to create a mouthguard that fits precisely around your teeth and gums.
