The best dental health requires guarding against clenching and grinding of the teeth. Dental guards, which are often referred to as night guards or occlusal splints, operate as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth to keep them apart while you sleep or are under stress. However, given the variety of dental guards on the market, it's important to recognize their distinctions and pick the one that best meets your requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the many types of dental guards so that you can choose the one that is best for you.
Dental guards in stock:
Stock dental guards are ready-to-wear, prefabricated guards commonly obtained at pharmacies. They can't be modified and are only available in a few different sizes and shapes. Although they provide minimal protection, they are frequently large, uncomfortable, and may need to fit properly, which reduces their effectiveness and increases the risk of discomfort.
Dental Guards That Boil and Bite:
Dental guards that can be boiled and then bit into place are a popular choice for people who want a better fit than stock guards. These mouth guards are composed of thermoplastic polymer, which softens when heated. You may mold them to fit your teeth by applying pressure with your fingers or by biting down. This personalization makes the fit more comfortable, increases retention, and strengthens protection. They still don't have the exact fit of custom-made guards, though.
Dental guards made to order :
Dental experts may create dental guards that are specifically designed for each patient and provide the maximum level of protection, comfort, and toughness. During the procedure, impressions of your teeth are taken, which are then utilized to produce a specially-made guard for your mouth. High-quality materials are used to construct custom guards that fit tightly and securely to offer the best possible defense against teeth clenching and grinding.
Hybrid Dental Guards:
Boil-and-bite guards are convenient and offer many advantages over custom-made guards. They come with a moldable tray that is made at home using the boil-and-bite method. After the tray is molded, it can be sent to a dental lab to make a dental guard specifically made to fit the shape of the mouth.
Dental guards with a dual arch:
By creating a healthy biting connection between the top and lower teeth, dual-arch dental guards, also known as bite splints or stabilization splints, are intended to offer stability and avoid teeth grinding. These mouth guards simultaneously cover the upper and lower teeth, distributing stress evenly. For people who have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or who have a lot of stress in their jaw muscles, dual-arch guards are frequently employed.
Daytime Dental Guards: Although most dental guards are made to be worn at night, certain people can also need protection during the day. Dental guards worn during the day are often thinner and more covert than those worn at night, making them more comfortable to wear when speaking and eating. These guards can either be manufactured to order or be boil-and-bite choices.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal dental guard is essential for maximum comfort and protection. While boil-and-bite guards and stock guards might be appropriate for momentary relief or short-term use, custom guards offer the best fit and security for long-term use. While over-the-counter solutions might be taken into consideration for temporary or cost-conscious requirements, hybrid guards offer a compromise between customization and affordability.
It is strongly advised to speak with a dental expert for personalized guidance and to make sure the dental guard you select is suitable for your particular circumstances. Always keep in mind that purchasing the proper dental guard will prevent your teeth from grinding and clenching while also improving your general health.