Mouthguards: 5 Facts You Need to Know

A retainer-like piece that is designed to cover the biting surfaces, a mouthguard is generally worn for protection during contact sports. Mouthguards also play a key role in helping people with bruxism protect their teeth. A condition that affects over 8.6% of the general population, bruxism is characterized by jaw-clenching and tooth grinding during sleep.

When planning to get a mouthguard for the first time – whether for contact sports or bruxism – most people want to understand everything there is to know about this vital protection tool. Carrying important facts about mouthguards, this detailed guide should answer all your questions.

5 Vital Facts About Mouthguards

1. Different Types of Mouthguards Are Available in the Market

Mouthguards fall into 2 main categories: those that protect teeth from sport-related trauma and guards that are made for patients suffering from teeth grinding or bruxism. These categories of mouthguards have different purposes and will feel and look different.

In addition to the two categories, however, there are different types of mouthguards:

Custom-Fitted Mouthguard

To create a custom-fitted mouthguard, dentists use an impression (mold) of your teeth to custom-create a mouthguard that fits your mouth and teeth comfortably. Custom-fitted mouthguards often feature a higher price because of their ability to provide a better fit and protection.

Whether you are trying to treat sensitive teeth by reducing teeth grinding or trying to avoid trauma during a sports competition, custom-fitted mouthguards guarantee the most benefits.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

These mouthguards are generally a type of thermoplastic material that you can shape without the help of a dentist. To shape the boil-and-bite mouthguards, you place them in hot – not boiling – water. Next, you put the softened mouthguard in your mouth and use fingers to press into the front teeth and molars.

When your mouthguard feels like it's perfectly positioned, you bite down for approximately 20 seconds. Then, you remove the boil-and-bite mouthguard and run it under cold water. You repeat these steps until the mouthguard fits perfectly.

Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

These types of mouthguards are generally adjustable. Coming with sliding pieces, the guards can be made to rest perfectly on your teeth as you sleep.

Stock Mouthguards

These come preformed and ready to wear. They are basically what one might call a one-size-fits-all. Because they are not produced specifically for your teeth, they may not fit you well.

Often featuring a poor fit and bulkiness, stock mouthguards can make your breathing difficult. Compared to the other types of mouthguards, stock types feature the lowest protection.

2. The Best Place to Get a Mouthguard is At the Dentist’s Office

While you can purchase stock, over-the-counter, and boil-and-bite mouthguards from a local drugstore or sporting goods store, you can only get custom-fitted mouthguards from a professional dentist. As noted earlier, the best way to keep your teeth white and healthy is with a custom-fitted mouthguard.

3. You Can Wear a Mouthguard with Dental Braces

With more people trying to fix their crooked teeth, the use of dental braces and invisible teeth aligners is growing. A research study published in 2020 indicates that the prevalence of orthodontic treatment is reaching 20% in the US alone.

If you often play contact sports – or suffer from bruxism – you may worry that you won’t be able to use a mouthguard during orthodontic treatment. This, however, is not the case. You can wear a mouthguard with dental braces. However, for the best results, it is recommended that you get a custom-fitted mouthguard that accommodates your transparent teeth aligners or dental braces perfectly.

4. You Can Use Lower and Upper Mouthguards

Mouthguards designed for sports fit the upper teeth. Since the upper teeth stick out more than the bottom teeth, they are generally at a higher risk. However, if you are wearing dental braces, your orthodontist may recommend a lower mouthguard too.

5. Mouthguards Can be Used for a Few Months to Several Years

Depending on the frequency of use – and the amount of wear and tear – a custom-fitted mouthguard can last several years. However, most people often replace their mouthguards more often. For this reason, you should take your custom-fitted mouthguard to your dental appointments so your dentist can check for signs of wear.

Over-the-counter mouthguards are not as durable as the custom-fitted options. You may, therefore, need to replace over-the-counter mouthguards every few months. Teens and children need to replace their mouthguards more often as their mouths and teeth grow.

Don’t Just Protect Your Smile: Use Invisible Teeth Aligners to Improve It

Most people use mouthguards to ensure their teeth remain healthy – this protects their smile. If you are protecting your smile, improving it may also be a good idea.

At Linea Clear, we use invisible teeth aligners to straighten your teeth, making it possible for you to smile more confidently. By smiling more often and confidently, you give your body a wide range of health benefits.

In 2012, researchers at the University of Kansas published a study showing that smiling more often lowers heart rate in tense situations and reduces the body’s response to stress. A different study published in 2009 linked laughter and smiling to reduced blood pressure, while yet another research study suggests that smiling more often leads to longevity.

Are you tired of having to hide your smile? Would you like to take advantage of all the benefits that come with smiling more often?

The team of orthodontists at Linea Clear is ready to help you. Using our decades of experience, we will help you choose invisible teeth aligners that offer you the most benefits.

Book your FREE e-consultation today. A specialized orthodontist will be assigned to you. The orthodontist will work with you until you are fully satisfied with your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I invest in a mouthguard?

Replacing or repairing a damaged tooth is both painful and costly. Wearing a mouthguard helps you avoid:

• Nerve damage to your teeth.

• Lost or chipped teeth.

• Soft-tissue damage to the inside cheeks, tongue, and gums.

• Enamel damage caused by bruxism.

Will my insurance cover the mouthguard cost?

Health insurance policies vary. While some dental health insurers may cover part – or all the cost – of custom-fitted mouthguards, some insurers may not. Checking with your insurance provider is the best way to know whether your mouthguard will be paid for by the insurer.

How do I care for my mouthguard?

Mouthguards generally pick up bacteria from the mouth. This makes cleaning – and disinfecting – them necessary. The following tips should help you take care of your mouthguard:

• Rinse the mouthguard in cool water. Use soapy water and a brush to clean it after use. Allow the mouthguard to air dry after cleaning.

• Avoid exposing the mouthguard to extreme heat, such as hot water and direct sunlight. Heat may warp and change the mouthguard’s shape.

• Keep your mouthguard in a vented and sturdy plastic case when you are not using it.

• Ensure the mouthguard is out of reach of pets.

Do I need a mouthguard?

Both adults and children may need a mouthguard. Your dentist – or healthcare provider – may recommend a mouthguard if you:

• Grind your teeth (bruxism).

• Take part in activities that feature a high risk of falling, such as biking, gymnastics, and ice skating.

• Play contact sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, or hockey.