Whether you play contact sport, grind your teeth at night, or simply want to protect your smile, a custom mouthguard from your dentist is one of the best investments you can make in your oral health. At Bilby Dental in Yarrabilba, we create custom-fitted mouthguards for patients of all ages — here’s everything you need to know.
There are three main types of mouthguards available:
Any sport with a risk of contact — football, rugby, basketball, cricket, hockey, boxing, martial arts, and even cycling — puts your teeth at risk. A knocked-out or broken tooth can be a painful and costly experience, especially if it happens to a child whose adult teeth are still developing.
A well-fitted custom sports mouthguard absorbs and distributes the force of impact, protecting your teeth, gums, lips, jaw, and even helping to reduce the risk of concussion. They’re also much more comfortable to breathe in than off-the-shelf options, which means athletes are more likely to actually wear them.
Australian dental guidelines recommend custom mouthguards for anyone participating in contact sport. For children especially, a properly fitted guard is essential — and it should be replaced each season as their jaw and teeth continue to develop.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a surprisingly common condition, and many people aren’t even aware they do it — because it typically happens during sleep. Signs of grinding include waking up with jaw soreness or headaches, worn-down teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, and unexplained cracking or chipping.
An occlusal splint (also called a night guard or bite splint) is a custom device worn over your teeth while you sleep. It prevents your upper and lower teeth from making direct contact, protecting the enamel from wear and relieving pressure on the jaw joint (TMJ). While a splint doesn’t stop grinding, it protects your teeth from the damage that grinding causes.
The process is straightforward and typically takes just two short appointments. At the first visit, we take an impression of your teeth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where your mouthguard is professionally crafted to your exact specifications. At the second appointment, we check the fit and make any adjustments needed.
The result is a mouthguard that fits precisely, stays in place during activity, and is comfortable enough to actually wear consistently.
If you or your child plays sport, or if you’ve noticed signs of teeth grinding, we’d love to help. A custom mouthguard from Bilby Dental in Yarrabilba is a simple, affordable way to protect your smile for years to come. Book an appointment today.
A custom mouthguard made from a mould of your teeth fits more securely, is more comfortable and protects better than a generic boil-and-bite guard, so it is far more likely to actually be worn.
A night guard does not stop grinding, but it cushions your teeth and jaw, protecting against wear and easing morning jaw pain and headaches. See your dentist if you grind or clench regularly.