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Functions and Purposes of Custom Fitted Mouthguards

29/6/2015

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Mandatory fitted mouthguards used for contact sports have improved sports at all levels, and for all ages. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), over-the-counter mouthguards do not provide the maximum level of protection necessary to avoid dental injuries. Whereas, custom-fitted mouthguards allow the accurate assessment of the individual’s mouth to gain a better fit. Custom-fitted mouthguards also help oxygen flow and unrestricted breathing during activities.

There are generally four (4) types of mouthguards popularly used today:





• Over-the-counter (non-fitted),
• “Boil-and-Bite” (heated and mouth-formed),
• Cut-off (covers front teeth only), and
• Custom-fitted (impressions made of the upper dental arch).

Other Purposes

Sports mouthguards are intended to protect the teeth, lips, gums, and arches. Custom mouthguards are also used in tooth bleaching and it has been extensively studied that not only do fitted mouthguards protect teeth from oral injury, but they also play a role in reducing concussive force impacts, via the mouth and jaw, to the brain.

Additionally, occlusal splints are custom-fitted mouthguards used to protect tooth and restored surfaces. Medically, they manage jaw (mandibular) dysfunction and stabilize jaw joints occulusion, as well as reduce TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction - extreme jaw pain and discomfort). 

Those prone to nocturnal teeth clenching, teeth grinding, or inner cheek biting may also find occlusal splints helpful.

Many custom occlusal splints for children are partial coverage plates made of soft, flexible acrylic, vinyl, or light composite materials. They are not made for their durability or intended to last a long time due to children’s rapid changes in growth. 

Processes

Unlike boil-and-bite mouthguards made of thermoplastic material that softens when heated and is fashioned in the mouth to the user’s bite impression, custom-fitted mouthguards are modeled from a dental putty cast impression, or using dental alginate in the dentist’s office. The impression is professionally made into a mouthguard at a lab. 

No two impressions are alike and it is assured the completed professionally formed mouthguard will fit properly and not loosen, rub, or shift inside the mouth over time and wear. Customized adjustments such as posterior thickness, for comfort, or alterations for easier speaking, may be made as necessary or upon request. 

Pressure laminated produced mouthguards are superior to vacuum formed ones. Vacuum formed custom mouthguards offer more protection than boil-and-bite guards. However, they are single layer and do not fit as securely in the mouth.

Custom made pressure laminated mouthguards are multi-layered and provide more protection and comfort, as well as a better fit.



It is important not only to have your mouthguard initially custom-fitted, but also to have it consistently checked to ensure it is fitting properly and is providing maximum protection.

Greg Sharman is your Dental Prosthetist in Franston offering custom-fit mouthguards and services. Other products and services Dr. Sharman provides, include: 

• Complete and Partial Dentures,
• Implant Retained Dentures,
• Denture Relines and Remodels,
• Denture Repairs while you wait, and
• Adjustments and Cleaning. 

We are located at 1b Wells Street in Frankston. For more information on products and services and to schedule an appointment, visit us at
http://www.denturesfrankston.com.au. 


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Total Care for Patients with Failing Natural Teeth by Denturesfrankston

15/6/2015

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Too often dental care is put off until there is literally no other affordable alternative than dentures. However, dentures are not the solution for crooked teeth or severe non-repairable cavities. On the contrary, patients should know there is no substitute for good preventive dental care, because, as soon as the natural teeth are removed, the face will rapidly begin to age due to change in the bone structure over time. 

“Dentures” is a process. Several appointments are necessary after teeth extraction to have impressions made, any excess gum tissue removed, the wax try-in dentures fitted and adjusted if necessary, and finally, the actual insertion when the patient walks out of the office with new dentures and a bright smile. 

Denture Types

Dentures, or dental prosthesis, may be fixed or removable, full, partial, or implant. There are several types of dentures to suit the patient’s need:



• Immediate dentures are made ahead of time and placed as soon as the teeth are removed. Often the teeth are extracted and the denture fitted at the same appointment. The wearer will not be without teeth. Immediate dentures often become permanent dentures.

• Convectional dentures are placed as long as 8 - 12 weeks after teeth have been removed. 

• Standard / Overdentures (false teeth) are removable tooth replacements inserted over existing teeth, or what remains. Essentially these replace where natural teeth were with false teeth. Not everyone can successfully wear them. And healthy teeth that remain can eventually stabilize and undermine the full denture as a result. Overdentures are commonly used in conjunction with root canal procedures.

• Partial, or transitional, dentures are more comfortable and stable than a full denture. They may not be suitable for those with many stable and evenly-spaced natural teeth, however. Partial dentures are intended to fill gaps left by missing teeth, stabilize remaining loose teeth, and help prevent the remaining natural teeth from moving / changing position. 

• Mini implants are standard care for lower dentures. There is no 3 to 6 month waiting period like there is for standard implants. Lower jaw mini implants may be placed without any gum incision and old lower dentures can be retrofitted directly over the new implant so the denture may be used immediately. In fact, the entire procedure is estimated to take little more than one hour to complete. 

Denture Care

Dentures must be periodically checked, relined, or replaced to provide continued comfort, wear, and attractive smile. An annual exam is necessary to ensure the denture teeth are wearing evenly. Dentures worn too long can begin to change the facial muscles and appearance as well as how the patient manipulates their jaws. The bite may need to be adjusted to maintain equal contact and to avoid sores. If the teeth are looking or feeling worn, it may be time to get a new set made. Typically, dentures are replaced entirely every 4 to 8 years. 

Patients also need screened for oral cancer. This is particularly important for older patients and those that frequently use tobacco or alcohol.
When not wearing the dentures, they should always be kept in cool, never hot, water or denture solution. They can warp if they dry out. Brush the dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Greg Sharman is your Dental Prosthetist specialist in Frankston offering, among other products and services, 

• Complete and Partial Dentures,
• Implant Retained Dentures,
• Denture Relines and Remodels,
• Denture Repairs while you wait, and
• Adjustments and Cleaning. 
• Custom Fitted Sports Mouthguards

We are located at 1b Wells Street in Frankston. For more information on products and services and to schedule an appointment, visit us at
http://www.denturesfrankston.com.au. 


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