Do you wake up with a sore jaw? Or you could play a sport like basketball or soccer. If so, a dentist might suggest a custom mouth guard. Getting one is very easy. It does not hurt at all! Here is a guide on what happens when you visit a dentist near you to get one made just for your teeth.
Why Do People Need Mouth Guards?
There are two main reasons. First, some people have bruxism. This is a medical term for grinding or clenching teeth while sleeping. A night guard for teeth grinding acts like a soft cushion. It stops the top and bottom teeth from hitting each other.
Second, athletes use them to protect their mouths from getting hurt. Whether it is for sleep or sports, a custom fit is much better than a store-bought one because it stays in place.
Your Dental Visit for a Mouth Guard Fitting Explained
Step 1: The First Check-Up
When you arrive at the dental clinic, the dentist will look at your teeth and gums. They want to make sure your mouth is healthy before making the guard. They will check for signs of wear on your enamel. Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. If they see flat spots on your molars, it indicates you need a bruxism mouth guard.
Step 2: Making the Impression
This is an important step in the mouth guard process. A dental impression helps create a guard that fits the mouth properly. It works like a “map” of the teeth.
- The Tray: A plastic tray is selected that matches the size of the teeth and jaw.
- The Impression Material: The tray is filled with a soft material called alginate. It is thick and soft, and may feel like gel or soft paste in the mouth.
- Creating the Mould: The tray is gently placed over the teeth and held in position for about one minute. The material slowly sets and becomes firm, capturing the exact shape of the teeth.
- Removing the Tray: The tray is then removed, leaving a clear mould of the teeth. This mould is used to make a custom mouth guard.
In some dental clinics, a digital scanner is used instead. A small handheld device scans the teeth and creates a 3D image on a computer, rather than using physical media.
Step 3: Off to the Lab
The mould is sent to a dental laboratory. At the lab, technicians use the mould to create a hard or soft plastic guard. Because it is made from your exact mould, custom mouth guards near you fit much tighter and more comfortably than store-bought “boil and bite” versions. It usually takes a week or two for the lab to finish making it.
Step 4: The Fitting Appointment
Once the mouth guard is ready, you go back to the dentist. They will place the guard in your mouth to see how it feels.
The dentist checks two things:
- Retention: Does it stay on your teeth without falling off?
- Occlusion: This is a medical word for how your teeth bite together. The dentist wants to make sure the guard doesn’t make your bite feel crooked.
If it feels too tight or pokes your gums, the dentist can trim it right there in the office using a special tool.
Step 5: Learning to Care for Your Guard
Before leaving, the dental team explains how to keep the guard clean. Since it stays in a mouth full of bacteria, it needs to be washed. Rinse it with cool water, then clean it with a soft toothbrush. Never use hot water, or the plastic might melt and change shape!
How Long Will It Last?
A well-maintained mouth guard can last several years. Replace it if you notice cracks, holes, or changes in how it fits. Your dentist can tell you when it is time for a new one.
Final Thoughts
Getting a custom mouth guard is a straightforward process that takes two or three visits. The fitting is comfortable and helps ensure your mouth guard works properly. If you think you need a night guard for teeth grinding or a sports mouth guard, ask your dentist about it at your next visit.
Protect Your Teeth with a Custom Mouth Guard
At Jagare Ridge Dental, we provide custom mouth guards to protect teeth from grinding and sports injuries. We use dental impressions to make a proper fit that supports jaw health and reduces enamel wear and tooth pain. Visit Jagare Ridge Dental for a custom mouth guard near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does a mouth guard hurt?
No, getting a mouth guard does not hurt. The fitting process is comfortable. You might feel slight pressure when biting down on the impression material, but it is not painful.
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How long does it take to get a custom mouth guard?
It usually takes one to two weeks from your first impression to the final fitting. The dental lab needs time to create your custom guard.
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Can I sleep with my mouth guard in?
Yes, if you have a night guard for teeth grinding, you should wear it while sleeping. It protects your teeth from damage caused by grinding.
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What happens if my mouth guard does not fit right?
Contact your dentist if your mouth guard feels loose or causes pain. They can adjust it or make a new one to ensure a proper fit.
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Can I talk normally with a mouth guard in?
It may take a few nights to get used to wearing a mouth guard. Speaking might feel slightly different at first, but most people adjust quickly.