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Written by Dr. Cheng Eng Wah
Mouthguards, also known as mouth protectors, are devices worn over the teeth to protect them.
Whether you want to guard against night-time grinding (bruxism) or that unexpected elbow during a basketball game, our dentists will guide you through the options, ensuring your pearly whites get the top-notch protection they deserve.
Mouth guards act as a cushioned barrier that safeguards your teeth and gum from injuries. They are commonly used in contact sports to shield against traumatic blows and protect the soft tissues of your mouth from cuts or bruises.
For individuals who grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep, mouth guards act as a protective barrier. They reduce wear on your teeth and prevent potential damage to your tooth enamel and jaw. Furthermore, they can be used to treat sleep apnea and relieve pain from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
The physical nature of sports such as basketball, boxing and soccer significantly increase the risk of facial and dental injuries.
A direct hit to your face can deliver a sharp force to the teeth and jaw. Mouth guards work by absorbing this force and distributing it more evenly, which lessens the potential for a single tooth or area to sustain traumatic damage.
This small investment that can prevent costly and painful dental treatments.
The outermost layer of our teeth, the enamel, is the hardest part of the human body. However, constant grinding can wear it down. Once the enamel is lost, it does not regenerate, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to cavities sensitivity and decay.
A mouth guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. So, instead of teeth grinding against each other, they grind against the guard, sparing your teeth from direct damage.
TMJ disorders refer to a variety of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. One of the significant contributors to TMJ disorder is teeth grinding.
A mouth guard acts as a cushion, lessening the direct impact on the TMJ during episodes of clenching or grinding. This protective barrier can prevent further wear or damage to the joint.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
A mouth guard designed to treat sleep apnea pushes your lower jaw forward, increasing the size of your upper airway. This reduces the air resistance that leads to sleep apnea and snoring.
*While mouth guards can help to treat sleep apnea, it is crucial to get a proper diagnosis from a sleep specialist before choosing a treatment method.
Our dentists can evaluate your dental health and specific needs and offer advice on whether a mouth guard is suitable for you. Book an appointment with us to find out more.
There are 4 main types of mouth guards:
| Types of Mouth Guards | Level of Protection | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Mouth Guards | Low | |
| Boil and Bite Mouth Guards | Slightly more protection than stock mouth guards | |
| Custom-made Mouth Guards | Best protection | |
| Nightguard (Occlusal Guard) | Designed specifically for nighttime use to prevent teeth grinding or clenching |
Stock mouth guards are ready-to-wear mouth protectors that usually offer the least protection. They are readily available in most pharmacies and sporting goods stores and offer convenience for users looking for a quick and affordable solution.
While they may be the least expensive option, they are often the least comfortable and may not fit well. They also offer very low protection and are not encouraged for those who play contact sports. Furthermore, they are less durable and need to be replaced frequently.
If you want to address specific dental concerns or are engaged in high-contact sports, a custom-fitted mouth guard from a dental professional might be a more suitable choice.
These mouthguards are made of a thermoplastic material that softens when boiled. Once softened and cooled, you can place them over your teeth and bite down to mould the fit. They can also be purchased at most sporting goods stores or pharmacies.
While they offer slightly more protection than stock mouth guards, they may not fit properly and are insufficient to prevent injuries. Like stock mouth guards, they will need to be replaced quite often. It is still recommended to go for a custom-made mouth guard tailored precisely to your bite.
This type of mouth guard offer the highest form of protection as they can be customised to your needs. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth and then mould the mouthguard over the model using thermoplastic material. This personalised adaptation means there is minimal movement or slippage when worn, maximising protection and comfort.
At i.Dental, we provide custom-made mouth guards designed to provide you with the best oral protection. Schedule an appointment with our dentists to get your custom-fitted mouth guards today.
Nightguards are protective devices worn over the teeth, primarily during sleep to reduce the effects of teeth grinding or clenching. By providing a cushioning effect, they also help reduce the pressure on the jaw and can alleviate symptoms associated with TMJ disorder.
Though there are over-the-counter (OTC) versions are available, custom-fitted nightguards usually provide a more precise fit and better protection. i.Dental offers custom-made nightguards tailored specifically to your unique dental structure. Our dentists will assess the severity of your bruxism and create a suitable nightguard that meets your needs.
Choosing the right mouthguard is crucial for ensuring maximum protection, comfort, and durability. Deciding which type of mouth guard is right for you depends on the intended purpose of using the device.
Custom-made night guards tend to be the most effective option for managing sleep apnea and snoring. Unlike OTC options, custom-made nightguards are designed precisely for your dental structure. This ensures not only comfort but also effectiveness in repositioning your jaw to optimise airflow.
For the best protection, especially in high-contact sports, you should consider investing in a custom-made mouth guard. For sports with a lower risk of impact, a stock or boil and bite mouthguard should suffice.
For individuals experiencing mild bruxism, a stock or boil and bite mouth guards might be adequate. While they might not provide a perfect fit, they can offer a decent level of protection.
However, for individuals with moderate to severe bruxism, the constant grinding can pose a more significant risk to your teeth and jaw. In such cases, custom-made night guards are the best choice.
If you are unsure about which mouth guard works best for you, speak to one of our dentists. We will assess the severity of your condition and recommend the most appropriate type of mouth guard for your needs.
At i.Dental, we provide custom-made mouth guards and night guards with prices ranging from $378 to $648. After assessing your needs and dental condition, our dentists will inform you of the costs involved.
Proper care of your mouth guard can extend its life, maintain its protective qualities and ensure good oral hygiene. Here are some guidelines for caring for your mouth guard:
Over time your mouth guard will undergo wear and tear. Knowing when to replace it will ensure that your teeth always have the best protection.
Boil and bite or stock mouth guards typically require replacement every 6 months to a year. Custom-made mouth guards offer the best protection but their effectiveness will diminish over time. It is best to replace them every 1 to 2 years or even earlier if you spot signs of wear and tear.
It is always a good practice to take your mouth guard to your regular dental check-ups. Schedule an appointment with our dentist who can examine it for signs of wear and tear that you might miss, and advise on whether it is time for a replacement.
Founded in 1989, i.Dental boasts a team of dentists with more than three decades of expertise. We provide various dental services, including braces, Invisalign and mouth guards.
We have a total of 4 clinics located at Tanjong Pagar, Ubi and Yishun. Each outlet is easily accessible by MRT as they are only a 1 to 3- minute walk away.
Stock or boil and bite mouth guards have the least durability, usually lasting 6 months to a year. Custom-made mouth guards are more durable and can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on usage and how well you take care of them.
While mouth guards are beneficial for many purposes, poor-fitting protectors can cause some potential side effects such as:
To reduce these chances of experiencing side effects, we recommend wearing custom-made mouth guards.
No, they are two different devices. While retainers and mouth guards may look the same, they serve different purposes. Retainers are used to hold teeth in their new position after braces or other orthodontic treatments have been removed.
Mouth guards, on the other hand, are typically thicker than retainers and provide more cushioning. Mouth guards for sports are designed to absorb shock, whereas those for bruxism are designed to reduce the effects of teeth grinding.
Yes, you can wear a mouth guard over braces. It can protect both your braces and soft tissues in your mouth from injuries especially when you are playing high impact sports.
No, you should not wear mouth guards over your Invisalign aligners. Wearing them together would likely cause discomfort and impair you from communicating properly.
If you are undergoing treatment with Invisalign and participate in sports, it is best to remove your aligners and wear a proper sports mouthguard during the activity. After the activity, you can clean your teeth and put your aligners back in.
