Protect Your Teeth
Mouthguards are essential for children and adults playing contact sport. At Dental at Atune, we offer custom-made mouthguards that fit your mouth properly and are comfortable to wear. An impression is taken of your teeth, which is then used to make a custom mouthguard which will keep your teeth protected whilst playing sport.
What is a mouthguard? A mouthguard is a soft plastic or laminate device used to prevent oral injuries. Mouthguards can prevent more than 20,000 oral injuries to the mouth each year. Common dental injuries that occur without the use of a mouthguard includes chipped or broken teeth, fractured crowns, lip and cheek injuries and much more.
At Dental at Atune, we provide custom mouthguards for patients in Cardiff, Newcastle and surrounds. Whether you’re playing collision sports such as hockey, football or boxing, or incidental contact sports such as baseball, basketball or soccer, having a custom mouthguard fitted is the best way to prevent oral injuries.
Talk to our friendly team today. Our dental hygienist will assess your mouth and have one prepared within the week of your consultation.
Dental Splints
Dental splints are used to protect teeth and their supporting structures from damage typically caused by clenching and/or grinding. Splints are usually in the form of either a tooth night guard or an occlusal splint.
Clenching or grinding of the teeth, also known as bruxism, can occur when a patient is either awake or asleep. Although it’s incorrectly believed that the arrangement of teeth is the main cause of bruxism, it is in fact stress that’s the primary cause. Chronic teeth clenching and teeth grinding can cause overuse of the muscles controlling the lower jaw, which leads to pain from those muscles. The load on the joint itself can also cause changes inside the joint, leading to pain and limited opening of the mouth.
If you believe your teeth are showing wear, or you’re not sure, book a consultation at Dental at Atune today. One of our friendly dentists may recommend a dental splint in order to prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming into contact while your sleep. Although a dental splint distributes the forces generated by bruxism equally between the lower and upper teeth, it’s not a cure for bruxism itself and patients may still clench/grind their teeth at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do mouthguards only cover the top teeth?
Mouthguards only cover the top teeth because they stick out more, thereby taking the brunt of collisions.
Are mouthguards bad for your teeth?
Mouthguards prevent your mouth/teeth from oral injuries related to sport, however they can store bacteria if not washed frequently. Ensure your mouthguard is washed thoroughly before and after each use.
What can I use instead of a mouthguard?
If you find a mouthguard too uncomfortable while sleeping, we recommend an occlusal splint. It’s one of the most common treatments for bruxism.
Should the mouthguard cover gums?
A mouthguard shouldn’t completely cover the upper jaw, but it must cover part of your gums. At Dental at Atune, we take an impression of your teeth to ensure the mouthguard is designed to fit correctly.
