Play it Safe, Protect Your Teeth!

When involved in activities that are physical you need to protect yourself, especially your teeth.

Although National Facial Protection Month is coming to an end we still want to advise all of our patients who participate in any physical or sporting activities to wear a mouth guard. Sports-related dental injuries are reported to be the cause of over 600,000 emergency rooms visits per year. We advise taking extra pre-caution to protect your teeth, during orthodontic treatment. You can take pre-caution by wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth. A mouth guard is a device that is used to protect your mouth from injury when you are participating in sporting activity. The use of a mouth guard is especially important to orthodontic patients.

A mouth guard can help prevent injury to the teeth, mouth and even jaw. Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect your upper and lower teeth. There are three different kinds of mouth guards. Each one is different in comfort, fit, and cost. Be sure to consult with Dr. Wentz to determine which mouth guard is best for you or your child.

Types of Mouth Guards: (Source: Webmd.com)
Custom-Made mouth guard:
This type of mouth guard is customized to fit made an individual perfectly. It is made by using impression of patient’s teeth. The mouth guard is pressure-laminated during its fabrication and designed to fit the athlete’s mouth exactly.
Boil and Bite mouth guard:
The boil and bite is a thermoplastic mouth-formed protector and is usually softened by immersing it in hot water. It is then shaped to the teeth by using finger, tongue, and biting pressure.
Stock mouth guard:
Stock mouth guards are found at most sporting-goods stores and are ready to wear. It comes in several shapes and is constructed of rubber or polyvinyl material.

Whether you use a stock mouth guard or get a custom mouth guard made, the right fit mouth guard will act as cushions protecting your mouth from hits and preventing serious injury. Without a mouth guard injury can result in permanent damage and we don't want that to happen.

Remember, while involved with any physical activity under orthodontic treatment consult with us for the choosing the best mouth guard for you.