Oral Appliances

Preventing damage to teeth is part of the comprehensive preventive dentistry we offer at St Mark Dental and Medical Group. Custom athletic mouthguards and nightguards are often recommended to prevent the damage to teeth caused by sporting accidents and teeth grinding.

Custom Athletic Mouthguards

If you or your child participate in sports such as football, soccer, rugby, hockey or martial arts, you might not be aware that it puts the teeth, gums and jawbones at risk from sticks, bats and stray balls. A mouthguard can provide extra protection by absorbing unexpected force.

While many store-bought options exist, having a custom mouthguard can mean that the mouthguard stays in the mouth more securely when you or your child need it most. Custom mouthguards have a smaller profile that interferes less with breathing and athletic performance.

We can boost team spirit by using a variety of colours to make wearing a mouthguard more fun.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) Splints

Bruxism splints, also known as nightguards, create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent damage caused by the extreme forces of the jaw that is exerted unconsciously during sleep.

Common signs of teeth grinding:

• Headaches and migraines
• Sensitive teeth
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Bite marks along the inside of the cheeks
• Wear patterns on teeth
• Chipped teeth at the gumline
• Gum recession
• Bony growths beneath the tongue

Your Monterey general dentist knows the signs to look for when diagnosing teeth grinding and can make a recommendation to protect the teeth and improve comfort.

If a nightguard is recommended, we will take impressions of the teeth and fabricate a mouthguard out of acrylic material. Since the nightguard will be a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, it will sustain wear over time. Let our team know if the nightguard becomes loose or if holes appear in its surface.

Consequences of Untreated Teeth Grinding

Most people will grind their teeth periodically due to stress, alcohol or tobacco use, or because of certain medications.

Patients who have chronic bruxism and leave it untreated may find that they have swollen or painful jaw muscles and clicking or popping joints.

This condition, called temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMD, is characterised by painful, inflamed muscles and degeneration of the function and health of the jaw joints.

We invite you to contact our Monterey dental clinic for a jaw evaluation and treatment options.

You’re Invited to Call to Arrange a Dental Appointment

To learn more about oral appliances that can help prevent damage to the teeth, call St Mark Dental and Medical Group. We are always happy to answer questions and to welcome new patients.

Disclaimer:

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you. 

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Contact us for more information. Rebates may vary depending on your individual health fund.