Mouthguards in Tampa, FL

Mouthguards are great appliances that can be worn to protect our teeth during sports or other activities that might damage our teeth. Another use for them we sometimes recommend here at Westbay Dental in Tampa, FL is to wear them to protect braces. For those who suffer from irritation due to braces, or other devices, mouthguards can be used to separate them from the inside of their mouths.

Features of a Great Mouthguard

We believe there’s more to a mouthguard than protection here at Westbay Dental. Wanting to protect your teeth doesn’t mean you have to tolerate an irritating mouthguard. A good mouthguard should be comfortable and fit well, shouldn’t affect your speech or ability to breathe, and is durable and easy to clean.

The reason many athletes and people don’t wear mouthguards is because they don’t realize they can have all of these features. Their idea of the appliance is something obstructive that gets in the way and affects their performance negatively.

Uses of Mouthguards

As we mentioned earlier, mouthguards are commonly used in contact sports. These include basketball, football, soccer, squash, wrestling, martial arts, and others. They’re worn to protect your teeth and braces if you have any.

People who suffer from irritation to their gums and inner lips due to braces can use mouthguards as a barrier between them. We might also recommend them for those who grind their teeth or suffer from TMJ disorders.

Types of Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are easy to find and are very cheap. You can find them in drug stores and stores that sell sporting goods. If you’re thinking about uncomfortable mouthguards that make breathing and speaking difficult, you’re probably thinking of stock ones. They don’t fit well and aren’t very protective either.

Custom-fitted mouthguards are the most expensive, but they’re the most comfortable and protective. They’re made at the dentist’s office. We’ll make an impression of the patient’s teeth then send it to a lab so the custom-fitted mouthguard can be made.

Mouth-formed mouthguards are bought online or at a drug store. Their fit can then be adjusted as you bite into them and they adjust accordingly.