Mouth guards and retainers have long been a part of many childhood trips to the orthodontist, but their list of potential uses is growing ever longer; for example, mouth guards have even been studied as a way to help women maintain their strength through the pushing stages of childbirth. A doctor or dentist can discuss the best options available to you based on your particular condition.
Mouth Guard Definition
Mouth guards, also called splints, have been used to treat a variety of dental issues since about the 1930s. Modern mouth guards are often made of plastic and fit over the top or bottom set of teeth. You can also make a custom mouth guard from a wax mold; you soften the wax, then make an impression in it with your teeth. Mouth guards are designed to prevent clenching and overbites, as well as to protect teeth in certain high-risk situations such as contact sports. Newer types of splints have also been designed to separate front and back teeth on the top of the mouth.
Retainer Definition
A retainer can take one of two forms: a small piece of hard plastic with metal wires, or a thinner piece of plastic shaped like a mouth guard. Retainers are often used by people who have recently had braces removed; the retainer provides additional support to ensure the newly straightened teeth stay in place. Retainers are molded to your teeth and prescribed by an orthodontist. You may have to wear it 24 hours a day, just at night or under other terms set by your orthodontist.
Conditions
Mouth guards are commonly prescribed or recommended to help with jaw issues, such as disorders of the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. They can also help correct overbites and other minor dental issues that don't require braces or other orthodontic appliances. Wearing a specially fitted mouth guard can sometimes help you overcome certain sleeping disorders, such as snoring or sleep apnea. Retainers may be prescribed for some of the same issues, especially TMJ disorders like overbites or teeth grinding. Whether you need a mouth guard or retainer depends on the severity of your condition.
Sports
Mouth guards have become popular for children and young adults who participate in sports. Doctors and dentists often recommend them to protect teeth and jaws from breaking if a child is hit in the face by a ball or another piece of equipment; they may even prevent concussions in some cases. The U.S. Lacrosse organization, for example, recommends players get a custom-made mouth guard if possible and to wear it during both games and practices, whether officials require it or not. Properly fitted mouth guards should not impede communication or breathing or pose a choking hazard, the organization says.
References
- KidsHealth.org from Nemours: Braces
- "The New York Times": TMJ Disorders
- HelpGuide.org: How to Stop Snoring
- KidsHealth.org from Nemours: The Reality of Retainers
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Duration of Second Stage of Labor Wearing a Dental Occlusion Device
- USLacrosse: Position Statement on the Use of Mouth Guards in Lacrosse
