Mouthguards (Item no. 151, 153)

151 Provision of a mouthguard indirect

Making a mouthguard on one jaw, using a model(s) prepared from an impression(s) of the teeth taken by or under the supervision of the clinician (that’s the dentist) and subsequently inserted by the dentist.

This is a GST item which means GST is added. Why? I don’t know, but we view this as preventive treatment!

A mouth guard custom made to a person’s mouth is far, far better than a self-moulded plastic shape, made in hot water.

Properly made mouth guards have the following features:

• Made on a person’s own models so they are able to be placed back to reduce becoming misshapen
• Has the person’s name, and other details, embedded in the material
• Is multi-layered and therefore stronger and takes longer to distort
• Front mouthguard has a V avoiding the fraenum or muscle attachment, otherwise it will pop out with lip movement or ulcerate it
• Has the imprint of the opposing teeth to provide stability
• Protects the upper teeth from a direct blow
• Protects the lower teeth from an upper directed blow to the lower jaw from crashing into the upper teeth
• Reduces the lower jaw from fracture as the mouth guard absorbs some of the energy of the blow due to its snug fit
• As the mouth guards fits well on the teeth it tends to not fall out when running
• Yes, for the fashion conscious, it comes in a range of colours. For those that play on grass, the green colour may not be the best colour if you do not want to lose it
• It makes you look like you mean business!

The cost of a properly made mouthguard is tiny compared to the damage and injury that it prevents. Remember that some injuries may never be corrected to the way your body was. This includes loss of teeth and bone and fractures that misalign the bite and joints.

Teeth and bone fragments can piece the lips and cheek and may cause scarring and the list goes on.

The sport that really benefits from a mouthguard is hockey; that hockey stick certainly messes with the teeth big time! The number of times we have had to resurrect a player’s mouth is incredible.

It’s not worth it. Wear it!

153 Bi-maxillary mouthguard indirect

Making a bi-maxillary (i.e. on both jaws) mouthguard using models prepared from an impressions of the teeth taken by or under the supervision of the clinician and subsequently inserted.

This is often used for high impact sport such as boxing.

GST is also added onto to this item. Yes it’s silly!

Care instructions

Always rinse in cold water and place the mouth guard back on the model to prevent distortion. If you use hot water it can distort.

The appliance can be cleaned gently with a tooth brush and tooth paste on the teeth facing surface.

If the mouth guard becomes ill-fitting, get the dentist to check if it as it can be modified to make it fit better. If it is poorly fitting it would best to replace it otherwise it won’t protect you properly.

PLAY SAFE!

Next week: Blog Series – Hello Renovations