Types of Mouthguards and How They Are Used
If you are a sports person, then mouthguards are not a new concept to you. People who love sporting activities have interacted with mouthguards as part of protecting themselves from extreme damages linked to sports injuries. Even so, mouthguards are not just important for sporting activities. It only depends on the type of mouthguard you are using, and what need you seek to meet. For example, are you aware that there are mouthguards for sleeping? Read on to find out more on that matter:
What Is Sleep Apnea?
It is a sleep disorder that is linked to shortness of breath when sleeping. Patients run out of breath at night, which results in snoring. However, snoring is only the outward and common symptom of sleep apnea. Others can be extremely severe, posing health risks to patients, including heart problems and blood pressure irregularities. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is by far the most common type of sleep apnea, affecting over 10 million Americans. It can be caused by different things, including obesity, and other health issues.
Given the seriousness of this sleep disorder, several treatments can be used to alleviate the effects of sleep apnea. This is where mouthguards for sleep apnea come in place. Mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with mouthguards. These dental appliances have to be customized to serve this specific role.
What Are the Different Types of Mouthguards?
Depending on what you are looking for, there are many types of mouthguards. They differ in how they are made, how they fit over your teeth, and the function they are made to serve.
- Stock mouth protectors – are pre-made mouth wear that is created for protecting teeth from external impact. They can easily be found in any sports store. They feature a plastic-like material. The downside is that they are usually ill-fitting. For patients, it can lead to difficulties talking and sometimes breathing. Sleep doctors and dentists do not recommend this type, especially for patients who suffer from sleep apnea.
- Boil and bite mouth protectors – they are also pre-made. However, unlike stock mouth protectors, they have a better fit because of the thermoplastic material used to make them. To adjust their fit, you have to put them in hot water, then place them over your teeth. From there, you can use your tongue or finger to align it perfectly on your teeth. Still, they are not the best types of mouthguards available in the market.
- Custom-fitted mouthguard – it is a customized oral appliance that a dentist makes for patients with sleep apnea, among other dental-related problems. This type of mouthguard is used to treat and relieve obstructive sleep apnea because of its ability to reduce snoring and ease breathing. The mouthguards are, however, not limited to this function alone. Customized mouthguards can also be used to control teeth clenching, or even protect patients’ teeth from external injury. However, this is only possible if the design of the mouthguard is changed. It is why you have to visit a dentist who specializes in sleep disorders among other dental problems. This way, you will get the best specifications for your teeth as well as meet the needs you have. For those customized mouthguards used to treat sleep apnea, there are different types, that is,
- Mandibular repositioning devices – this type is made in such a way to reposition the lower jaw. The lower jaw rests forward and then down during the night. This creates a passage of air in and out of your system through your mouth. This one, in sleep apnea treatment, is the most common type of mouthguards used.
- Tongue retaining devices – focuses on controlling the movement of your tongue as you sleep. For some patients that snore, the obstruction of the airways results from the tongue closing up the passage of air in and out of your system. These oral appliances work by retaining the position of the tongue.
Finding the best type of mouthguard is not just about convenience or the costs thereof. You must consider other factors like adjustability, functionality, comfort level, as well as effectiveness. It is why you must consult an expert in dental appliances, and sleep disorders, so you can find the most befitting mouth wear for your situation.