Mouth Guard Europe

Initial visit

Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and often used to protect teeth from injury from teeth grinding and during sports. Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in the dental surgery.  First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and best fit and protection.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the area directly in front of the ear on either side of the head where the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) meet. Within the TMJ, there are moving parts that allow the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw. This joint is a typical sliding "ball and socket" that has a disc sandwiched between it. The TMJ is used throughout the day to move the jaw, especially in biting and chewing, talking, and yawning. TMJ disorders are a group of complex problems of the jaw joint. Because muscles and joints work together, a problem with either one can lead to stiffness, headaches, ear pain, bite problems, clicking sounds, or locked jaws. Teeth grinding and teeth clenching increase the wear on the cartilage lining of the TMJ. Those who grind or clench their teeth may be unaware of this behavior unless they are told by someone observing this while sleeping or by a dental professional noticing signs of wear and tear on the teeth. Many patients waken in the morning with jaw or ear pain.Gum chewing or fingernail bitingDental problems and misalignment of the teeth (malocclusion). Patients may complain that it is difficult to find a comfortable bite or that the way their teeth fit together has changed.Chewing on only one side of the jaw can lead to or be a result of TMJ problems.Stress frequently leads to unreleased nervous energy. It is very common for people under stress to release this nervous energy by either consciously or unconsciously grinding and clenching their teeth.Occupational tasks such as holding the telephone between the head and shoulder may contribute to TMJ disorders.