best way to clean a mouthguard blog image

Dental mouthguards may be worn to prevent patients from grinding or clenching their teeth. They are also used to help with sleep apnea symptoms, and to protect teeth from injury during sports. At Dentist X, we work with patients who have concerns about protecting their teeth, and part of our evaluation process is to determine if patients may benefit from a mouthguard.

As with any device, it is important to understand how to keep your mouthguard clean after each use. Taking care of your mouthguard is important to ensure the guard continues to protect your teeth properly. We recommend if patients use a mouthguard to add the cleaning process to your daily oral hygiene routine at home.

How to Care For Your Mouthguard At Home Daily

  • Rinse your mouthguard immediately after each use with warm water. This helps to loosen up any bacteria or plaque that may have built up while wearing the device.
  • Gently brush your mouthguard using a toothbrush. A separate toothbrush can be used for this process if you prefer to not use the brush used for your teeth.
  • Do not use toothpaste to brush your mouthguard as this can be too abrasive, and could damage the mouthguard.
  • Set the clean mouthguard on a clean surface and allow it to dry completely. If you do not let your mouthguard dry completely bacteria growth may occur. Typically the drying process takes between 15-30 minutes.
  • Once the mouthguard is dry store the guard in a case to protect it from any damage. It may be best to store the mouthguard outside of the bathroom to ensure the humidity or steam does not cause the mouthguard to warp over time.

When Should I Deep Clean My Mouthguard?

We recommend patients should deep clean their mouthguard at least once a week. Patients can use a denture cleaner from your local pharmacy, mouthwash mixed with water, or mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together. Place the mouthguard in a bowl, and let it soak in the mixture of your choice for at least 30 minutes.

Once the mouthguard has soaked you can remove it, and allow it to dry completely before placing it back in the case. Cleaning the mouthguard case is also important. Cases can be hand washed every couple days to remove any bacteria that has collected over time. We recommend mouthguard cases be replaced every 6-12 months.

When you visit our office always bring your mouthguard and case. This gives our doctor the ability to inspect your mouthguard, and ensure the guard still fits properly. Our team can also help you clean the guard if necessary during your appointment. Taking care of your mouthguard is easy if you incorporate the cleaning process into your oral hygiene routine at home.

Looking to Find a Dentist in X to See if You Can Benefit From a Mouthguard?

If you are looking for dental restoration options in X, and are interested in finding out if you can benefit from a mouthguard, call our office to schedule a consultation. Our evaluation process can help answer any questions you may have, and we can listen to your concerns to determine if a mouthguard is right for you.

At Dentist X we welcome all new patients, and provide a comfortable and relaxing experience when you visit our office.  Contact our office today to schedule your consultation, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

what is the difference between dental implants and veneers blog image

Dental Veneers and Dental Implants both can give patients a beautiful white smile. Deciding what restorative or cosmetic option works best for you depends on the condition of your teeth. Our staff at Miller Dental in Fulshear, TX provides cosmetic and restorative consultations to all our patients to take a detailed look at your mouth and determine a customized treatment plan that works for you. We listen to your goals and look at all options to give you the opportunity to choose the best one.

So, what is the difference between the two? Typically, Dental Veneers and Dental Implants are used for different reasons. This all depends on how much damage a patient has to their teeth.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are porcelain shells that are bonded to teeth. Veneers match the shade and color of your natural teeth providing a bright white smile. Typically veneers are used for patients that have chipped, stained, uneven, or spaces between teeth. During the procedure a special cement is applied to the teeth, and the veneer is then placed on the tooth. An ultraviolet light is then used to cure and harden the veneer. Veneers are made out of durable porcelain and are permanent. They can last anywhere between 10-15 years if cared for properly. Dental veneers can be customized to best fit your teeth and preserve as much of your existing tooth as possible giving patients a long-lasting smile.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are the leading restorative solution for many patients and one of the most common procedures done today. Implants are permanent and reliable giving patients the feeling that they have natural teeth. Implants are used for patients that have lost a tooth or teeth, have suffered from periodontal disease, or an injury. Dental implants take multiple appointments across a few months to complete.

Implants last upwards of 25 years or a lifetime if taken care for properly. They provide many benefits to patients, and are comfortable in the mouth. Implants allow patients to speak, eat, and function just like they would with natural teeth.

As part of our evaluation process Dr. Miller will determine if the patient has enough bone present in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to provide the additional support. During the implant procedure metal posts are placed in the jaw, and these act similar to artificial tooth roots. These posts provide the required support needed for the implants. Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is secured on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured on top of the implant.

Crowns are custom made to match the color, size, and shape of your teeth. Temporary crowns are used while the patient waits for the permanent crown to be placed. Practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting our office regularly will help to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

Still Not Sure? Contact Our Cosmetic Dentist in Fulshear, TX

Choosing the best option is important, and our team at [insert practice name] is here to help give you all of the options available to achieve that bright white smile. We welcome all patients, and strive to always provide quality service our patients can count on.

If you are interested in finding out more about Dental Veneers or are looking to get dental implants in Fulshear, TX please contact Dr. Miller to schedule your consultation.