COSMETIC MOUTH GUARD
WHAT ARE THEY?
A mouth guard (mouth protector) offered by San Jose general and cosmetic dentists at Top Best *8* San Jose Dentists Specialists Centers – Jonathan H. Kim, DDS, Inc. is a flexible custom fitted device worn over teeth during athletic and recreational activities to protect them from damage. A good-fitting mouth guard may be especially important if you wear braces, have fixed anterior bridgework, or just want to protect your teeth/smile from potential trauma.
Mouthguards can buffer damage to the teeth, the brackets, and/or other fixed appliances from blows and physical contact. Mouthguards can also act as a barrier between teeth/braces and the cheeks, between the lips and tongue, thereby limiting the risk of soft tissue damage.
The ideal mouth guard also:
- Allows speaking and does not limit breathing.
- Stays firmly in place during action.
- Provides a high degree of comfort and fit.
- Is durable and easy to clean.
- Is resilient, tear-resistant, odorless, and tasteless.
Generally, a mouth guard only covers the upper teeth. However, dentists at San Jose general and cosmetic dentistry at Top Best *8* San Jose Dentists Specialists Centers – Jonathan H. Kim, DDS, Inc. may suggest that athletes with a protruding jaw or those who wear braces or other dental appliances (such as retainers, bridgework or have implant-supported dentures) on their lower jaw wear a mouthguard on their lower teeth.