What are mouthguards for straightening teeth?

Incorrect bite is a delicate problem that requires long-term wearing of metal structures in the oral cavity. Braces align the dentition within 1-2 years, while the aesthetic side of the issue suffers. The patient experiences discomfort during eating and communication. The mucous membrane of the lips, cheeks and gums is injured on the part of the structure. Modern dentistry offers an alternative to braces - caps. The device is a removable transparent plate. Today you will find out what are the mouthguards for straightening teeth and who they are suitable for and how much they cost.

Cap types

For the manufacture of caps, special plastic or silicone is used. The thickness of the plate depends on the condition of the teeth. In the area where there is a curvature, a thickening is made to increase pressure on the crooked tooth.

Caps are required to be worn constantly (at least 22 hours a day). The product is removed during daily brushing of teeth and meals. The principle of operation is based on a long mechanical effect on the problem area.

There are 3 types of caps:

1. The standard option - its cost is low (from 700-1000 rubles). The device is made according to the average parameters of the jaw. Not suitable for the correction of serious and atypical forms of defects.
2. Thermoplastic option - the average cost (from 1500 rubles). It differs from the first one in physical properties - the cap softens under the influence of hot water, after which it hardens in the desired shape directly on the jaw. The product fits securely and fixes the dentition. Will not correct severe curvature.
3. Individual option (aligners) - high cost (from 3500 rubles). The cap is made from casts of the jaw using 3D technology. Fully corresponds to the size of the dentition. Allows you to get rid of serious defects. At the first appointment, the doctor will show a computer model of the jaw with the defect corrected.

Indications for use

There are several prescriptions for the use of caps for straightening teeth, but they have one thing in common - the defects are insignificant and are expressed in insufficient smile aesthetics:

• Interdental spaces;
• Excessive crowding of teeth in a row;
• Crossbite;
• The dental arch is narrowed or expanded;

Caps are used as a supportive and prophylactic agent after removal of the braces.

Patients suffering from epilepsy, mental illness, individual intolerance to mouthguard materials will have to refuse the device.

At the first appointment, the orthodontist performs a visual examination and evaluates the condition of the oral cavity. Next, an individual treatment plan is drawn up. To eliminate the defect, the doctor makes a plaster cast of the problem area. In the laboratory, several caps with different effects will be made according to his model. Over time, caps with a large mechanical effect gradually "put" crooked teeth in the correct position. The frequency of product replacement and routine inspection is every 2-3 weeks. Duration of treatment from several months to 2 years. You will need to replace from 2 to 25 cap.

Treatment with caps - all the pros and cons

Before starting a long therapy, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of this method.

Arguments for:

• Aesthetic appearance - the patient feels less discomfort compared to wearing metal structures. The device is transparent, almost invisible when talking;
• Harmless - do not harm the enamel, prevent the appearance of caries;
• Comfort - during operation, the cap does not injure the mucous membranes of the mouth;
• Easy to put on and take off, there are no problems with cleaning the mouthguard from food debris and plaque;

• It does not affect diction in any way, which allows it to be used by adult patients with any profession;
• During operation, the internal cavity can be filled with a tooth whitening agent for additional aesthetics;
• Variety of types and forms;
• There is no adaptation period - addiction occurs in a short time.

Arguments against:

• High cost - refers to modern 3D technology for the manufacture of an apparatus for correcting the curvature of teeth;
• The patient independently monitors oral hygiene and the time of using the mouth guard. Accordingly, the final result depends on the conscientiousness of the patient.
• Difficulties arise when visiting restaurants and cafes - the mouthguard must be removed and put in a special box;
• The device does not correct serious curvature of the teeth and malocclusion.

Can children wear mouthguards?

The jaw of a child is formed before the onset of adolescence. Correcting dental anomalies is both simple and difficult at the same time. Simplicity lies in the mobility of the unformed jaw, it is easier to undergo therapy, unlike an adult. Difficulties arise in understanding the need for a small patient to install and wear caps to align the teeth.

Treatment can be started from 6-7 years. Parents need to have a series of conversations before going to the orthodontist, to dispel children's fears about the painfulness of the procedure.

The time of treatment depends on the condition of the bone tissue. The harder it is, the longer the therapy will last. On average, a removable device will have to be used from six months to 1.5 years.

How to care for caps?

Mouthguards do not require special personal care - they should be removed at any meal, rinsed daily with warm water, put in a special container with holes for oxygen to pass through during meals, and chewing gum should be discarded.