The purpose of a dental guard may be to treat or alleviate various oral health problems or sleep problems.
Generally, the production process of this type of guard is as follows:
Mouth
Impression Measurement: The first step is to take an intraoral
impression of the patient. This impression is transferred to computer
programmes based on the person's tooth structure and jaw position.
Computer
Aided Design: The dental guard is designed in the computer software
according to the patient's oral structure and treatment needs. This
design is adjusted to be personalized.
3D Printing or Production:
The designed guard is produced using 3D printing or other manufacturing
technologies. This ensures that the guard fits the person's mouth
exactly.
Testing and Adjustment: The night-time guard is fitted
to the patient and adjustments are made as necessary. The patient should
be able to use the night-time guard comfortably.
The intended
use of this type of guard can be varied. For example, it can be used for
different reasons such as finding solutions to sleep apnoea or snoring
problems, treatment of bruxism (teeth grinding), providing support
against temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) problems.
The
production and use of this type of night-time dental guard should be
carried out under the supervision of a dentist or a specialized
healthcare professional. This specialist can design a night-time guard
to suit the individual's needs and guide them through the subsequent
treatment process.