Dental Concerns
Common Problems
Crowding, overbite, underbite & more
PERSONAL CONSULTATION
Not sure where to start?
Your first consultation with Dr Nino is personal, a chance to ask questions and explore your options.
Crowding, overbite, underbite & more
PERSONAL CONSULTATION
Your first consultation with Dr Nino is personal, a chance to ask questions and explore your options.
Protect your teeth, lips and braces with a professionally fitted sports mouthguard from Gullotta Orthodontics in Southport.
Mouthguards are important for contact sports such as rugby, AFL, hockey, boxing and martial arts. They are also worth wearing for sports where accidental falls or collisions can happen, including basketball, netball, soccer and touch football.
A properly fitted mouthguard helps absorb the force of an impact and can reduce the risk of injuries to your teeth, lips, cheeks and gums. We provide sports mouthguards for children, teenagers and adults, including options for patients wearing braces.
It only takes one unexpected collision or fall to cause a painful dental injury. Damage can affect the teeth and gums, as well as the lips, cheeks and braces.
Possible injuries include:
Some dental injuries require urgent treatment, multiple appointments and ongoing restorative care. A well-fitting sports mouthguard cannot prevent every injury but it can help absorb and distribute the force of an impact. This may reduce the likelihood and severity of damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues.
Traditional custom mouthguards are professionally fitted using an accurate impression of your teeth. A dental technician then creates a personalised thermoformed mouthguard, usually within one to two business days.
They provide excellent protection and a secure fit. Their thicker design can make talking more difficult and may feel bulky for some patients.
SISU mouthguards are a modern alternative to traditional boil-and-bite mouthguards. They are made from medical-grade thermoplastic, softened in hot water and professionally moulded around the upper teeth.
They can be fitted during a single appointment and are a practical option for patients wearing braces. The mouthguard can be reheated and remoulded as the teeth move throughout treatment.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be purchased from chemists and sporting goods stores. They are softened in hot water and shaped at home.
These mouthguards are inexpensive and readily available but their fit and protection can vary considerably. They may feel bulky, move during play or make speaking and breathing more difficult.
An over-the-counter mouthguard may provide some protection but it will not offer the same personalised fit as a professionally supplied mouthguard. Patients with braces should speak with their orthodontic team before fitting an over-the-counter product.
A little care goes a long way when it comes to keeping your mouthguard clean and fitting properly.
After each use, give it a good rinse with cool water, clean it gently and let it dry before placing it back in its case. Make sure the case is ventilated and keep your mouthguard away from direct sunlight, heat and curious pets.
It is also worth checking it regularly for cracks, bite marks or changes in shape.
Avoid leaving your mouthguard in a hot car, as heat can cause it to soften or warp. Only place it in hot or boiling water if you have been specifically told to do so for that type of mouthguard.
Replace or review your mouthguard if it feels loose or tight, no longer stays in place, has visible cracks or bite marks or has changed shape.
Children and patients wearing braces may need more regular checks as their teeth move and develop. Bring your mouthguard to your orthodontic appointments so our team can make sure it still fits safely.
Your first consultation with Dr Nino Gullotta gives you one-on-one time to ask questions and explore your options.