La Retraite Jersey Dental Care
Preventative Care
We offer a range of custom made protective guards which can be tailored for sports or for teeth that are vulnerable from particular habits.
Sports Guards
Unexpected dental trauma can occur in a diverse range of sports and activities. A well-fitting sports guard which is made specifically for you will be more secure and comfortable than a home moulded version and will help to protect your teeth in the event of an impact.
Protective Guards / Occlusal Splints
Our teeth can be at risk from obvious hazards such as contact sports but damage can also occur from habits such as teeth clenching or teeth grinding. These can be more subtle and often pass undetected for some time as they commonly occur whilst we are sleeping. Typical symptoms can include waking up with a headache or stiff, aching jaw joints and muscles.
Preventative action can avoid severe tooth wear or chipped and cracked teeth occurring and very complicated treatments being required at a later stage.
We can also provide specific types of guards, often known as splints. These can be helpful for some patients who experience imbalances with the way their teeth meet.
Orthodontic Retainers
If you have had, or are considering orthodontic work, you will need some means of maintaining your teeth in their new positions or they will drift back to where they were. This is a lifelong commitment and is generally achieved in two ways:
Fixed Wire Retainers
These are bonded onto the inside of your teeth using composite resin materials. Over time the composite will wear down and need maintaining or topping up. Regular checkups will help to anticipate this before the wire separates from the tooth and allows unwanted tooth movement.
Removable Retainers
These are usually worn overnight and may need replacement periodically from wear. Other not uncommon reasons where a new retainer may be necessary are: breakages, loss or consumption by the family dog!
Your orthodontist may advise you to use both types of teeth retainer and we can help you maintain or replace them as required.