Mouthguards are protective dental appliances worn to protect your teeth from injury during sports or other activities. Mouthguards are especially important if you wear orthodontic appliances or you have fixed bridgework.
Mouthguards can be made in a variety of materials, including soft plastic, hard plastic, and acrylic, as per personal preferences. They can either be bought over the counter or get customized by a dental practice. Store-bought mouthguards tend to be ill-fitting, which can cause them to shift, dislodge, or even break during use. Custom mouthguards are molded to the exact shape of your mouth, ensuring a snug, secure fit.
A mouthguard can protect your teeth and gums in several ways. First, it can prevent broken teeth during contact sports or other activities where you may collide with other players or objects. Second, it can prevent injuries to your lips, tongue, and cheeks. It can prevent damage to your gums by cushioning them against contact with hard objects such as your braces or teeth grinding. Finally, it also makes it easier to breathe and speak while exercising.
The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that children wear mouthguards for sports to help prevent dental injuries. Unprotected sports include basketball, wrestling, soccer, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics, lacrosse, in-line skating, taekwondo, boxing, skateboarding, skiing, and snowboarding. Mouthguards should also be worn for non-contact sports, including gymnastics, skating, and martial arts, such as karate.
A mouthguard can help protect your mouth from dental injuries. Mouthguards, dental night guards, and athletic mouthguards are all made of strong, durable materials. They also position your jaw in a way that could protect your teeth and jaw from injury during sports, while you sleep, or during any athletic activity.
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There are three types of mouthguards available:
Rinse your mouthguard with water to remove bacteria. Then, place your mouthguard in a denture cleaner or with mouthwash. This will remove all of the bacteria and odors from your mouthguard.
From there, you can rinse your mouthguard with water and put it back in your mouth.
Mouthguards should be replaced every few years. If you play contact sports, we recommend replacing your mouthguard more often. This is because a mouthguard that is worn down will not properly protect your teeth.
A custom mouthguard will be much more comfortable to wear and is safer to wear than a generic store-bought mouthguard. Custom mouthguards will also fit better and are less likely to come loose while you are playing.
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A custom mouthguard will be much more comfortable to wear and is safer to wear than a generic store-bought mouthguard. Custom mouthguards fit better and are less likely to come loose while you are playing sports or engaging in activities. They’re made specifically for your mouth using precise impressions, ensuring optimal protection and comfort. Store-bought guards are often bulky, poorly fitting, and may not provide adequate protection for your teeth and jaw.
While both protect your teeth, they serve different purposes. Sports mouthguards are designed to protect against impact during athletic activities, cushioning blows to the face and jaw. Nightguards are made to protect against teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep. A 2021 survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute showed that more than 70% of dentists noticed signs of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients, an increase of nearly 10% over the previous year. Each type has different thickness and design characteristics based on its intended use.
Even non-contact sports can pose risks to your teeth and jaw. Activities like basketball, baseball, soccer, and even gymnastics can result in accidental collisions, falls, or contact with equipment that could damage your teeth. A custom mouthguard provides valuable protection regardless of the sport’s classification. The investment in a custom mouthguard is minimal compared to the cost of treating dental injuries that could occur without protection.
Creating a custom mouthguard involves taking precise impressions of your teeth, which are then used to create a model of your mouth. Our dental laboratory uses this model to craft a mouthguard that fits your teeth perfectly. The process typically takes 1-2 weeks from impression to delivery. During your pickup appointment, we’ll ensure the fit is comfortable and make any necessary minor adjustments for optimal protection and comfort.
Yes, custom mouthguards can be made to accommodate braces, dental crowns, bridges, and other dental work. In fact, protection is especially important when you have orthodontic appliances, as impacts can cause more severe damage to both your teeth and the dental work. We’ll design your mouthguard to work with your specific dental situation, ensuring both protection and comfort.
A properly fitted custom mouthguard should not significantly interfere with breathing or speaking. While there may be a brief adjustment period, most patients adapt quickly to wearing their mouthguard. Custom-made guards are much thinner and more comfortable than store-bought alternatives, allowing for better airflow and clearer communication. If you experience ongoing issues, we can make adjustments to improve comfort and function.
Coverage varies by insurance plan, but many dental insurance policies provide some coverage for custom mouthguards, especially when they’re deemed medically necessary for protecting existing dental work or preventing injury. We’ll help verify your benefits and provide the necessary documentation for insurance claims. Even without insurance coverage, the cost of a custom mouthguard is significantly less than treating dental injuries that could occur without protection.
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