Mouthguards: An Overview
If you or your child play sports, you know how easily accidents can happen. A custom-fit mouthguard should be a part of your protective gear at all times to ensure you do not suffer from tooth loss. While only a few sports, such as football and hockey, actually require mouthguards, the American Dental Association recommends wearing them during most sports and exercises.
While sports and exercise are very important for a healthy lifestyle, they are responsible for many injuries to the mouth, including chipped or cracked teeth, knocked out teeth, tooth root damage, and more. Simply wearing a mouthguard could save you thousands of dollars in dental care.
As your trusted dentist in Laurel, MD, it is our priority to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and protected both on and off the field. Additionally, we offer mouthguards that will treat sleep apnea and teeth grinding.
CUSTOM MOUTHGUARDS IN LAUREL, MD
Our mouthguards are custom made to fit perfectly in your mouth. Patients love this custom fit because they are comfortable and offer the best protection. It is also possible to choose which color you want. This makes it fun to match uniforms and encourages consistent use. There are many benefits to choosing this type of specialized mouth guard including:
- Better protection of the teeth
- More comfortable
- Personalized fit
Custom mouthguards carry many benefits compared to over-the-counter options. Store-bought mouthguards are one size fits all, but they dont truly fit anyone properly. Typically, you have to clench your teeth to make sure the mouthguard stays in your mouth. You arent able to communicate with your teammates and youre not able to get a quick water break in between plays without taking your mouthguard out.
When youre constantly clenching your jaw, the joint starts to degrade. It causes pain that can spread throughout your jaw, face, and neck. You may notice that you have trouble opening and closing your mouth or that your jaw pops and clicks when you do. These store-bought mouthguards can lead to these symptoms and to a disorder called TMJ.
A custom mouthguard fits snugly to your teeth. Its comfortable but tight enough that you dont have to do anything to make sure it stays in place. You can speak and talk with it in, as well as drink water. Since you dont need to clench your teeth for it to stay in, you dont have to worry about the consequences that come with clenching your jaw.
SPORTS MOUTHGUARD VS. NIGHTGUARD
You cannot use a sports mouthguard and night mouthguard for the same function. Each kind will perform a specific function. Sports mouthguards are bulkier and lighter. The material will absorb hard impacts. Night guard for teeth is made of a thinner plastic material that repositions your jaw and prevents your teeth from grinding together. They cannot withstand impacts. Using them for other purposes can damage both your teeth and the mouthguard.
CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD FAQS
CAN I USE A MOUTHGUARD IF I HAVE BRACES?
We can custom make your mouthguards to fit around any additional oral appliances that you have, including braces. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is even more important to protect them. This will help prevent interruptions in your treatment from facial trauma.
HOW WILL A MOUTHGUARD HELP WITH MY SLEEP APNEA OR TEETH GRINDING?
A mouthguard, or a night guard mouthpiece, fits securely over your teeth and holds your jaw in a healthy position that prevents the soft tissues of your throat from collapsing on each other and blocking your airway, which causes you to snore. Additionally, the dental night guard protects your teeth so even if you attempt to grind your teeth together unconsciously, no damage will be done.
HOW IS A CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD MADE?
To create your custom mouthguard, we will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used to mold the mouthguard that is tailored to your mouths exact shape. The process ensures a snug, comfortable fit, providing optimal protection against teeth grinding, sports injuries, and other oral issues. Our custom mouthguards offer superior comfort and effectiveness compared to the generic, store-bought alternatives.
IS IT COMFORTABLE TO WEAR A CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD?
Yes, your custom mouthguards will be comfortable to wear. It will be individually crafted based on impressions of your teeth, ensuring a precise fit. The personalized design enhances comfort, making it easier to wear for various activities like sports or preventing teeth grinding. Unlike the kind you buy from a store, custom mouthguards offer a comfortable and secure fit tailored to your mouth.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD?
The process of getting a custom mouthguard typically takes a couple of weeks. After your initial dental appointment to take impressions, the molds are sent to a lab where the mouthguard is custom-made. Once ready, youll return to our Laurel dentist office for fitting and adjustments if necessary, ensuring a perfect fit before use.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD?
Custom mouthguards should be replaced approximately every one to three years, or sooner if they show signs of wear, tear, or damage. We will regularly check it to assess the mouthguards condition. Replacing it ensures optimal protection and maintains the mouthguards integrity, ensuring it functions effectively and provides the necessary support.
CAN CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WEAR CUSTOM MOUTHGUARDS?
Yes, children and teenagers can wear custom mouthguards. In fact, custom mouthguards are highly recommended for our young patients involved in sports to protect their teeth and jaws from injuries. We can create custom mouthguards specifically tailored to fit the mouths of children and teenagers, ensuring comfort, safety, and proper protection.
HOW DO I CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MY CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD?
To clean a custom mouthguard, rinse it with cold water after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Periodically soak it in mouthwash. Avoid hot water, as it can distort the shape. Store it in a ventilated case and bring it to dental check-ups for inspection and cleaning recommendations.
CAN A CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD BE ADJUSTED IF IT FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE?
Yes, if a custom mouthguard feels uncomfortable, it can often be adjusted by your dentist. Dentists have the expertise to make necessary modifications, ensuring a proper fit and comfort. Its essential to communicate any discomfort to the dentist promptly, as adjustments can enhance the mouthguards comfort and effectiveness in providing protection.
HOW DO I GET A CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD?
Simply schedule an appointment to get your custom-fit mouthguard as a part of your general dentistry treatment. The entire process is fairly simple. At your appointment, one of our dentists will take impressions of your teeth. With the impressions, a mold of your teeth will be made and used to fabricate the mouthguard.