Mouthguards

Dental issues resulting from trauma or injuries to the mouth can be both painful and expensive. Wearing a mouthguard during sports activities is crucial to avoid these discomforts and maintain dental health.

Shock Absorption by Mouthguards

Mouthguards are engineered to absorb shock effectively, mitigating the risk of teeth being knocked out or displaced during sudden impacts. While accidents may still cause discomfort, mouthguards protect your teeth and the soft tissues within your mouth.

Protection Against Permanent Tooth Damage

Utilizing a mouthguard while engaging in sports can prevent lasting damage to your teeth, saving them from erosion, chips, or cracks caused by impacts, such as in hockey or football. A mouthguard cushions the blow, offering a protective barrier during physical contact.

Oral Tissue Damage Prevention

Beyond safeguarding teeth, mouthguards also protect lips, gums, and the tongue from cuts and trauma, reducing the chance of severe bleeding and injury to these sensitive areas.

Supporting Overall Oral Health

Mouthguards play a vital role in preserving oral health for athletes and active individuals by preventing permanent damage to teeth, gums, and tongue during physical activities, thereby avoiding costly dental procedures.

Mitigating Teeth Grinding Effects

For those who grind their teeth at night, a mouthguard acts as a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the risk of damage despite the grinding impulse.

Custom Mouthguards Versus Over-The-Counter Options

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are precisely made from molds and impressions of your teeth and mouth, ensuring a perfect fit. This personalized approach guarantees comfort and effectiveness, offering superior protection and confidence during sports, tailored to fit your mouth seamlessly.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Mouthguards

OTC mouthguards, available in stores, are made from a generic, more flexible material to fit a broad audience. However, their one-size-fits-all design may not provide a snug fit, leading to discomfort and less effective protection, with a higher likelihood of wearing out more quickly.

For athletes or individuals engaged in contact sports, wearing a mouthguard and selecting the appropriate one is crucial. Equally important is recognizing when it’s time for a replacement.

It’s advisable to consult with your dentist every six months to check the fit of your mouthguard. Various factors can compromise its protective capabilities over time, such as material deformation or reduced thickness. Delaying its replacement can significantly diminish its effectiveness in safeguarding against injuries caused by external forces.

First Visit

During your initial visit, your dentist will create impressions of both your upper and lower teeth using dental putty placed in an “impression tray.” This process captures the detailed contours and spaces of your teeth, either starting with the upper or lower set. The tray is firmly applied to ensure a comprehensive mold is made, requiring only a few minutes for the putty to harden. After this step, your dentist will schedule your next appointment, and you can be on your way.

Mouthguard Creation

With the impressions as a guide, your dentist will then proceed to craft your mouthguard. This process takes a few days, during which the mouthguard is shaped, polished, and possibly trimmed to ensure it fits perfectly for optimal protection and comfort.

Mouthguard Fitting

On your return visit to collect your mouthguard, your dentist will make any necessary final tweaks to ensure it fits snugly and comfortably. The mouthguard should not feel cumbersome and must stay firmly in place to prevent shifting during any impact, yet still allow for normal breathing.

It’s crucial to maintain your mouthguard in top condition, given it spends extensive periods in your mouth.

Ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned before using your mouthguard. This means brushing and flossing your teeth prior to insertion.

Always rinse your mouthguard with cool water or mouthwash before putting it in and after removing it. Avoid hot water as it can alter the shape or damage the material.

A toothbrush and toothpaste can be employed to clean your mouthguard after every use.

Regularly inspect your mouthguard for any signs of wear, such as tears or changes in form. If damage is detected, reach out to your dentist for a replacement.

Your mouthguard plays an essential role in safeguarding your teeth and gums. Bring it along to your dental appointments so your dentist can verify its condition and fit, ensuring it doesn’t cause any discomfort or pain during physical activity.

To preserve your mouthguard, let it air dry between uses and store it in a sturdy, ventilated case.

Several elements influence the price of your custom mouthguard, including the chosen type and material. For example, boil-and-bite mouthguards range from $5 to $80.

Custom-made mouthguards tend to be pricier, with prices generally falling between $190 and $300. Despite the higher cost, they offer a snug fit and superior protection for your dental health. The expense of treating dental injuries without protection can far exceed the investment in a quality mouthguard.