You need a customized professional sports mouthguard if you or your child play sports. As a general dental treatment, custom sports mouthguards offer preventative care to patients. Sports mouthguards help protect the teeth from injuries or even loss. Dr. Stefan Speck offers custom sports mouthguards to patients in Oxford, PA. He ensures that each sports mouthguard is customized to each patient, feels comfortable, and is easy to use.
Custom Vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
With so many drugstore mouthguard options, patients often wonder if a custom mouthguard is worth it, especially when custom is more expensive. But there are many differences between store-bought mouthguards and our custom ones.
Even the boil-and-bite variety of drugstore mouthguards isn’t truly custom. You boil the mouthguard and bite down so that it forms to fit your smile better. But there’s only so much customization these can bring. They start at a standard size, which may not be suitable for smaller or bigger mouths. The guard may not adequately protect your teeth even with their customized version.
Drugstore mouthguards often don’t stay in on their own. You must clench your teeth the entire time you wear one to keep it in place. This means you can’t take a quick drink of water or communicate with your teammates with your mouthguard in. You can’t focus on the game because you’re too busy ensuring the mouthguard stays in your mouth.
Constant clenching has detrimental effects on your jaw joint. The muscles that help it function tense up, causing pain throughout the jaw, face, and neck. Since those muscles are strained, the jaw joint isn’t moving properly, either. This habit can lead to the development of a TMJ disorder. Symptoms include pain and tension, popping and clicking of the jaw joint, and your jaw getting stuck or unable to move in certain positions.
We design custom mouthguards to fit your smile perfectly. They’re snug enough to stay in your mouth when you drink or speak without being tight enough to make it uncomfortable. You can keep your head in the game and not worry about whether the mouthguard stays in properly.
Treatment with Sports Mouthguards
After an initial consultation, Dr. Speck takes dental impressions of the teeth used to fabricate the mouthguard. He sends these impressions to a dental lab, where the mouthguard is constructed. Once the mouthguard is complete, Dr. Speck ensures it fits correctly. He will also advise you on how to care for your sports mouthguard.
You must only use your guards for their specific intended use. Sports mouthguards are a bulkier, lighter material meant to absorb shocks. If you try to use it for teeth grinding, you’ll damage the mouthguard and your teeth. TMJ nightguards are a thin, hard plastic. It won’t absorb shocks if you try to wear that during sports. It isn’t much better than having no guard. The harder material is meant to stop the surfaces of your teeth from grinding together.
Caring for Custom Mouthguards
Your custom mouthguard can only protect you if you care for it properly. Each time you take it out of your mouth, rinse it with cool water. Never use hot water, as it can warp the material. This removes the buildup of debris and saliva from you using it. Clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild antibacterial soap daily. It removes any lingering debris and odor-causing bacteria.
Once a week, do a deeper clean to sterilize it. You can use certain denture or retainer cleaners and follow their specified instructions. Never soak your mouthguard in mouthwash that’s alcohol-based or anything with harsh chemicals, as this can damage the mouthguard. It breaks down the material, causing it to be less effective.
When you’re not wearing the guard, store it in a ventilated case. Warm, wet environments are the favorite breeding grounds for bacteria. Ventilation keeps airflow moving to ensure the case dries off safely. A case also always lets you know where the mouthguard is and that it’s safe from damage. Clean the case regularly, too. Cleaning your mouthguard and putting it in a dirty case negates all the cleaning you did.
Keep an eye on your mouthguard. You know it best as you wear it every day. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice anything, bring it to the attention of our office immediately. We want to ensure that the mouthguard is still doing its job and providing the full protection you need.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards are the best way to protect your teeth during contact sports and teeth grinding. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Can mouthguards treat teeth grinding?
Although sports mouthguards are similar in form to TMJ nightguards, you cannot use them to treat TMJ disorders. Dentists provide Nightguards to treat patients with bruxism, a dental concern marked by teeth clenching and grinding.
Sports mouthguards and nightguards also contain different materials. Nightguards are typically harder material, while sports mouthguards are flexible material. The harder material of nightguards prevents TMJ patients from unconsciously chewing or clenching their teeth.
Are custom mouthguards worth it?
Yes. Custom mouthguards provide superior protection compared to stock versions. Your orthodontist will make them fit the unique shape of your mouth and can be more comfortable to wear. Your orthodontist will also provide you with mouthguards that contain high-quality materials.
These custom mouthguards can withstand the forces of impact, and they can mold them specifically to your teeth for greater comfort and better fit. Overall, custom mouthguards are worth the investment as they offer improved protection for your teeth and gums during sports activities.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
On average, custom-fitted mouthguards can last anywhere between 1 to 3 years. The longevity of the mouthguard will depend on how often you use it, as well as your cleaning habits. If you wear your custom mouthguard regularly, take good care of them and store them in a protective case. They can potentially last up to three years or longer.
It is important to get a new guard after the expiration date given by your dentist; otherwise, the shape may not fit correctly anymore and not provide optimal protection while playing sports or teeth grinding during sleep. You should consider getting a new one if it shows signs of wear, tear, or damage.
Can orthodontists make mouthguards?
Yes, orthodontists have the skill set to make mouthguards. Typically, they use their knowledge of dentistry and orthodontics to take an impression or mold of the teeth and create a custom-fitted appliance that fits perfectly in the patient’s mouth. Orthodontists can adjust for larger mouths, braces, or other dental issues if necessary.
In addition, some orthodontic practices may even offer custom mouthguard options such as night guards. Night guards that protect teeth from grinding during sleep or sports guards designed with extra cushioning protection for athletes engaging in contact sports.
Do mouthguards cause tooth decay?
Mouthguards do not directly cause tooth decay. However, inadequate cleaning and care can lead to bacteria and plaque buildup, contributing to decay. To prevent this, brush your teeth before using a mouthguard and clean it thoroughly after each use. In addition, by keeping up with good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups, you can minimize the risk of tooth decay while using a mouthguard.
Can you still lose teeth with a mouthguard?
While a mouthguard offers significant protection against dental injuries during sports or other high-impact activities, it is still possible to lose a tooth if the force of impact is severe enough. Mouthguards primarily reduce the risk of chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth, but they cannot completely eliminate the risk. Therefore, choosing a well-fit, high-quality mouthguard for your specific activity is essential and replacing it when it shows signs of wear or no longer fits properly.
Call Our Dental Office
Do you need a sports mouthguard for the upcoming season? Request a dental appointment with Dr. Speck on our website or call Oxford Family Dentistry today at 610.981.1320.