If you or your child play sports, you need a customized professional sports mouthguard. 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.
What are the Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards?
When compared to store-bought mouthguards, customized professional mouthguards offer a better fit. Over-the-counter mouthguards can feel bulky and may even fall out of the mouth during a game. With customized, professionally-made mouthguards, athletes are able to focus on the game. Custom sports mouthguards conform to the contours of your smile so you can speak clearly and drink water with ease.
Treatment with Sports Mouthguards
After an initial consultation, Dr. Speck takes dental impressions of the teeth which are 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 makes sure that it fits correctly. He will also advise you on how to care for your sports mouthguard. When you are not using your sports mouthguards, they should be kept in their case. After wearing your sports mouthguard, you can clean it with lukewarm water and soap. Using hot water can warp the mouthguard, which means it can lose its shape.
FAQs
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 are also made of different materials. Nightguards are typically a harder material, while sports mouthguards are made of a 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 are able to 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 them, as well as your cleaning habits. If you wear your custom mouthguard regularly and take good them and store it 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. If it shows signs of wear, tear, or damage, you should consider getting a new one.
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 also make adjustments if necessary for larger mouths, braces, or other dental issues. 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.
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 610.753.4506.