Any sport that involves contact between players, such as soccer, lacrosse, football, or basketball, is a contact sport. You must wear a custom-made sports mouthguard if you or your child plays contact sports. At Perfect Smiles, we provide custom sports mouthguards to Bensalem, PA, patients, and the surrounding areas.
As a general dentistry treatment, mouthguards protect the teeth and prevent dental damage and loss. They’re a big improvement over store-bought mouthguards, which typically don’t fit as well and distract players from the game they’re trying to play.
Sports Mouthguard Treatment and Care
To create custom-made mouthguards, we take digital scans of the teeth in our office. These digital images are sent to a dental lab, where technicians create durable plastic mouthguards. Once the mouthguards are complete, we make sure that they fit precisely.
To clean a sports mouthguard, you can soak it in a denture or mouthguard cleaner. Some patients may find it easier to rinse their mouthguards with soap and water. Do not use hot water, as this can warp the mouthguard. When the mouthguard is not in use, keep it in its case.
Are Custom Mouthguards Worth It?
In short, yes. Custom mouthguards carry many benefits over their store-bought counterparts. Boil-and-bite mouthguards claim to give you a custom fit, but this isn’t true. There is only so much you can do with them. They’re usually ill-fitting and don’t fully protect the area you want to be protecting.
Instead of focusing on the game at hand, you have to focus on clenching your jaw to keep the mouthguard in your mouth. You cannot communicate with your teammates or take a quick drink of water without taking your mouthguard out. Clenching your jaw constantly isn’t good for it. It leads to TMJ disorders and other issues. Pain radiates throughout the jaw, and the jaw doesn’t track smoothly, causing popping, clicking, and/or functional problems.
Sports Mouthguards Vs. TMJ Mouthguards
Many people wonder if they can use their mouthguards for other purposes. But these are made specifically for the issues they’re designed to treat. Sports mouthguards are made of a bulkier, lighter material. They’re designed to absorb shocks and protect your teeth from impact trauma. If you use them overnight for TMJ issues, you’ll damage both your teeth and the mouthguard. Grinding teeth will easily wear down the material of sports mouthguards.
TMJ mouthguards are made of a thinner, harder material. They don’t absorb shocks at all. They prevent damage from teeth grinding together overnight. If you use them for sports, your teeth can still get hit and damaged. They don’t offer much protection from impact trauma. You need something with more mass if you’re going to protect your teeth while playing sports.
Caring for Your Custom Mouthguard
Proper care of your mouthguard is essential to ensuring it stays clean, lasts longer, and protects your smile as it should. It is meant to keep your teeth safe, so you should give it the utmost care.
First, rinse your mouthguard with cool water every time you take it out of your mouth. Never use too hot water, as it can warp the material and cause the guard to no longer fit. This washes away saliva, debris, and bacteria.
On days you wear it, thoroughly clean your mouthguard at least once a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle cleaner, such as mild soap. Scrub every part of the mouthguard to eliminate buildup and combat bacteria. Leave it out to air dry. Never put the mouthguard in a closed-off case while wet, as this is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
When you’re not wearing it, store the guard in a case. This way, you always know where it is and don’t risk losing or damaging it. Make sure the case has ventilation so that the guard can air out. Remember to clean the case regularly, too. Putting a clean mouthguard in a dirty case contaminates it again.
Don’t chew or play with your mouthguard when you have it in. This can damage it or change the fit, rendering it useless. Keep an eye on the guard for any changes in fit or signs of wear, as these can be signs that you need a new one. Bring the guard to your regular dental checkups so your dentist can examine it and ensure it protects your teeth.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards can protect your smile better than over-the-counter ones. Learn more.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
With proper care, a custom mouthguard can last several years. However, you may need a replacement if your mouth changes due to dental work, growth (in children), or tooth movement. Regular checkups will help your dentist determine when it’s time for a new one. Nightguards for grinding may wear out faster due to constant pressure.
Do custom mouthguards protect against concussions?
While no mouthguard can completely prevent concussions, custom mouthguards may reduce the risk. They absorb and distribute the force of a blow to the face, which can help lessen the impact on the jaw and skull. Some studies suggest they provide better protection than stock or boil-and-bite versions. However, helmets and proper playing techniques are essential for full head protection.
Will wearing a mouthguard stop my teeth from shifting?
A mouthguard is not designed to straighten or move teeth, but it can help protect against shifting caused by grinding. If you’re concerned about shifting teeth, you may need an orthodontic retainer instead. However, a nightguard may help preserve the alignment you already have. We can help determine the best option for you.
Are custom mouthguards uncomfortable to wear?
Custom mouthguards are designed for comfort. They are typically more comfortable than over-the-counter guards because they are made to fit your exact bite and mouth shape. It may take a couple of days to get used to wearing one, especially if it’s worn at night. Most people quickly adjust and even forget they’re wearing it.
Can I eat or drink with my custom mouthguard in?
No, eating or drinking while wearing a custom mouthguard is not recommended. Food and drinks can get trapped in the guard, increasing the risk of tooth decay and staining. It can also warp the mouthguard or cause it to break down faster. Always remove it before meals or beverages, especially if drinking something hot.
Can I wear a custom mouthguard with braces?
Custom mouthguards can fit over braces and protect the brackets and your mouth. It’s important to get one made by a dentist, as store-bought guards may not fit well and could damage your braces. A custom guard will allow space for tooth movement while providing full protection. Your dentist may need to adjust or remake the mouthguard as your braces change.
Call Our Dental Office Today
Do you need to replace your mouthguard for the upcoming season? Contact Perfect Smiles for a new sports mouthguard at 215-770-1081. Feel free to schedule a dental appointment with our team online. Please let us know if you have any current concerns or questions about sports mouthguards. We will be happy to help.