Any sport with contact between players, like soccer, lacrosse, football, or basketball, is a contact sport. If you or your child play contact sports, you must wear a custom-made sports mouthguard. 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 tooth loss. They’re a big improvement over store-bought mouthguards. Typically, these mouthguards 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 custom mouthguards of durable plastic. 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 really the case. 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 function problems.
Sports Mouthguards Vs. TMJ Mouthguards
Many people wonder if they can use your 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’re meant to 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.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
A custom mouthguard can last for one to five years. The longevity will truly depend on the wear and tear and how often you use them. We recommend replacing your mouthguard every sports season if you can.
Can orthodontists make mouthguards?
Yes, orthodontists can make custom mouthguards. In fact, many individuals want custom mouthguards from orthodontists if they have braces or other orthodontic appliances. An orthodontist can take accurate impressions and manufacture a properly fitted mouthguard aligned to your bite.
Why are custom-made mouthguards better than store-bought mouthguards?
Custom mouthguards specifically fit your teeth and provide superior protection and comfort compared to generic store-bought versions. The custom fit allows you to talk and breathe naturally while the mouthguard is in. They also provide optimal shock absorption. Custom guards distribute force evenly over the teeth and prevent damage. They are also less bulky and stay in place better than stock mouthpieces. For high-impact sports, a custom mouthguard made by an orthodontist is worth the investment.
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.