If you or your child play contact sports, you need a sports mouthguard. Contact sports include football, soccer, or basketball—any sport where you come into direct contact with people. Dr. Jennifer Nguyen and Dr. Sang Kwon Seo can create your custom sports mouthguard in their Arlington, TX, dental office.
Sports mouthguards are a part of our general dentistry services because they help prevent future dental problems. We custom-make each mouthguard to fit your mouth. Because each person has a unique bite or alignment, a custom guard protects every part of the smile. We create mouthguards so they cover the teeth without feeling uncomfortable or bulky.
The Benefits of Custom-Made Sports Mouthguards
Wearing an athletic mouthguard during contact sports can prevent these problems:
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Tooth loss
- Soft tissue damage (cheeks, lips, tongue)
- Broken braces, wires, or brackets
- Jaw damage or fracture
- Cuts and bruises
A proper fit is essential to protecting your mouth and face. A sports mouthguard absorbs some of the shock from hits to the face. You can sustain hits from a piece of sports equipment, a ball, or another person during sports. The right mouthguard can lessen your chance of damaging your teeth and gums.
Custom sports mouthguards can also save you money. You may need professional treatment if you or your child sustains a dental injury. Costs for braces repair, bonding, crowns, or extractions can add up. A custom-made athletic mouthguard prevents the need for further dental care.
Why Don’t Store-Bought Mouthguards Work?
Store-bought mouthguards may seem like a more accessible option than custom-made mouthguards. Stock mouthguards are ready to wear. However, they do not provide a custom fit.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards require boiling a piece of plastic and making an impression with your teeth once softened. These mouthguards may seem more customized than store-bought options. Still, your boil-and-bite mouthguard can feel bulky or loose if you don’t take a proper impression.
An ill-fitting mouthguard can pose several problems. Loose mouthguards can constantly fall out. Because of this, many patients may feel like they need to clench their jaws to keep them in place. Poorly fitted mouthguards do not offer complete protection, leaving patients at risk of dental injury.
If your mouthguard does not fit properly, it can also make it hard to communicate with teammates. Poorly-fitted mouthguards impede speech and make it hard to pronounce certain words.
Getting a Custom Sports Mouthguard in Arlington, TX
You can get a custom mouthguard in just two office visits. First, we will take dental impressions of your upper teeth at the first visit. Then, we send these impressions to a dental lab to create your mouthguard. The technicians will make the mouthguard from a flexible plastic.
Once the mouthguard is complete, you will return to our office for a fitting. We will ensure the mouthguard fits snugly over your teeth. Then, we will provide the mouthguard case. You get to choose the color of your case, which is exciting for younger patients.
How to Care for Sports Mouthguards
Knowing how to care for your sports mouthguard will ensure it lasts years. After every use, gently brush your mouthguard with liquid antibacterial soap and a toothbrush. Then, rinse your mouthguard in cool or lukewarm water. Once dry, place your mouthguard in its ventilated case.
To deep clean your mouthguard, use a mouthguard soak. Mouthguard soaks are also helpful if your mouthguard smells. The antibacterial ingredients in mouthguard cleaners target bacteria on your mouthguard.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Learn more about custom mouthguards with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Are sports mouthguards and night guards the same?
No. A sports mouthguard is made of flexible, rubbery plastic and protects the mouth from hits to the face. A night guard is made of harder plastic and covers the upper or lower teeth. Patients who experience teeth clenching and grinding wear night guards to prevent tooth wear. The night guard also helps relieve jaw and facial pain.
Do mouthguards cover the upper and lower teeth?
Only boxing mouthguards cover both tooth arches. Other sports mouthguards cover the upper teeth. The upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth, so they are more prone to damage.
How often do you replace sports mouthguards?
If taken care of properly, mouthguards can last 3 or more years. However, there are some cases when you will need a new one. If you feel a change in the fit of your mouthguard, contact our office. You can also get a replacement if your mouthguard is warped or damaged. Your child may also need a new mouthguard as they lose their baby teeth and their permanent teeth grow.
Are mouthguards affordable?
Yes, although professional mouthguards cost more than store-bought mouthguards, they are affordable. The cost of mouthguards depends on our specifications and the type of mouthguard you choose. Insurance can also impact the cost of your mouthguard. Some types of insurance will cover a portion of treatment.
How should a sports mouthguard fit?
Your sports mouthguard should cover your upper teeth and extend to the gums. However, it should not cover the palate.
A sports mouthguard should fit flush to the teeth without feeling too tight. It should not cover the molars because covering every tooth will make the mouthguard bulky. The mouthguard should feel comfortable without easily falling out of the mouth.
Are custom mouthguards worth it?
Yes, custom-made sports mouthguards are worth it for many patients. Compared to store-bought options, professionally-made mouthguards provide:
- A comfortable fit: Custom-made mouthguards fit your mouth precisely so you can focus on the game instead of your mouthguard. You should not clench your jaw to keep your mouthguard in place.
- Longer-lasting appliance: A professional athletic mouthguard can last multiple years. Many store-bought options do not use durable materials or last as long.
- Better protection: Because of their custom fit, professional sports mouthguards will cover your teeth and gums properly.
Contact Cooper Family Dental
Do you need a new mouthguard for the upcoming sports season? Call our office for a custom sports mouthguard in Arlington, TX, at 817-646-1217. You can also schedule a dental appointment online with Dr. Nguyen or Dr. Seo.