Do you or your child play contact sports like soccer, hockey, baseball, or lacrosse? Receive custom sports mouthguards at Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Leland, NC. Sports mouthguards are a general dental solution that helps protect the teeth and gums from damage during sports. Not wearing a sports mouthguard during contact sports can lead to chipped, cracked, fractured, or even lost teeth.
Receive a sports mouthguard today to prevent cosmetic or restorative repairs down the road.
Professional vs. Store-Bought Sports Mouthguards
Professional mouthguards are made specifically to fit your mouth. Because of this, they are less bulky than store-bought mouthguards and are more comfortable and reliable. Patients don’t need to clench their teeth to keep their professional sports mouthguard in place, which can put unnecessary pressure on the jaw. You can also drink water and speak easily when wearing your custom sports mouthguard.
Over-the-counter mouthguards can distract from the game because they can fall out or cause discomfort. Wearing a properly fitting mouthguard helps absorb shock taken from a hit to the face. It stabilizes the head and neck to reduce the chance of severe injury.
Receiving a Sports Mouthguard
You can receive a custom-made mouthguard after just two visits to our Waterford dental office. To begin treatment, we will take dental impressions of all of your teeth. We will send these impressions to a dental laboratory where your custom mouthguard is fabricated. Once the mouthguard is complete, we will ensure that the mouthguard fits properly at your next visit.
Sports mouthguards are simple to care for. You can clean and rinse your mouthguard using soap or mouthwash and warm water. Keeping your mouthguard clean helps eliminate harmful bacteria. If your child is receiving a sports mouthguard, it may need to be replaced over time, usually each sports season, as their adult teeth come in.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
How long does a custom-made mouthguard last?
Your mouthguard will quickly wear out if it isn’t properly cleaned, kept, or maintained. Your mouthguard may last up to three to five years with proper maintenance. However, a reasonable rule of thumb is to replace your mouthguard every year due to general wear and tear from use.
How should a custom mouthguard fit?
Your mouthguard must be properly fitted to offer optimal protection. If you don’t have to clench your jaw or bite down firmly to maintain your guard in place, it’s an excellent fit. Your mouthguard should ideally feel tight against your top teeth without shifting or requiring you to clench your jaws.
How do I stop my mouthguard from smelling?
Baking soda is especially helpful if you notice that your mouthguard is starting to smell or change color. In order to clean your mouthguard, immerse it in a solution of water and baking soda for around 30 minutes.
Why is my mouthguard so thick?
A mouthguard should be used for severe, intense episodes of teeth grinding and jaw clenching if it is 3mm thick or greater. The durability of a mouthguard increases with its thickness. It is important to be aware that it could take longer for this style to feel comfortable in your mouth due to its thickness.
Can a custom mouthguard shift your teeth?
Custom mouthguards should not shift your teeth if they fit correctly, however generic mouthguards can. If your custom mouthguard feels as if it is putting too much pressure on, or shifting your teeth, call our office and we will check to make sure that it fits correctly. If needed we can take a new mold and create a new mouthguard that is more comfortable.
What are custom mouthguards made of?
Custom mouthguards are made of a thermoplastic polymer material. This material is extremely durable and fits exactly to each individual’s mouth. The advantages of a custom mouthguard include comfort, and the ability to speak clearly.
How long does it take to make a custom mouthguard?
In general, it takes between 2-3 weeks to make a custom mouthguard. The process for making a custom mouthguard involves creating a mold, sending it to a lab, creating your custom mouthguard, and then sending it back to our office. We will call you when we get your mouthguard so you can test it to make sure it fits, and take it home!
Request a Dental Consultation
If you or your child need a new sports mouthguard, call our professional dental team at 910-519-1624 or schedule an appointment with us online. Let us know if you have any questions about sports mouthguards and we will be glad to help.