Do you or your child play contact sports? You need a comfortable, custom sports mouthguard. The Dentists of Newtown provide custom mouthguards to their patients in Newtown, PA. Sports mouthguards are a general dentistry treatment that can prevent dental injuries and tooth loss.
Compared to store-bought mouthguards, custom-made professional mouthguards offer a more precise fit. With customized mouthguards, our patients do not have to worry about clenching their teeth to keep their mouthguards in their mouths. This custom fit also better protects against tooth chips, cracks, fractures, or missing teeth.
Receiving a Custom Sports Mouthguard
We will take dental impressions of your teeth to create your custom mouthguard. Dental lab technicians use these impressions to create a comfortable mouthguard. Once complete, we will ensure the mouthguard fits precisely and does not feel bulky.
To maintain your mouthguard, we recommend storing it in its case. Storing the mouthguard when not in use helps maintain its shape and prevents damage or wear. Remember to clean your mouthguard after each use. You can also soak the mouthguard in a denture and nightguard cleaner that dissolves in lukewarm water. Keeping the mouthguard clean stops the buildup of infection-causing bacteria.
Can Sports Mouthguards Treat TMJ?
We do not recommend that patients use sports mouthguards to treat their TMJ disorder. TMJ disorders are caused by joint dysfunction in the joint that connects the skull and jaw bones. Patients with TMJ disorders may experience jaw and tooth pain, chronic headaches, and bruxism. Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, is typically addressed with custom nightguards.
These oral appliances may seem similar to sports mouthguards. However, nightguards and sports mouthguards have different uses and are made of different materials. Sports mouthguards are made of a lighter, bulkier material that absorbs the shock of hits. Nightguards are thinner and harder, preventing the surfaces of the teeth from grinding together and aligning your jaw properly through the night.
If you tried to wear your nightguard for sports, it wouldn’t be much better than being without a guard. The material can’t absorb shocks or protect from a hit to your mouth. If you tried to wear your sports mouthguard for teeth grinding, your teeth would grind through the guard.
Custom Vs. Store-bought Mouthguards
Custom sports mouthguards offer protection, comfort, and performance that store-bought versions can’t match. While over-the-counter options may seem convenient or affordable, the long-term benefits of a custom sports mouthguard far outweigh the initial cost.
One of the most significant advantages of a custom sports mouthguard is the precise fit. Dentists create these guards using impressions or digital scans of your mouth, which ensures a snug, tailored fit for your teeth and bite. This personalized design allows the mouthguard to stay in place without the wearer needing to bite down to keep it secure constantly.
In contrast, store-bought guards come in limited sizes or require boiling and biting, which rarely results in a perfect fit. Poorly fitting mouthguards can shift during play, reduce protection, and make breathing or speaking difficult.
Comfort is another significant benefit of custom mouthguards. Because they’re made specifically for your mouth, they feel much less bulky than their one-size-fits-all counterparts. With a custom mouthguard in place, athletes can speak, breathe, and even hydrate more easily. This comfort makes athletes more likely to wear the guard consistently and correctly, which is key to maintaining protection.
In terms of protection, custom mouthguards provide superior shock absorption. They’re designed to cover and cushion all the right areas, reducing the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and cuts to the lips and cheeks. Some studies even suggest that custom mouthguards may lower the risk of concussions by reducing the impact of blows to the jaw. Store-bought versions, by comparison, often leave gaps or fail to protect the whole dental arch, which can lead to injury during high-impact sports.
Durability is another important factor. Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that withstand regular use over a season or longer. Store-bought options tend to wear out quickly and lose shape after a few uses. While custom guards may have a higher upfront cost, they last longer and can help prevent expensive dental emergencies.
Custom Sports Mouthguard FAQs
A sports mouthguard significantly lessens the chances of experiencing a dental emergency when playing. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What sports require or recommend the use of a mouthguard?
Many sports recommend or require mouthguards, including football, basketball, soccer, hockey, wrestling, boxing, rugby, and lacrosse. Even sports not traditionally considered high-contact, like skateboarding or gymnastics, can benefit from mouthguard use due to the risk of falls. Custom mouthguards are especially helpful in sports with fast movement, physical collisions, or airborne equipment. Some youth leagues even mandate their use.
How does a custom sports mouthguard protect athletes?
Custom mouthguards cushion blows to the face and mouth, helping to prevent broken teeth, lip lacerations, tongue injuries, and jaw fractures. They also reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing and distributing impact forces. Because they’re tailored to the athlete’s bite, they stay in place during play and offer consistent protection. Their close fit also reduces distractions, helping athletes perform better.
Can a custom sports mouthguard prevent concussions?
While no mouthguard can fully prevent a concussion, custom sports mouthguards can reduce the severity of impacts to the jaw and head. By absorbing shock and stabilizing the jaw, they minimize the force transmitted to the brain. Some studies suggest custom mouthguards may be more effective in this role than over-the-counter options.
How long does a custom sports mouthguard last?
Most custom sports mouthguards last one to three years, depending on how often they’re used and how well they’re cared for. Athletes in contact sports or those still growing may need replacements more frequently. It’s a good idea to have your dentist check the fit annually. A worn or damaged mouthguard should be replaced immediately.
What happens if my custom mouthguard starts to feel uncomfortable or loose?
If your mouthguard no longer fits well, it may have worn down, or your bite may have changed. Visit our office to have it evaluated. An ill-fitting guard can reduce its protective capabilities and cause discomfort or injury. In many cases, your dentist can adjust it or recommend a replacement.
Can I talk and breathe easily with a custom mouthguard in?
Yes, one of the significant benefits of a custom mouthguard is that it allows for easier breathing and clearer speech. The snug fit keeps the mouthguard in place, so you don’t have to clench your teeth to hold it. This can improve focus, comfort, and communication on the field. Store-bought guards often interfere with these functions due to poor fit.
Request an Appointment Today
Do you play sports like soccer, football, basketball, or lacrosse? Contact our Newtown dental office for a customized sports mouthguard at 267-692-2394. You may also schedule a dental consultation with a member of our team on our website. Let us know if you have questions about mouthguard treatment or need additional care tips. Our team will be glad to assist you.