A custom mouthguard can help protect your teeth and braces during sports. At Hebron Family Dental, we can create your custom mouthguard in our Carrollton, TX, dental office. Mouthguards are a general dentistry service because they prevent problems like chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth. A professional mouthguard can also prevent the need for future dental treatments like bonding, crowns, or dental implants. We provide mouthguards for children and adults who play contact sports like lacrosse, soccer, football, and hockey.
Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards
Custom sports mouthguards offer several advantages over store-bought versions. Our custom mouthguards provide the following:
- Better Fit: We make custom sports mouthguards from dental impressions. This ensures that the mouthguard fits snugly and stays in place during high-impact activities. A better fit also means it won’t slip or become uncomfortable while you’re playing.
- Superior Protection: Custom mouthguards offer better protection for your teeth, gums, and jaw. They help cushion any blows to the face, reducing the risk of broken teeth, chipped teeth, and soft tissue injuries like cuts on your lips or tongue. They can also prevent jaw injuries and concussions by distributing the force of an impact more evenly.
- Comfortable to Wear: These mouthguards are more comfortable than store-bought versions because they are custom-made. You’ll be less likely to experience discomfort, soreness, or difficulty breathing and talking, which means you’ll be more likely to use them regularly during games or practices.
- Durable: We make custom sports mouthguards from high-quality materials designed to withstand heavy use. This means they last longer and offer consistent protection over time, even if you play contact sports frequently.
- Protection for Braces and Dental Work: If you have braces, dental implants, or other dental work, a custom mouthguard is essential. The mouthguard can be specially designed to protect your dental work while still fitting comfortably around it.
Store-Bought vs. Custom Sports Mouthguards
Choosing the right mouthguard can make all the difference. A properly fitted mouthguard not only protects your teeth from damage but also gives you peace of mind. With the right mouthguard, you can focus on playing your sport without worrying about getting hurt. It helps cushion your teeth from hits or falls, which lowers the risk of breaking or chipping your teeth and getting cuts inside your mouth.
Two main types of mouthguards include:
Store-Bought Mouthguards
Mass-produced mouthguards are designed to fit as many people as possible. This means they are often bulky and uncomfortable.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a popular store-bought option. You boil them in water and then bite down to shape them into your teeth. While this offers a better fit than a standard one-size mouthguard, it still doesn’t compare to the precision of a custom-made mouthguard.
Because store-bought mouthguards don’t fit as snugly as custom options, they can slip during play, providing less protection for your teeth and mouth. In addition, the materials used in store-bought mouthguards are generally less durable than those used in custom mouthguards. They may wear out faster, especially if you use them regularly.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
We make custom sports mouthguards for your teeth. Because they provide a personalized fit, they stay in place, offering superior protection.
Custom mouthguards tailored to your mouth are much more comfortable to wear. You won’t have to worry about them feeling bulky or making it difficult to breathe or talk.
You won’t have to worry about your mouthguard feeling uncomfortable or making it difficult to breathe or talk, which can often happen with generic, over-the-counter mouthguards. A custom fit means you can focus on the game without distractions, knowing your mouthguard is secure and comfortable.
Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that last longer, even with frequent use.
How to Get a Custom Sports Mouthguard
Getting a custom sports mouthguard is easy, and we’re here to help you through every step of the process. Here’s what happens when you get a custom mouthguard in our Carrollton, TX dental office:
Initial Consultation
During your first visit, we’ll discuss your needs and the sports you play. We’ll also discuss how a custom mouthguard can help protect your smile, especially if you play contact sports or have braces or dental work that requires extra protection.
Taking Impressions
Next, we’ll take an impression of your teeth. This involves creating a mold of your teeth, which will be used to design your mouthguard. The process is quick and painless, usually taking just a few minutes.
After we have your dental impression, we’ll send it to a dental lab where technicians will create your custom mouthguard. The lab will use high-quality materials to ensure that your mouthguard is durable and provides excellent protection.
Fitting Appointment
Once your custom mouthguard is ready, you will return to our office for a fitting. We’ll make sure the mouthguard fits perfectly and feels comfortable. If you need adjustments, we’ll take care of them. We will also provide you with a case to keep your mouthguard when not in use.
How to Care for Your Sports Mouthguard
Take good care of your custom sports mouthguard to ensure it lasts as long as possible and continues to offer the best protection.
After each use, rinse your mouthguard with cool water. You can also brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap to remove bacteria and keep it clean. Avoid using hot water, as this can warp the shape of your mouthguard.
When you’re not using your mouthguard, store it in a protective case with ventilation. This will help keep it clean and dry and prevent bacteria from growing.
It can be tempting to chew on your mouthguard, especially during a game or practice. However, this can damage the mouthguard and reduce its effectiveness. Try to avoid chewing on it to help it last longer.
Regularly inspect your mouthguard for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, tears, or thinning areas. If you notice any damage, get a replacement as soon as possible. A damaged mouthguard won’t offer full protection.
Custom sports mouthguards are durable but will eventually need to be replaced. If your mouthguard becomes worn out, cracked, or no longer fits properly, visit our dental office for a new one.
Protect Your Smile
If you or your child play sports, a custom sports mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make in your oral health. Get a custom mouthguard in our Carrollton, TX, dental office today. Call Hebron Family Dental at 972-236-5871 or schedule an appointment online.