Mouthguards are essential for you or your child playing any contact sports. These include soccer, basketball, and football — any sport that makes you come into contact with other people. A custom-made mouthguard is also essential for patients who suffer from TMJ disorders or grind their teeth at night. Custom mouthguards are a general dentistry service we provide in our Garland, TX, dental office.
Each mouthguard we make is custom and unique to fit your smile perfectly. We dedicate ourselves to providing the perfect solution for your dental problems. Unlike store-bought mouthguards, you get a comfortable mouthguard that you know you can rely on.
Professional Vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
Over-the-counter mouthguards claim they’re one-size-fits-all. Customizable store-bought guards include the boil-and-bite process. You boil the guard to heat the material, biting into it so that it forms to your teeth.
However, they have to make a product that they can market to a wide variety of people. There’s only so much customizing you can do. This results in an ill-fitting mouthguard prone to falling out or requiring you to clench your teeth the entire time to keep it in.
When you clench your teeth for long periods, you cause stress and tension throughout the jaw and facial muscles. Over time, clenching your mouth during sports games and practice sessions causes this.
Your jaw joint breaks down. As a result, you may experience popping and clicking when you move your jaw, pain, and tension throughout the face and head. You may lose your ability to move your jaw in certain ways. It can also get stuck in positions.
Many contact sports require you to keep your mouthguard throughout the entire game or match. If your mouthguard doesn’t fit properly, it may fall out if you try communicating with your teammates. If you have to keep your jaw clenched to keep it in, it will fall out the instant you open your mouth to say something. It also makes getting a quick drink of water difficult, as you have to take out the guard.
A custom, professionally-made mouthguard fits perfectly in your mouth. It’s tight enough to stay in your mouth without clenching but not to the point where it’s uncomfortable. You can easily communicate with your team and comfortably play your sport.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
Choosing a custom mouthguard from Cornerstone Family Dental offers several advantages. Understanding these benefits can help you appreciate the value of investing in a high-quality, custom-fitted mouthguard.
Comfort and Perfect Fit
Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, custom options are tailored to fit your mouth. This ensures comfort and reduces the risk of the mouthguard moving or falling out during use. Custom mouthguards are designed to fit your unique dental structure, providing a secure and comfortable fit that over-the-counter options simply cannot match.
A perfect fit feels more comfortable and ensures that the mouth guard stays in place during sports or while you sleep. This stability enhances protection and allows you to focus on your activities. You don’t have to worry about the mouthguard shifting or causing discomfort.
Durability and Longevity
Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials, making them more durable than store-bought versions. With proper care, they can last for several years and provide ongoing protection.
The high-quality materials used in custom mouthguards are designed to withstand the wear and tear of sports activities and bruxism. This durability means you won’t need to replace your mouth guard frequently, saving you money in the long run.
In addition, the superior materials provide better protection for your teeth and gums. They reduce the risk of injury and dental issues.
Improved Performance and Safety
When your mouthguard fits well, it allows you to breathe and speak easily. This improves your performance in sports and other activities. Custom mouthguards also offer superior protection. They keep your teeth and jaw safe from impact. A well-fitted mouthguard can enhance your confidence and focus so you to perform at your best.
For athletes, the ability to communicate clearly and breathe comfortably is vital. Custom mouthguards provide this advantage, enabling you to stay in the game and perform at your peak. The enhanced protection offered by a custom mouthguard also means fewer injuries and a reduced risk of dental emergencies, contributing to your overall well-being.
Custom Mouthguard in Garland, TX
Getting a mouthguard is a straightforward process. Our experienced team will ensure that your mouthguard fits perfectly for optimal protection and comfort. By following these steps, you can be confident in the quality and effectiveness of your custom mouthguard.
Initial Consultation with the Dentist
The first step involves an initial consultation. During this visit, our dentist will discuss your needs and examine your teeth, which is crucial for determining the type of mouthguard that best suits your requirements. Our dentist will also ask questions about your medical history, your activities, and your symptoms.
This consultation allows us to provide personalized recommendations so your mouthguard is tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need a mouthguard for sports or to prevent bruxism, our team will develop a customized plan to protect your teeth and enhance your oral health.
Impressions or Digital Scans of the Teeth
Once the consultation is complete, the next step involves taking impressions or digital scans of your teeth. This helps in creating a mouthguard that fits your dental structure perfectly. The impression is sent to a dental lab, where the custom mouthguard is crafted. Digital scans are often more comfortable and quicker than traditional impressions, making the process even easier for you.
Accurate impressions will ensure a perfect fit. Our team uses advanced technology to capture detailed images of your teeth, which results in a mouthguard that feels natural and comfortable. The high level of precision achieved through these methods ensures that your custom mouthguard will provide maximum protection and comfort.
Custom Fitting and Adjustments
After the mouthguard is ready, you will return to our office for a fitting. Our dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The goal is to provide a mouthguard that feels as natural as possible while offering maximum protection.
During this appointment, our dentist will check for any areas that may cause discomfort. Then, they will make the necessary modifications.
This fitting process is essential for achieving the best possible results. A well-fitted mouthguard will be more comfortable and more effective in protecting your teeth and jaw. Our team is committed to ensuring you are completely satisfied with your custom mouthguard, and we will take the time needed to ensure it fits perfectly.
Sports Vs. TMJ Mouthguards
If you have a mouthguard for one thing, it’s tempting to try and use it for multiple issues. However, never use your mouthguard for anything other than their intended use. We use different materials to make these guards because they’re designed for certain purposes.
Sports mouthguards are light and bulky, designed to absorb shocks. When you take a hit, the impact of it is spread out and cushioned by the guard.
If you try to use a sports mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding at night, your teeth will just cut through the material. It renders the guard unusable for its true purpose and can damage your teeth, too.
TMJ and teeth grinding mouthguards are thinner plastic that fits close to your teeth. It’s a hard material for your grinding teeth to damage. However, it won’t protect your mouth from trauma or hits. It doesn’t offer much more protection than playing contact sports without a mouthguard.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Custom Mouthguards
Follow these maintenance and care tips to ensure your custom mouthguard remains effective. Proper care will extend the life of your mouthguard and ensure it continues to provide the protection you need:
Proper Cleaning
Clean your mouthguard after each use. Rinse it with cool water and use a toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste to remove debris. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the material. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria buildup, which can cause odors and infections.
For a more thorough cleaning, consider using a mouthguard cleaner recommended by our dental team. These cleaners are specifically designed to keep your mouth guard in top condition and free from harmful bacteria. Regular cleaning not only ensures the hygiene of your mouth guard but also helps it last longer.
Storage When Not in Use
When not in use, store your mouthguard in a case. This helps keep it dry and prevents bacteria from growing. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in a hot car, which can damage the material. The storage case protects your mouthguard from damage and helps it stay clean when not in use.
Proper storage also prevents accidental loss or damage. It ensures your mouthguard is always ready when you need it.
Regular Check-Ups with the Dentist
Bring your mouthguard to regular dental check-ups. Our team at Cornerstone Family Dental will assess its condition and ensure it still fits correctly. If needed, we can make adjustments or recommend a replacement. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your oral health and ensure that your mouthguard continues to provide the protection you need.
Your mouthguard may need adjustments over time, especially if your dental structure changes or the mouthguard shows signs of wear. Our dental team is here to provide ongoing support and ensure that your custom mouthguard remains in optimal condition.
Protect Your Teeth and Gums
If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard can help protect your smile. Call us at 972-848-7749 or schedule an appointment online to get started.