A custom mouthguard crafted by a dentist offers the best level of protection and comfort. While store-bought mouthpieces are easily accessible, they will not protect your teeth as well. Storts Family Dentistry provides many general dentistry services including custom mouthguards in Madill and Ardmore, OK. Dentist-made mouthguards are custom-created to fit the exact shape and contour of your teeth and mouth. This provides you with many benefits compared to over-the-counter or boil-and-bite mouthpieces.
Custom Sports Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Options
When choosing a mouthguard, you have two main options: custom-made mouthguards from a dentist or store-bought, one-size-fits-all mouthguards. While store-bought mouthguards can be quick and inexpensive, custom mouthguards offer several key benefits that make them the better choice for long-term protection and comfort.
Better Fit and Comfort
One of the biggest benefits of a custom mouthguard is that it is made specifically for your teeth. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and create a mouthguard that fits perfectly, which means it will feel comfortable and secure when you wear it. Store-bought mouthguards, on the other hand, are often one-size-fits-all, which means they may not fit well or may cause discomfort. If a mouthguard doesn’t fit correctly, it can move around in your mouth, distracting and even injuring.
Improved Protection
Custom mouthguards provide better protection than store-bought ones because they are designed to cover your teeth, gums, and jaw more securely. They are made from stronger, more durable materials specifically chosen to absorb the force of impact. This makes them more effective at preventing injuries such as chipped teeth, broken jaws, and concussions. Store-bought mouthguards may not offer the same level of protection, as they are often made of thinner materials that don’t fit as well or provide enough cushioning.
Easier to Wear
A custom mouthguard is designed to be easy to wear and won’t interfere with your ability to breathe or speak clearly. Since it’s made to fit your mouth perfectly, it won’t shift or cause discomfort while you’re using it. On the other hand, store-bought mouthguards can be bulky or uncomfortable, making it harder to speak or breathe while wearing them. This can be especially important for athletes, who need to focus on their game rather than worry about adjusting their mouthguard or struggling to breathe.
Long-Term Durability
Custom-made mouthguards are designed to last longer than store-bought options. Since they are made from higher-quality materials and are specifically fitted to your mouth, they tend to hold up better over time, even with regular use. Store-bought mouthguards, however, are often made of less durable materials and may wear out more quickly, especially if they don’t fit properly. This means you may need to replace a store-bought mouthguard more often, making it less cost-effective in the long run.
Personalized Protection for Teeth and Gums
A custom mouthguard can be designed to protect your teeth and address specific dental needs. For example, a custom mouthguard can accommodate the brackets and wires if you have braces, providing extra protection against damage. Similarly, if you grind your teeth at night, your dentist can design a custom night guard to protect your teeth from wear and tear. Store-bought mouthguards cannot offer this level of personalization, which means they may not provide the same level of protection for your specific dental needs.
Increased Confidence
Knowing that you have a custom mouthguard that fits perfectly and provides maximum protection can boost your confidence, whether you’re playing sports or sleeping at night. With a store-bought mouthguard, you may constantly worry about it shifting or not providing enough protection, which can be distracting. A custom mouthguard offers peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your activity without worrying about your teeth or mouthguard.
The Process to Create a Custom Sports Mouthguard
The process to create your custom mouthguard is simple and will only require two visits to your Storts Family Dentistry office. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth to make sure there are no issues with your oral health. If you require dental work, such as a tooth filling or dental crown, you will need to address that first.
Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. We will send the molds of your teeth to the dental lab where they will create your custom mouthguard. They will fabricate your custom mouthpiece and send it back to us. At your second visit, about 2-3 weeks later, we make sure it fits and give directions on how to care for your mouthguard. Your dentist may adjust to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding
A mouthguard for teeth grinding, often called an oral splint or night guard, is a dental device to address teeth grinding or TMJ disorders. Unlike sports mouthguards, oral splints are worn at night to prevent teeth grinding. An oral splint will also alleviate all associated symptoms associated with teeth grinding. You should not wear sports mouthguards as oral splints. The two are different and designed to perform things.
Benefits of Wearing an Oral Splint at Night
- Bruxism Management: Oral splints act as a barrier, preventing teeth grinding during sleep and protecting teeth from excessive wear.
- TMJ Disorder Relief: For individuals who require TMJ treatment, oral splints can help reduce jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension associated with jaw clenching.
- Prevention of Tooth Damage: By creating a cushioning effect, oral splints minimize the impact of grinding on teeth, preventing fractures and enamel erosion.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Alleviating bruxism and associated symptoms contributes to better sleep and overall well-being.
Caring for Your Mouthguard or Oral Splint
To be sure your mouthguard works correctly, proper care is essential. You need to rinse your mouthguard or oral splint with cool water after using it. Brush it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap to remove debris and food.
Store your mouthguard or oral splint in a protective case when not in use. This will prevent damage and help keep it clean and germ-free. Also, keep it away from hot water, direct sunlight, or any type of excessive heat to avoid warping.
Schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure your mouthguard or oral splint continues to fit properly. Your dentist can address any signs of wear to avoid injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about custom mouthguards, we have answers. We provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions patients have.
How often should I clean my mouthguard?
You should clean your mouthguard daily. Rinse it with cool water after each use. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Once a week, soak it in a denture cleaner for deeper cleaning. Always store your mouthguard in a clean, dry container. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and extends your mouthguard’s lifespan.
What’s the difference between a night guard and a mouthguard?
A night guard and a mouthguard serve different purposes. A night guard protects teeth from grinding or clenching (bruxism) during sleep. It’s usually made of a thin, durable material that cushions teeth and prevents damage.
Conversely, a mouthguard is used during sports or physical activities to protect your teeth from impact or injury. It’s typically thicker and covers teeth and gums to absorb shocks and prevent injuries.
Overall, a night guard protects against grinding during sleep, while a mouthguard protects against physical impact during sports.
Do you need a special mouthguard for braces?
Yes, you do need a special mouthguard if you have braces. A regular mouthguard might not fit properly over braces. They can also interfere with the brackets and wires. On the other hand, a special mouthguard for braces protects both your teeth and the braces themselves. It’s typically larger and made from a more flexible material to accommodate the braces and teeth movement. We can help you get the correct type of mouthguard to ensure proper protection while you wear braces.
Does insurance cover custom mouthguards??
Insurance coverage for custom mouthguards varies. Some plans cover them for medical reasons and conditions. As a result, sports mouthguards are usually not covered. Nightguards for teeth grinding might have partial coverage. Check your specific plan for details. We can help you understand your benefits and explore payment options if needed.
Can mouthguards help with jaw pain (TMJ)?
Mouthguards can indeed help with jaw pain related to TMJ disorders. They work by reducing pressure on your jaw joints and muscles. Custom-fitted nightguards are especially effective for TMJ issues. They prevent teeth grinding and clenching while you sleep. Moreover, this often leads to significant pain relief and improved jaw function. We can assess your case and determine if a mouthguard is the right solution for your TMJ pain.
Can you still lose teeth with a mouthguard?
Mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries during sports and physical activities. However, they don’t completely eliminate the possibility of losing teeth. While it’s rare to experience dental trauma when wearing a properly fitted mouthguard, there’s still a small chance of injury in extreme circumstances or high-impact sports. Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection. However, even they can’t guarantee the prevention of tooth loss in all situations.
Get a Custom Mouthguard in Southern Oklahoma
Call today to schedule your appointment at Storts Family Dentistry. We can provide you with a custom sports mouthguard in Madill and Ardmore, OK. Get yours today before practices start to guarantee maximum protection. You can reach us at (580) 260-3410 or by requesting an appointment online.