Mouthguards are an essential piece of equipment in contact sports. We offer them as a general dental service to patients in Galveston, Texas. Athletes of all ages who participate in sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, baseball, and soccer should wear a custom mouthguard. Additionally, athletes of all ages who participate in contact sports should wear them. Wearing a professionally-made, custom mouthguard can prevent future dental problems and preserve the smile.
Custom Mouthguard in Galveston, TX
Wearing a mouthguard helps prevent structural damage to your teeth and jaw and also helps prevent injuries such as lacerations to your cheeks, tongue, and lips. Studies show that mouthguards also help to decrease the risk of concussions.
Mouthguards are available in most sporting goods stores, but you should be careful when purchasing a mouthguard. However, store-bought mouthguards do not offer the best level of protection. They are also usually ill-fitting and uncomfortable.
For the highest level of comfort and protection, you should visit your dentist for a custom mouthguard fitting in Galveston, TX. A dentist will create a custom mouthguard specifically to protect YOUR mouth.
Mouthguards are made of hardened plastic that protects your teeth. The thinness of the custom mouthguard allows for easy breathing and also allows for easy communication (especially important for you star quarterbacks calling out the signals).
Store-Bought Vs. Custom Mouthguards
Mouthguards are an excellent way to protect your smile, but not all are created equal. While store-bought mouthguards are convenient and inexpensive, custom mouthguards provide far superior protection, comfort, and durability.
Superior Fit and Comfort
One of the biggest advantages of custom mouthguards is their perfect fit. A dentist creates these mouthguards based on a mold or digital scan of your teeth and gums. This ensures that the mouthguard conforms exactly to the shape of your mouth, providing a snug and comfortable fit. In contrast, store-bought options, including boil-and-bite varieties, are one-size-fits-all. Even after adjusting them, they often feel bulky or loose, distracting or uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
With a custom mouthguard, you don’t have to worry about it slipping or feeling awkward. Whether you’re using it during sports or while sleeping, the precise fit means it stays in place without requiring constant adjustment. This comfort makes custom mouthguards much more likely to be used consistently, ensuring better protection.
Enhanced Protection
Custom mouthguards offer better protection than store-bought ones because they are designed to match your specific dental structure. This precise fit helps absorb and distribute impact more effectively, reducing the risk of injuries such as chipped or broken teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue injuries.
This level of protection is especially important for athletes. A blow to the face or jaw can cause serious damage in contact sports like football, basketball, or hockey. A custom mouthguard cushions the impact and helps prevent concussions by stabilizing the jaw and reducing force transmission to the skull. On the other hand, store-bought mouthguards may not stay in place during an impact, which can reduce their effectiveness.
Durability and Longevity
Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that are built to last. Dentists use medical-grade thermoplastics to ensure durability, even under frequent use. With proper care, a custom mouthguard can last several years.
While cheaper upfront, store-bought mouthguards are made from lower-quality materials that wear out quickly. They may crack, lose their shape, or become uncomfortable after just a few uses, leading to repeated purchases. Over time, the cost of replacing store-bought mouthguards can increase, making them less economical in the long run.
Specialized for Your Needs
Custom mouthguards can be tailored for specific purposes, such as protecting against teeth grinding (bruxism) or managing TMJ disorders. Nightguards for bruxism, for example, are designed to create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing grinding and reducing jaw pain. For sports, custom mouthguards can be designed with varying thicknesses depending on the level of protection needed.
Store-bought options are not customizable and may not effectively address unique dental needs. They are designed for general use and may not provide the same benefits for individuals with specific conditions.
Improved Breathing and Speech
A poorly fitting mouthguard can make it difficult to breathe or speak, especially during sports. Custom mouthguards are designed to allow natural breathing and speaking so you can focus on your game or activity without discomfort. Store-bought mouthguards often feel bulky, making communicating with teammates harder or more difficult to stay comfortable during extended use.
Better for Long-Term Oral Health
Custom mouthguards protect your teeth and help maintain long-term oral health. For individuals with bruxism, they prevent excessive tooth wear and reduce the risk of cracks or fractures. By protecting your dental health now, you avoid costly treatments like crowns, fillings, or implants in the future.
Store-bought mouthguards may fail to provide adequate protection, leading to unnecessary dental damage. Investing in a custom mouthguard is a proactive way to safeguard your oral health and prevent problems.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
One of the best ways to avoid a dental emergency is to use a custom mouthguard. The answers to the following questions can help you learn more.
Who should consider getting a custom mouthguard?
Anyone who participates in contact sports, grinds their teeth, or suffers from jaw-related issues like TMJ disorders should consider a custom mouthguard. Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from the added protection and comfort. Even non-contact sports, such as cycling or gymnastics, can pose a risk to dental health, making a mouthguard a valuable investment.
How do custom sports mouthguards protect athletes?
Custom sports mouthguards protect athletes by absorbing and redistributing the impact of a blow to the face or jaw. This helps prevent chipped or broken teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue injuries like cuts to the lips or tongue. They also reduce the risk of concussions by cushioning the jaw and minimizing the force transmitted to the skull.
Can I wear a custom mouthguard with braces?
Yes, custom mouthguards can be designed to fit over braces, protecting teeth and orthodontic appliances. These mouthguards are especially important for athletes with braces, as they help prevent injuries to the lips, gums, and teeth during contact sports. The dentist will ensure the mouthguard accommodates the braces and adjusts as needed.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
The lifespan of a custom mouthguard depends on its use and care. A mouthguard can last one to two years with regular sports use, though young athletes may need replacements more often as their teeth grow. Nightguards for bruxism typically last several years, but heavy grinders may need replacements sooner. Proper cleaning and storage can extend the mouthguard’s life.
What materials are custom mouthguards made from?
Custom mouthguards are typically made from durable, medical-grade thermoplastic materials. These materials are safe, non-toxic, and designed to withstand impact or grinding forces. The thickness and flexibility of the material may vary depending on the intended use, such as sports protection or night grinding.
Can I talk or breathe easily with a custom mouthguard?
Yes, custom mouthguards are designed to allow comfortable breathing and speaking. They are less bulky than store-bought options because they fit precisely to your teeth and gums. This precise fit minimizes interference with normal activities, making them more user-friendly for athletes and nighttime use.
Receive a Mouthguard
See your dentist today for a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and ensure that you maintain the highest level of performance on the field, court, or rink. Call Broadway Dental today at 409-235-0789 or schedule a dental appointment online.