Custom Mouthguards: An Overview
If you play impact sports, you are no stranger to the risk of facial trauma. Whether it’s soccer, football, wrestling, or any other contact sport, you need to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw first and foremost. Our Columbia, Maryland dentists are here to help you do so.
We are here to provide you with general dentistry services, as well as cosmetic and restorative solutions, all under one roof. Our office provides customized mouthguards that will fit your smile so perfectly that you won’t have an excuse not to use them. We are here to help with your dental health every step of the way, including when you are out on the field.
Let us provide you with a mouthguard to feel comfortable and confident wearing.
Mouthguards in Columbia, MD
Our mouthguards are unlike the ones you can buy at the supermarket or from sports supply stores. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we take the time to make sure your mouthguard fits securely into your mouth. This avoids the chances of slippage and prevents the discomfort of an ill-fitting mouthguard.
We create our customized mouthguards through the use of dental impressions. We will examine your teeth at your appointment and take the necessary impressions. Afterward, we send these impressions to our labs to create your mouthguard. Your mouthguard will be complete in one or two weeks, and we will call you back to our office so you can pick it up.
Professional Vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
Professional mouthguards come with many benefits compared to store-bought. Drugstore mouthguards are meant to be one-size-fits-all. Though boil and bite mouthguards claim to be custom, they can only do so much. They’re designed to fit a large swath of people. Usually, this means that they’re ill-fitting and don’t stay in your mouth on your own.
When you have to clench your teeth to keep your mouthguard in, it takes your focus off of the game you’re playing. You can’t communicate with your teammates without taking the mouthguard out of your mouth. This goes for quick drinks of water between plays, too. Store-bought mouthguards don’t hold up as well as professional-grade ones, either.
Clenching your mouth constantly leads to an increased risk of developing TMJ disorders. It tenses up the muscles that help your jaw move, and the joint breaks down. You experience pain and tension throughout the face and head, popping and clicking when you move your jaw and problems with how your jaw functions.
Professional mouthguards fit your smile exactly. You don’t have to clench your jaw; you can communicate and drink water freely.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards are the best way to protect your smile. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long does it take to fit a mouthguard?
Fitting, taking a mold, and creating a mouthguard typically takes between 2-3 weeks. The process involves sending a mold to be created into a mouthguard and then sent back to the dentist and given to the patient.
Are a mouthguard and a nightguard the same thing?
No. You typically use a mouthguard during contact sports. It is specifically fabricated to withstand large hits to the mouth but not made to protect from constant teeth grinding. A night guard can withstand hours of teeth grinding without getting damaged.
Should my teeth hurt after wearing a night guard?
A night guard should not cause pain to patients. Night guard trays act as protection against teeth grinding. They should not fit extremely tight or cause pain or discomfort.
Can you wear your night guard during the day?
Patients who find themselves clenching their jaw and grinding their teeth throughout the day may decide to wear a night guard during the day to protect their teeth. The purpose of a night guard is to protect against teeth damage from clenching and grinding, so if a patient finds themself grinding their teeth during the day, it is wise to wear a guard to protect their teeth.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Our mouthguards are multi-purposeful. You may be prescribed a mouthguard or nightguard if you struggle with unconscious teeth grinding. Our nightguards are custom-fit to you, just like our sports mouthguards, so you are not uncomfortable while sleeping.
Our nightguards are also great for treating sleep apnea and can be an essential component of TMJ treatment as well. This is because our nightguards hold your jaw in a healthy resting position, allowing you to maintain an open airway while supporting your jaw muscles and joints while you rest.
Sports Mouthguards Vs. Nightguards
When you have one of these, using it for all your mouthguard needs is tempting. However, you mustn’t ever use your guard for anything other than its express purpose.
Sports mouthguards are a bulky, lightweight material. They’re designed to absorb shocks from trauma or hits so that it doesn’t impact your smile. If you tried to use them for teeth grinding, your teeth would eventually go through the guard, damaging both that and your teeth.
Conversely, nightguards are made of a thicker plastic that stops your teeth from grinding into each other. If you wore it during sports, it wouldn’t provide much more protection than if you weren’t wearing a guard.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Your guard can’t properly protect your smile if you don’t care for it correctly. To start, rinse your guard out every time you take it out. Use cool or warm water, but never hot, as this can warp the material. This removes any excess buildup or saliva that accumulates when wearing it.
At least once daily, clean your mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or nonabrasive toothpaste. Be gentle with it so you don’t damage the material. Leave it out to dry or store it in a ventilated carrying case when you’re done. A case without ventilation is a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria love warm, wet environments.
Store the guard in its case whenever you aren’t wearing it. It keeps it safe from damage and debris. Never store it somewhere where it’ll be directly exposed to extreme heat or sunlight. It can warp or even melt the guard.
If you ever notice signs of wear and tear, bring your guard to the office so we can look at it. It’s not safe to use the guard if it may be compromised or it’s lost its structural integrity.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Protecting your teeth is an essential component of your dental health care. As your trusted dentist in Columbia, Maryland, Columbia Family Dentist is here to help you do so. Schedule an appointment online today or call us with any questions at 410-670-8211.