It is important to protect your teeth (and gums) when participating in contact sports, or any activity that could risk trauma to the mouth. In fact, many sports like soccer, gymnastics, and football require players to utilize a mouthguard before participating. A custom sports mouthguard will help prevent tooth damage, tooth loss, and injury to the gums.
It can also protect any “investment” you have made in the function or appearance of your smile. At Loyalsock Dental, we are happy to provide patients with customized mouthguards. Compared to over-the-counter mouthguards, our customized mouthguards are guaranteed to fit your smile more comfortably while protecting your teeth more effectively as well.
Mouthguards in Williamsport, PA
Dr. Joyce Kim recommends that patients consider the key benefits of choosing a custom-fit sports mouthguard when choosing the right protection for their teeth. Dr. Kim provides custom mouthguards for children and adults and in a brief visit can take the impressions needed to create your appliance. Your new mouthguard will be sent back to our office within a couple of weeks, ready to wear.
Custom Vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
While both custom and store-bought mouthguards can offer protection, custom mouthguards provide several advantages that make them a better choice for many people.
Better Fit and Comfort
One of the biggest benefits of custom mouthguards is their fit. A custom mouthguard is made specifically for your mouth, so it molds perfectly to your teeth and gums. This makes it more comfortable to wear, as it doesn’t slide around or cause irritation. In contrast, store-bought mouthguards are often one-size-fits-all and may not fit properly, causing discomfort or even making it difficult to breathe or talk.
Increased Protection
Because custom mouthguards are designed to fit your mouth exactly, they provide better protection. A well-fitting mouthguard absorbs shock more effectively, reducing the risk of tooth damage and jaw injuries. A store-bought mouthguard, on the other hand, may not cover all your teeth properly, leaving some parts of your mouth unprotected. This can lead to a higher chance of injury, especially if you play high-contact sports like football or hockey.
Longer-Lasting
Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that are designed to last longer. They are durable and can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use. While store-bought mouthguards are often made from cheaper materials and may wear out more quickly, custom mouthguards are built to provide lasting protection, saving you money in the long run by not needing frequent replacements.
Better Breathing and Speaking
Custom mouthguards are thinner and more precisely fitted than store-bought ones, which makes it easier to breathe and talk while wearing them. If you’ve ever tried to use a bulky, one-size-fits-all mouthguard, you know it can be hard to breathe through your mouth or speak clearly. Custom mouthguards leave more room for your mouth, making communicating and breathing freely during activities easier.
Personalized to Your Needs
Custom mouthguards can be made with special features that suit your specific needs. For example, if you have braces, your dentist can create a mouthguard that fits over them comfortably and protects both your teeth and the braces. This level of personalization isn’t available with store-bought options.
Oral Appliance Therapy for TMJ Treatment
Dr. Kim may recommend her patients who experience frequent jaw pain or TMJ disorders utilize oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy is when we provide a customized nightguard, similar to a mouthguard, to help relieve symptoms associated with TMJ disorders such as jaw pain, headaches, and earaches.
The nightguard is worn only at night to relieve tension and hold your jaw in a healthier resting position while you sleep. Because many patients hold a lot of their stress and anxiety in their jawbone, waking up well-rested facial muscles can go a long way in decreasing your chances of developing jaw pain throughout your day.
Oral appliance therapy is also great for patients who grind their teeth at night. The nightguard acts as a protective shield over your teeth and prevents any dental damage from occurring. If you suspect you’ve been grinding your teeth at night, talk with Dr. Kim at your next appointment regarding your treatment options.
Sports Mouthguards Vs. TMJ Guards
When you have one of these guards, you may be tempted to use it for different dental issues. However, each has specific uses and you shouldn’t try to use them for something else. Sports mouthguards are made of a lighter, bulkier material. It’s designed to absorb shocks, preventing them from damaging your smile. If you try to use one of these guards for teeth grinding or TMJ, your teeth will eventually go right through it. This damages both your teeth and the guard, rendering it unusable.
TMJ nightguards are made of thinner, harder material. Instead of absorbing hits, they protect the surfaces of teeth from grinding together. Using one of these during sports wouldn’t give you much protection from hits and shocks. It would almost be like you not wearing a mouthguard at all, putting you at a high risk for mouth trauma.
Schedule An Appointment
Whether you are playing contact sports or you have a dental concern that may be alleviated by a mouthguard, we are happy to consult with you on what a custom mouthguard can do for your smile. Our office is currently accepting appointments from new and returning patients. If you are looking for a dentist in Williamsport, PA, please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards protect your teeth from various things. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.
Why is a custom mouthguard needed?
Over-the-counter mouthguards are designed to be one size fits all. This means that they aren’t secure in your mouth and may do more harm than good when you’re trying to keep them in. You may have to clench your jaw constantly, leading to further problems with TMJ disorders and other issues with tension and pay.
How often do I need a new mouthguard?
It’s ideal to make sure that your mouthguard still fits properly. For children and teens that have growing and changing mouths, they’ll probably need a new mouthguard every new sports season. It’s also essential that mouthguards maintain a certain thickness to be successful. If you have questions about the thickness of your mouthguard, bring it in at your next appointment for us to evaluate.
How do I clean my custom mouthguard?
Whenever you take the mouthguard out, you should at least rinse it with cold water. Never use warm or hot water, as this can warp the mouthguard. You also need to clean it regularly to avoid bacteria growth. Put a capful of mouthwash in a glass, diluting it with water until the mouthguard is covered. Soak it for 30 minutes, rinse it with cold water, and put it somewhere to air dry.
How should a sports mouthguard fit?
Your sports mouthguard should fit firmly and stay aligned with your teeth, particularly your back molars. The mouthguard should be snug against your upper teeth. It should not fit too loose or too tight, as a tight mouthguard can put pressure on your teeth. If you have an ill-fitting mouthguard, you need to visit the dentist for a custom-made replacement.
Why don’t mouthguards cover the bottom teeth?
Sports mouthguards typically cover the upper teeth because they are more likely to get hit or injured. Upper teeth can slightly protrude more than lower teeth, so you will only need a mouthguard to cover your top teeth for contact sports. Your bottom teeth will not be exposed, so it will not need to be covered.
Can I get a sports mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes. We can create a custom-made mouthguard for you if you have braces. It’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces from damage.