A mouthguard protects your smile if you or your child play contact sports. It’s also a good tool to protect your teeth if you grind them at night. While there are several over-the-counter options for mouthguards, none will fit and protect the way a professional, custom mouthguard will.
We offer custom mouthguards as a general dentistry service at our office. Each one we make is unique to fit the patient’s exact smile and specifications. Our goal is to ensure the safety of your smile.
Getting Custom Mouthguards in Tyler, TX
We take impressions of your smile at our dentist’s office to get a custom mouthguard. We send the impressions to a dental lab for them to make your mouthguard fit those specifications. When they’re ready, you return to the office, and we have a fitting. If you need small adjustments, we’ll make them so that it fits you comfortably. The length of time your mouthguard lasts depends on the material and your activities.
The Benefits of Custom Mouthguards Vs. Store-Bought
Custom mouthguards come with many benefits compared to store-bought mouthguards. Though they claim customization, there’s only so much you can do when they make mouthguards to appeal to the largest variety of clientele possible. Boil-and-bite mouthguards — a popular type — offer some customization, but not for a tight, secure fit. They make it hard for you to communicate with your teammates or get a quick water break without taking the mouthguard out.
If your mouthguard doesn’t fit properly, you have to constantly clench your teeth so that it stays in your mouth. This takes your focus that could be on the game and transfers it to cleanching your teeth. You should be able to commit fully to the sport you’re playing without having to worry about your guard. If it’s a nightguard, it may slip around at night, becoming a choking hazard.
Clenching your teeth for long periods of time increases the chances of developing TMJ disorders. It puts stress and tension on the jaw joint, as well as the surrounding tissues that impact how the jaw joint moves. The jaw joint breaks down and you can experience popping and clicking, pain and tension throughout the face and head, and an inability to move your jaw in certain ways.
Custom mouthguards fit your smile perfectly and don’t require you to clench your teeth to keep them in. They stay in naturally, allowing you to freely communicate with your team while playing. You don’t have to worry about them falling out during the game. Since you don’t have to clench your teeth, it also means you won’t have an added risk of TMJ disorders due to the functions you have to do to keep the guard in.
Sports Mouthguards and Teeth-Grinding Guards
There are two different types of mouthguards we primarily offer. Each have unique features and should be used only for their specific tasks. While you may be tempted to use a mouthguard for multiple purposes, you risk damaging your teeth and the guard when you use it for something it isn’t designed for.
Sports mouthguards are made of a light, bulky material that’s designed to absorb shocks when you get hit in the mouth, protecting your teeth. If you try to use it for teeth grinding, your teeth will quickly work their way through this light material. The mouthguard will be unusable for its original purpose, and you still experience the negative effects that occur when you aren’t using a teeth-grinding mouthguard at all.
Teeth-grinding guards are harder plastic that’s formed close to the teeth. It prevents the teeth’s surfaces from grinding together when you grind or clench your teeth at night. If you tried to wear this to protect during sports, it wouldn’t offer much more protection than you’d get without wearing a guard at all.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards are the best way to protect your smile. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
Typically, it takes about one to two weeks to receive a custom mouthguard after your dentist takes the impressions. The exact timeline may vary depending on the dental lab’s workload. Your dentist will notify you when the mouthguard is ready for a fitting or pick-up.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
The lifespan of a custom mouthguard depends on its use and how well it’s cared for. Mouthguards for sports may last one to two years, while nightguards for teeth grinding can last several years with proper maintenance. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help ensure it remains in good condition.
How do I know if my custom mouthguard fits properly?
A properly fitting custom mouthguard should feel snug but comfortable and stay in place without needing to be bitten down to hold it. It should also adequately cover your teeth and gums without causing irritation. Your dentist will check the fit during your appointment and adjust if needed.
Does insurance cover custom mouthguards?
Some dental insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of a custom mouthguard, especially if it’s prescribed for medical reasons like bruxism or TMJ disorder. Check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. For sports mouthguards, coverage may be less common.
Can a custom mouthguard prevent concussions?
While custom mouthguards can’t completely prevent concussions, they can reduce the severity of impacts by absorbing and dispersing force. This helps minimize trauma to the jaw and skull, which may contribute to reducing the risk of concussions during sports.
How often should I replace my custom mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards should be replaced as needed based on wear and tear. Sports mouthguards may need to be replaced annually if they are heavily used. Nightguards for grinding can last several years but should be replaced if they become damaged or no longer fit properly.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you need a mouthguard to serve one of these purposes? Call us or schedule an appointment online today.