For most people, maintaining their oral health involves brushing, flossing, and biannual check-ups at the dentist’s office. However, for those who play sports or grind their teeth at night, there’s an additional tool necessary for maintaining a healthy, happy smile: custom mouth guards. Unlike premade, over-the-counter options, custom mouth guards provide a tailored fit, superior comfort, and enhanced protection.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of custom mouth guards, what makes them better than mass-produced options, and why they’re an essential investment in your oral health.
What Are Custom Mouth Guards?
Custom mouth guards are special protective devices that cover the teeth and gums, preventing damage caused by teeth grinding or reducing the risk of injury during physical activities. Unlike the generic mouth guards you can buy at the drugstore, custom mouth guards use impressions of your teeth to create a solution tailored specifically to fit your unique smile. Their perfect fit ensures maximum protection and comfort.
There are two main types of custom mouth guards: sports mouth guards and night guards. As the name suggests, sports mouth guards are designed for athletes to wear during contact sports such as hockey, football, and boxing to protect against dental injuries. They can also be beneficial for non-contact sports where collisions or falls may occur, such as skateboarding or gymnastics.
Night guards, on the other hand, are designed to protect against bruxism, which is a condition in which individuals unconsciously grind or clench their teeth while sleeping. By providing a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, they help prevent wear and tear, reducing the risk of jaw pain, tooth fractures, and other issues.
A Peek into the Process
Getting a custom mouth guard is a straightforward process. At your appointment with the dentist, they’ll take an impression of your teeth — either digitally or with a mold — and send it off to a dental lab, where they’ll use it to create a personalized mouth guard. Once the guard is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office to ensure it fits comfortably and securely.
Advantages of Custom Mouth Guards
Custom mouth guards come with a plethora of benefits, including:
Superior Protection
Because generic mouth guards are not tailored to your specific dental structure, they may not offer adequate protection, especially during high-impact activities. An ill-fitting mouth guard can shift out of place as you move, leaving your teeth vulnerable to injury.
Custom mouth guards are perfectly molded to your teeth, providing a precise fit and superior protection. They stay in place, minimizing the risk of injury. Whether you’re throwing punches in the boxing ring or snoozing in your bed, custom-made mouth guards are your best defense against dental trauma.
Enhanced Comfort
Ready-made mouth guards are designed to fit a wide range of mouth sizes and shapes, rarely providing the snug, comfortable fit you need. Conversely, custom mouth guards are molded for your smile’s unique features, minimizing the need for awkward adjustments and providing a comfortable, unobtrusive fit. When your mouth guard fits comfortably, you’ll be more likely to wear it consistently, which is especially important for nighttime bruxism.
Improved Athletic Performance
The benefits of custom mouth guards extend to athletic performance, as well. A well-fitting guard allows for easier breathing, drinking, and communicating with teammates — crucial aspects of playing sports. Plus, it won’t distract you by slipping and sliding around your mouth, allowing you to focus purely on the game.
Durability and Longevity
Custom mouth guards are created using high-quality, durable materials that resist wear and tear, while store-bought options typically use subpar materials. Although the initial cost of custom mouth guards may be higher, its longevity means you won’t have to replace it as often, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
Tailored to Your Needs
Everyone’s smile is different, which means that their mouth guards should be, as well. For example, if you have braces or other orthodontic devices, a custom mouth guard can be designed to accommodate the wires and brackets, minimizing the disruption to your orthodontic treatment. Similarly, if you’re experienced dental injuries in the past, your dentist can create a mouth guard with additional padding in specific areas.
Custom Mouth Guards at Eric Felt DDS
By investing in a custom mouth guard, you’re making an excellent choice for your oral health. Whether you grind your teeth at night or need extra protection during physical activities, these innovative devices can help safeguard your smile and ensure your optimal oral health. Schedule an appointment at the office of Eric Felt DDS today to get started!
