Do you or your child play sports? If you or your child play contact sports, you must wear mouthguards to protect your smiles. Common contact sports include hockey, basketball, football, or sports with contact between players and objects. Sports mouthguards cover the top teeth to prevent dental injuries to the mouth. At Allen Dental Center, we provide custom mouthguard treatment for patients who play contact sports in Allen, TX.
Mouthguards can prevent dental problems, from broken and knocked-out teeth to soft tissue damage. Sports mouthguards absorb and distribute forces of impact to the mouth and jaw during sports.
Custom Mouthguard in Allen, TX
Patients of all ages can receive a custom-made sports mouthguard. We can also provide mouthguards for patients who wear braces.
A custom-made sports mouthguard can:
- Prevent chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth
- Protect dental work like fillings
- Stop lip, cheek, and gum damage
- Protect the jaw and TMJ
- Prevent damage to braces brackets, wires, and elastic
We recommend custom mouthguards over “boil-and-bite” mouthguards that you can find in stores. Store-bought sports mouthguards do not offer a proper fit. While they may be a cost-saving option, these mouthguards can fall out during your game.
When you wear a store-bought sports mouthguard, you will often find yourself clenching your teeth to keep your mouthguard in place. Continual clenching will strain your jaw muscles and joints.
If you receive a custom-made mouthguard, you don’t have to worry about keeping it in place. You can focus on your game.
Creating a Custom Sports Mouthguard
To begin treatment, we will take a dental impression of your smile. We send this impression to a dental lab, where technicians create the mouthguard to our specifications. Technicians create the mouthguard from a durable plastic material.
Then, once the mouthguard is complete, you will return to our office. We will ensure that the mouthguard fits properly and provide you with a mouthguard carrying case. The mouthguard should only cover your top teeth, up to the first premolar, as these are the teeth most prone to damage during contact sports. Your mouthguard will also fit snugly on your teeth, so you will not need to clench your teeth during sports.
Once you receive your mouthguard, you need to care for it properly. You can clean your sports mouthguard with alcohol-free mouthwash, non-abrasive toothpaste, or soap and cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can warp your mouthguard. When your mouthguard is not in use, place it in its plastic case. If you lose your mouthguard or if it loses its shape, please get in touch with our office for a replacement.
Custom Sports Mouthguards vs. TMJ Nightguards
Sports mouthguards and TMJ nightguards may seem similar, but they have different materials and uses in dentistry. A sports mouthguard is made of rubbery plastic. This plastic covers the front of the upper teeth to protect them during contact sports. TMJ nightguards are harder acrylic and cover the upper or lower teeth. Nightguards prevent tooth wear and facial pain from nightly teeth clenching and grinding, known as bruxism.
We do not recommend using a sports mouthguard if you experience teeth clenching and grinding due to TMD. Instead, we will recommend a custom nightguard. Additionally, a sports mouthguard will not protect your teeth from bruxism. The rubber-like plastic material will make you want to clench and grind your teeth more frequently. You cannot use sports mouthguards and TMJ nightguards interchangeably.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Discover more about custom sports mouthguards with answers to common questions from patients:
Can sports mouthguards prevent concussions?
No. While sports mouthguards can reduce impact, they can not prevent concussions. Mouthguards work by covering the teeth and lessening the impact of hits to the mouth. Protective gear is the best bet to prevent or lessen the chance of concussion.
How often should I replace my sports mouthguard?
A good rule of thumb is to replace your mouthguard after every season or every six months. It’s also a good idea to replace your mouthguard if it begins to wear down or change its fit. Children may need to replace their sports mouthguards as they lose baby teeth and their adult teeth emerge. Worn mouthguards do not function as effectively as custom, intact mouthguards because they may loosen or not cover all of your upper teeth.
Should a sports mouthguard stay in place?
Yes, your sports mouthguard is meant to stay in place. If your mouthguard slips or if you find yourself clenching your teeth to keep it from falling out, you need a new mouthguard. Your mouthguard should not fit too tight, but should fit snugly over your upper teeth.
Why do sports mouthguards only cover the upper teeth?
Mouthguards for high-contact sports like boxing or wrestling cover the upper and lower teeth. However, mouthguards for contact sports like hockey or basketball must only cover the upper teeth. The upper teeth are more likely to encounter impact from injuries during contact sports. Contact sports will have a lesser risk of injury to the lower teeth compared to high-contact sports.
Can I wear a sports mouthguard at night?
No. Sports mouthguards are too bulky and will not address problems like sleep apnea or bruxism. A sports mouthguard is not meant to protect the teeth or open the airway. Sports mouthguards cover the front of the teeth to protect the teeth, gums, and soft tissue from damage. They will not stop teeth grinding or sleep apnea.
How often should you clean your sports mouthguard?
Clean your sports mouthguard before and after each use. Rinse the mouthguard with cool or warm water and use soap, non-abrasive toothpaste, or alcohol-free mouthwash. Cleaning your mouthguard often will prevent bacterial buildup and keep it smelling fresh.
Protect Your Smile
Does your child need a new sports mouthguard? Are you looking for a new sports mouthguard yourself? Prevent tooth damage with a sports mouthguard custom-made by professionals. Call Allen Dental Center to get a custom mouthguard for you or your child in Allen, TX, at 972.640.7564. Feel free to schedule a dental appointment with us online.