Professional Mouthguards

Do I Need a Custom Mouth Guard?

There are several reasons a patient may need a dental mouth guard. If you play a contact sport, you could be at risk for oral injuries that result in damage or even missing teeth. Examples of these athletic activities include ice hockey, football, lacrosse, boxing, and soccer.

Mouthguards may also be necessary for patients who suffer from bruxism or grinding their teeth at night. Our custom guards are beneficial for all ages, including children and teens who play high school sports. Many people who already use dental devices like braces can also wear mouth guards.

Still unsure if you need a dental mouthguard? Your dentist is more than happy to walk you through your options.

The Benefits of Mouth Guards

Whether you play a sport or grind your teeth at night, investing in a custom mouth guard goes a long way towards a lifetime of proper oral health. Sports-related injuries to your teeth like chips and fractures can cause debilitating pain and affect the functionality of your smile. More serious injuries could even lead to tooth removal and require further dental care. With a custom-fitted mouthguard, you can protect your teeth and still play the sport you love.

Mouthguards are also beneficial to patients who grind their teeth while sleeping. Bruxism can cause jaw pain, headaches, and excessive enamel wear. If left untreated, this jaw pain can turn into TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), a serious condition that can lock up your jaw and leave you unable to fully open your mouth. Dental mouth guards for TMJ or mouth guards for teeth grinding serve to soften the impact of bruxism and reduce the wear and tear on your enamel.

The Mouth Guard Process

The first step towards getting your custom mouthguard is to create an impression of your teeth. Your dentist will carefully make a mold of your smile to ensure your mouthguard is as comfortable and effective as possible. After the impression is finished, your dentist will use it to create your custom mouthguard.

It can be tempting to simply purchase an over-the-counter mouth guard at your local pharmacy, but an ill-fitting guard can hurt your smile more than it can help. A professional dental mouth guard is the best way to protect your teeth and your smile from future damage.