At Huntsville Family Dental, we believe that protecting your teeth from tooth damage should be considered by all patients. That is why we offer custom mouthguards in Huntsville, TX as a means of protection for various circumstances. Unlike generic mouthguards found online or in a store, those we custom design offer superior fit, comfort, and protection, significantly reducing the risk of dental injuries. Dr. Keyshla Escobar and Dr. William Jennings can fit you for a sports mouthguard if you participate in contact sports or nightguard in suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding). They also provide general dentistry services to patients in Huntsville, Texas.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard From a Dentist?
Protecting your teeth is vital since they play a pivotal role in your life. Whether it is sports or TMJ treatment, a custom mouthguard from a dentist is a valuable investment.
A mouthguard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips, and gums. A custom mouthguard is particularly designed to fit perfectly in your mouth with the help of a dentist.
A mouthguard that you buy from a store is generic and one-size-fits-all. This lack of customization will not protect your teeth as well. Additionally, the material is not as strong leaving your teeth and gums vulnerable to injury.
On the other hand, we create custom mouthguards from impressions of your teeth. The material used to fabricate your mouthguard is thicker and stronger than any mouthpiece from a store. Mouthguards from a dentist are stronger and fit better offering superior protection.
Types of Sports Mouthguards
Sports activities are a common cause of dental injuries. When you play a contact sport or even some non-contact sports, you will want to protect your teeth. Some leagues even make them a requirement. Choosing the type to wear can be overwhelming since there are so many to choose from. There are primarily three types of mouthguards:
- Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-made and can be bought off-the-shelf. They are the least expensive but also the least effective.
- Boil and Bite Mouthguards: These are made from thermoplastic material that is shaped around the teeth by boiling the mouthguard in water and then biting into it while it is still warm.
- Custom Mouthguards: Made by a dentist or a professional lab based on the dentist’s instructions. These offer the best fit and protection.
While a boil-and-bite mouth piece does offer some level of customization, you have to make sure you do it correctly. Also, the materials are typically inferior compared to a custom piece. Stock mouthguards offer very little protection for athletes.
The Benefits of Choosing a Custom Sports Mouthguard from a Dentist
A sports mouthguard protects your teeth, gums, and jaw from trauma during sports. There are numerous benefits to choosing a custom mouthguard. We highly recommend them for athletes due to their superior fit and comfort.
A few reasons why you should choose this over the boil and bite mouthguard and the stock mouthpiece include:
- Provide the best fit as they are made from a mold of your teeth
- Offer superior protection due to their excellent fit
- Are more comfortable to wear
- Are durable and less likely to wear out
Custom Mouthguards for TMJ Treatment
If you suffer from TMD or TMJ disorder, Huntsville Family Dental can provide you with a custom mouthguard to treat your TMJ symptoms. We often see that patients who grind their teeth suffer from TMD. A mouthguard for teeth grinding, often called an oral splint or night guard, is a dental device that will prevent teeth grinding when worn while sleeping.
It works by safeguarding the teeth and taking the pressure off the jaw joints. When you wear it at night, the piece will prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming into direct contact, reducing the risk of tooth damage. This kind of oral appliance is not the same as a custom sports mouthguard. The two are designed to work differently. To learn more about TMJ symptoms and how we treat it, see TMJ Treatment.
Get a Custom Mouthguard in Huntsville, TX
Call today to schedule your appointment at Huntsville Family Dental. Dr. Escobar or Dr. Jennings can provide you with a custom mouthguard in Huntsville, TX for sports or to treat your TMJ. You can reach us at (936) 220-3158 or by requesting an appointment online.