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?
Investing in a custom mouthguard from your dentist is one of the best ways to protect your oral health. Unlike store-bought alternatives, custom mouthguards are designed to fit your teeth precisely, offering superior comfort, protection, and durability. Whether you’re an athlete, suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), or need to safeguard your teeth during specific activities, a custom mouthguard provides benefits that make it well worth the investment.
Perfect Fit for Optimal Comfort
Custom mouthguards are made using molds of your teeth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. This personalized design minimizes the risk of the mouthguard slipping out of place during use, a common issue with generic, one-size-fits-all options. A properly fitting mouthguard allows you to speak and breathe easily while wearing it, making it more likely that you’ll use it consistently when needed.
Store-bought mouthguards often require you to boil and bite them into shape, but they still don’t compare to the tailored fit of a custom-made device. Poorly fitting mouthguards can cause discomfort, making them less effective at providing the protection you need.
Superior Protection
The primary purpose of a mouthguard is to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from injury. Custom mouthguards are designed to offer maximum protection by evenly distributing impact forces. This feature is especially important for athletes in contact sports like football, hockey, or boxing, where injuries are more likely to occur.
In addition to protecting against direct trauma, custom mouthguards can reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing and redistributing the force of blows to the jaw. For individuals with bruxism, a custom nightguard prevents teeth grinding and clenching, which can lead to enamel wear, fractures, and jaw pain over time.
Durability and Longevity
Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that are more durable than over-the-counter options. They are designed to withstand regular use and last longer, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run. While store-bought mouthguards may need frequent replacement due to wear and tear, a custom device can serve you well for years with proper care.
Tailored for Your Specific Needs
Custom mouthguards are not just for athletes. Dentists can design them to address oral health concerns like bruxism or sleep apnea. For example, a nightguard for teeth grinding is crafted to protect your enamel and relieve pressure on your jaw. If you suffer from sleep apnea, your dentist can create a specialized mouthguard that helps keep your airway open while you sleep.
Additionally, suppose you wear braces or other dental appliances. In that case, a custom mouthguard can be made to fit over them comfortably, providing the protection you need without interfering with your orthodontic treatment.
Better Oral Health
Wearing a custom mouthguard can also contribute to better overall oral health. By preventing injuries, teeth grinding, and other issues, it reduces the risk of more serious problems that might require extensive dental work. For example, protecting your teeth from grinding can prevent the need for crowns, root canals, or other restorative treatments down the line.
Custom mouthguards are also easier to clean and maintain than store-bought options, reducing the likelihood of bacteria buildup and potential oral infections. Your dentist will provide instructions on caring for your mouthguard properly to ensure it stays hygienic and effective.
A Wise Investment
While custom mouthguards may have a higher upfront cost than over-the-counter alternatives, their benefits far outweigh the expense. They provide superior protection, last longer, and are tailored to your specific needs, making them a worthwhile investment in oral health. Additionally, the cost of a custom mouthguard is often far less than the expense of repairing a dental injury or addressing complications from bruxism.
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.
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.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards protect your teeth in vital situations. Learn more about them by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
Custom mouthguards can last several years with proper care, but their lifespan depends on how often you use them and the conditions they are exposed to. If you notice any signs of wear, such as cracks or tears, it’s important to replace the mouthguard to ensure it continues to provide effective protection.
Are custom mouthguards comfortable to wear?
Custom mouthguards are designed for comfort, as they are made to fit your unique dental structure. This personalized fit allows for ease of movement while speaking or breathing during physical activities. Most people find them more comfortable than generic, store-bought options.
How do I know if I need a custom mouthguard?
If you play contact sports, have a history of teeth grinding, or experience jaw pain, you may benefit from a custom mouthguard. Your dentist can evaluate your dental health and recommend whether a custom mouthguard is necessary to protect your teeth and gums.
Will a custom mouthguard affect my speech?
Most people adjust quickly to wearing a custom mouthguard, which typically has minimal impact on speech. Because custom mouthguards fit snugly, so they are less likely to interfere with talking than bulkier, store-bought versions. With some practice, you should be able to speak normally while wearing one.
Can I eat or drink while wearing a custom mouthguard?
Eating or drinking anything but water while wearing a custom mouthguard is not recommended, as this can affect its fit and cleanliness. It’s best to remove the mouthguard during meals to ensure it stays in good condition and to avoid trapped food particles. Always rinse your mouthguard after removal to keep it clean.
What should I do if my custom mouthguard doesn’t fit properly?
If your custom mouthguard doesn’t fit properly, contact your dentist for an adjustment. A poorly fitting mouthguard can be uncomfortable and ineffective in providing protection. Your dentist can modify the mouthguard or create a new one to ensure it fits snugly and comfortably.
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.