Custom Sports Mouthguards

Custom Sports Mouthguards for Athletes

Sports mouthguards, also called sportsguards, are a crucial component of sports safety gear. Regrettably, many athletes tend to neglect or underuse sportsguards, despite the significant number of tooth injuries that occur during sports activities each year.

At Dental Associates of Arlington, we prioritize preventive dental care and offer personalized sportsguards for athletes of all ages in the surrounding areas. While some patients or their parents may believe that mouthguards are only necessary for contact sports like hockey and football, we strongly recommend sportsguards for a wide range of sports, including non-contact or "solo" sports.

Athletes are strongly advised to use mouthguards.

The American Dental Association has provided a list of sports where athletes are recommended to wear a custom mouthguard, such as basketball, wrestling, racquetball, lacrosse, ice hockey, gymnastics, football, field hockey, boxing, volleyball, soccer, skiing, skateboarding, and rugby. It is important to note that athletes are not limited to wearing a mouthguard only for the sports listed by the ADA. Also, custom-made mouthguards can offer protection for various outdoor activities and athletic pursuits, including off-road mountain biking. According to American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), a recent study conducted with high school football players showed that players with a properly fitted pressure-laminated custom mouthguard have less dental injury.

What is a Sports Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a curved plastic device designed to cover the upper teeth. It serves as a protective barrier for the mouth and face during sports activities. By shielding the upper teeth, it minimizes the risk of damage caused by impacts or blows to the face. Additionally, it prevents direct contact between the top and bottom teeth, reducing the chances of injury resulting from collisions. Moreover, it provides protection for the delicate tissues of the mouth, particularly the cheeks, safeguarding them against impacts with the teeth.

There exist three distinct categories of sportguards: over-the-counter, boil/heat-and-bite, and custom-made. It is imperative for us to ensure that all our patients are well-informed about the disparities among these various types of sportguards, enabling them to make a judicious decision based on their individual needs and preferences.

“Over the counter” Sportguards: Ready-to-wear mouthguards are readily available and affordable, commonly found in sporting goods stores and pharmacies. However, their fit cannot be easily adjusted to individual preferences. These mouthguards tend to be bulky, causing discomfort in breathing and speaking. Moreover, their level of protection is limited, offering minimal safeguarding against potential injuries.

Boil/heat-&-Bite Sportsguards: This particular mouthguard is readily available at various sporting goods stores as well as the majority of pharmacies. It boasts a superior fit compared to standard mouth protectors, ensuring optimal protection during physical activities. To customize the fit, the mouthguard is first softened in hot water before being carefully molded around the teeth using a combination of finger and tongue pressure.

Custom Sportsguards: Mouthguards are custom-designed and crafted either in a dental office or a specialized dental laboratory, following the specific instructions provided by your dentist. These protective devices are meticulously formed based on an impression of your teeth, ensuring a precise fit. Utilizing a unique material, the mouthguard is molded to perfection, offering superior comfort, optimal fit, and maximum protection. While this option may come at a higher cost compared to other alternatives, the benefits of unparalleled comfort, impeccable fit, and top-notch protection make it a worthwhile investment in safeguarding your oral health.

Custom made mouthguards are one of the most durable and consistent of the types of mouthguards, especially for athletes. These mouthguards, specifically designed by dentists, offer professional athletes the necessary protection for their teeth during intense sports activities. Crafted from a thermoplastic polymer, these mouthguards are meticulously fabricated to perfectly match the athlete's dental structure. The precise fit ensures optimal placement in the patient's mouth, allowing for improved speech, enhanced comfort, and reliable retention. With these advantages, custom made mouthguards prove to be an invaluable asset for athletes seeking top-notch dental protection.

Benefits of Sportsguards: Reduces Injury and Facial Trama

Wearing a sturdy mouthguard that provides protection is essential for patients to lower the risk of experiencing a concussion due to a forceful impact on the jaw. Opting for a personalized vacuum formed mouthguard not only offers excellent protection but also ensures minimal interference with speaking and breathing. These mouthguards are crafted using a single sheet of EVA polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene copolymer, which is heated and then molded over a stone model. By utilizing vacuum suction, the mouthguard is perfectly contoured to fit the unique shape of the patient's mouth and teeth, providing optimal comfort and safeguarding against potential injuries.

Pressure-laminated mouthguards are designed to enhance communication efficiency by custom fitting to the individual's mouth. Similar to vacuum mouthguards, they are created to minimize any disruption to breathing and exhibit less signs of wear and tear from chewing and biting. Due to their superior comfort level, they are preferred by many users over other types of mouth appliances.

The process of pressure lamination involves utilizing high-pressure machines that evenly distribute pressure across the material. This ensures that the guard material maintains a consistent thickness throughout, providing optimal protection. As a result, pressure-laminated mouthguards are considered to be of higher quality compared to other varieties available in the market.

The sports guards are comfortable to wear because they conform to your bite and the shape of your mouth. During athletic activity, you receive the following benefits: 1) reduced risk of mouth / tongue and lip injuries, 2) reduced risk of broken/chipped and damaged teeth, and 3) reduced risk of nerve damage to the mouth.

Custom Sports Mouthguards Dental Associates of Arlington, MA

Mouthguards are crucial for individuals participating in contact sports, as they help prevent tooth damage or loss. While generic options can be found in stores, we highly advise opting for our customized mouthguards to guarantee a snug fit and minimal movement during physical activity. A properly fitted mouthguard not only decreases muscle strain in the jaw area but also enhances endurance levels while engaging in sports. It contributes to better performance and overall comfort while on the field, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for the wearer. In the event of on-field collisions, falls, or impacts, the integrity of your dental health may be compromised. This is why we specialize in crafting tailor-made mouthguards that offer superior protection while prioritizing comfort and functionality. Our goal is to safeguard your oral health without compromising on your ability to perform at your best during sports activities.

Dental Associates of Arlington, located in Arlington Massachusetts, offers a wide range of mouth guards to cater to different needs. These mouth guards are designed to provide both comfort and effectiveness, ensuring the best possible protection for your teeth during sports activities. If you are interested in getting a custom-fitted mouth guard or learning more about our services, feel free to contact us at (781) 604-3999. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you and schedule an appointment at your convenience.

The process of creating a Custom Sports Guards

A properly fitting mouth guard is essential for ensuring the patient's comfort and safety during physical activities. It should be snug enough to stay in place securely without causing any discomfort. Additionally, the mouth guard should be easy to clean to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent the buildup of bacteria. Custom-fitted mouth guards are highly recommended as they offer a higher level of protection and comfort compared to generic mouth guards. These personalized mouth protectors are designed to meet the individual needs of the patient, providing a tailored fit that enhances both safety and comfort during use. With proper maintenance and care, custom-fitted mouth guards can last for an extended period, making them a cost-effective investment in oral health. By following the recommended cleaning and storage instructions, patients can ensure that their mouth guard remains in good condition for years to come, providing reliable protection whenever it is needed.

Typically, the process of fabricating a dental mouth guard requires two separate visits. During the initial appointment, we will carefully take an impression of the patient's teeth, which will serve as the foundation for creating a customized mouth guard. In the second appointment, we will meticulously craft the mouth guard using a model derived from the impression. Our skilled team will then ensure that the mouth guard fits snugly and comfortably by addressing any rough edges and making necessary adjustments. Our ultimate goal is to provide the patient with a well-fitting and comfortable device that offers optimal protection for their teeth.

Mouthguard Care Instructions: To properly care for your mouthguard

Rinse your mouthguard: Before and after every use of the mouthguard you should rinse it off with cold water or mouth rinse. You can also clean your mouthguard with mild soap and a toothbrush.

Clean your mouthguard: A thorough cleaning of your mouthguard should be done often with cool, soapy water, and then rinse it thoroughly.

Store your mouthguard: Keep your mouthguard in a firm, perforated container. This allows air circulation and helps keep it from getting damaged. If the mouthguard is acrylic, it should be stored in fresh clean water when you’re not using it.

Bring your mouthguard to each orthodontic checkup, so we can check to make sure it’s still in good shape!

Sports Mouthguards Vs. Nightguards

It is important to understand that while mouthguards and nightguards serve a protective function, they are designed for specific purposes and should not be used interchangeably. It is crucial to only use a mouthguard for its intended purpose to avoid causing damage to both the appliance and your teeth. Using a mouthguard for anything other than its designated use can compromise its effectiveness and potentially harm your oral health.

Sports mouthguards are crafted using a lightweight yet sturdy material that is specifically designed to effectively absorb shocks. The advantage of this bulkier material is that it enables the force of any impact to be evenly distributed throughout the mouthguard, minimizing the risk of injury. It is important to note that while sports mouthguards provide excellent protection during physical activities, they are not intended to address issues such as teeth grinding. In fact, the material used in sports mouthguards is more susceptible to wear and tear caused by teeth grinding compared to the material used in dedicated nightguards.

Nightguards are crafted using a durable, yet slim plastic material that serves two important purposes: it aids in maintaining the correct alignment of your jaw and prevents the grinding of your teeth while you sleep. However, it is crucial to note that nightguards are not intended to absorb any sudden impacts or safeguard your teeth in case of an injury. Furthermore, they provide minimal protection in the event of an object striking your mouth. It is important to understand that if you mistakenly opt for a nightguard instead of a sports mouthguard, you are putting yourself at a higher risk of experiencing concussions and other trauma-related issues.

What are the dangers of not using a mouthguard?

During any physical activity, accidents are prone to occur. To safeguard the soft tissues of the mouth and lips, it is recommended to use a mouth guard specifically designed for sports. This not only prevents potential tooth damage or loss but also provides protection for athletes, particularly those engaged in contact sports. The mouth guard's flexible plastic material effectively absorbs the impact of any blows to the face or teeth.

An athletic mouth guard holds the same significance as any other sports gear, ensuring safety during physical activities. Unlike night guards, it is slightly thicker and may cause a slight protrusion of the upper lip. Generally, spectators find it challenging to notice a dental mouth guard used in sports. Our team is dedicated to finding the perfect mouth guard for each patient's specific requirements.

I have braces. Can I wear a mouth guard?

Specially designed mouth guards are available for individuals who wear braces or have fixed dental work. While some mouth guards only protect the upper teeth, it is advisable to use one for the lower teeth as well if braces are present. These mouth guards act as a protective barrier between the braces and the delicate tissues of the gums and cheeks. Our team can provide you with professional treatment options by scheduling a visit as soon as possible, preventing the symptoms from worsening and offering timely care.

Learn More About Sports Guards

Our team at Dental Associates of Arlington can determine whether you are a good candidate for a custom sports guards. Call us at 781-604-3999 for more information about our services or schedule an appointment.