Do you play impact sports, suffer from sleep apnea, or grind your teeth?
Customized mouthguards offer general dentistry patients a variety of benefits. First and foremost, if you play impact sports, you are no stranger to the need for facial protection. Sports like football, hockey, and gymnastics require you to wear mouthguards as a part of your professional uniform. This is because it is extremely easy for accidents to happen, and for you to experience unanticipated facial trauma.
Losing or damaging a tooth is a painful experience than requires expensive restoration procedures. Additionally, you are not the best player that you can be when you are constantly worried about protecting your teeth. That’s why Larsen Family Dental provides customized mouthguards, which fit snugly in your smile and protect your teeth while you play.
Protecting your teeth at any age is very important. You invest a lot of time and money into your teeth and your children’s teeth and they should be protected when at risk for severe damage. A custom-made mouthpiece is a perfect solution to protect your mouth and avoid costly and painful injuries.
Custom Mouthguards in Bountiful, UT
Compared to over-the-counter mouthguards that take a one-size-fits-all approach to teeth protection, our custom mouthguards provide you with secure coverage that won’t slip around while in use. They provide more cushioning to protect the teeth upon impact.
Our mouthguards are created using dental impressions of your existing teeth. Additionally, if you use braces or other oral appliances, we can create mouthguards to fit around those as well.
About Custom Sports Mouthguards
Custom sports mouthguards from a dentist are a great choice for everyone who plays sports. Unlike store-bought mouthguards, we will create one that fits in your mouth perfectly. Your new mouthpiece will stay in place better and offer greater protection for your teeth and gums during a game or practice.
Store-bought mouthguards, also known as “boil and bite,” are not always a perfect fit. They can be uncomfortable and will not protect your teeth as well. A custom mouthguard, on the other hand, is designed just for you, making it much more comfortable and effective. The materials are also more durable, so your custom mouthguard will last.
To get a custom sports mouthguard, you need to visit Dr. Larsen. He will take an impression of your teeth. This step is painless and quick. We will then send the impression to a dental ab, where a lab tech will create your mouthguard based on the exact shape of your teeth. After it is ready, you will return to our office to ensure it fits perfectly.
Investing in a custom sports mouthguard can save your teeth from injuries and make playing sports a safer experience. Plus, wearing one helps you focus on the game without worrying about your teeth.
Nightguards: A Treatment Option for Bruxism
A nightguard is a special mouthguard that you wear while you sleep. Custom nightguards help protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, which many people do without knowing. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, occurs in people with TMJ disorders, those who are under a lot of stress, or people with bad bites. Protecting your teeth from grinding will save your from frequent headaches, jaw pain, and worn-down teeth.
A nightguard forms a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. This reduces the pressure and protects them from damage. Made of flexible plastic, nightguards are comfortable to wear and fit snugly in your mouth. We custom-make them using dental impressions of your mouth. A custom teeth grinding mouthguard will fit and function better since they match the shape of your teeth.
When you wear your custom nightguard, you will be able to sleep better since it reduces pain and pressure on your teeth and jaw. Dr. Kalochie will suggest a nightguard if you wake up with a sore jaw or suspect tooth grinding in your sleep. By using a nightguard, you protect your smile and keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
If your dentist recommends getting a custom mouthguard, we understand you may have questions about this dental device. Here, we explore some of the most common questions peole ask about custom mouthguards.
Why shouldn’t I use an over-the-counter mouthguard?
Over-the-counter mouthguards are better than leaving your teeth unprotected. However, customized mouthguards are designed specifically for your mouth. If you have smaller, misaligned, or slightly uneven teeth, it’ll be difficult to find a mouthguard that fits securely over your smile.
Additionally, our custom mouthguards are comfortable to wear as they are tailored specifically for you, making it easier to participate in your activity without having to clench your jaw to avoid losing the mouthguard.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
Depending on the level of use, mouthguards can last anywhere from six months to three years. However, we suggest replacing them once a year as a general rule. If you’re a heavy user, we’ll monitor the state of the mouthguard and make sure to alert you if we think you should replace it earlier than that year mark.
Can a custom mouthguard shift your teeth?
No, no matter whether it’s a sports mouthguard or a nightguard, they shouldn’t move your teeth. While a mouthguard has a snug fit, it’s designed to only be as tight as needed to keep it in place. It shouldn’t place pressure on your teeth or cause them to move and shift.
How should my mouthguard fit?
Typically, a mouthguard should rest in between your first and second molars. We want to make sure the mouthguard isn’t coming into contact with too much of the soft palate, so it doesn’t engage your gag reflex. It should be snug, but not tight or uncomfortable. You should be able to take a sip of water or have a conversation without worrying about your mouthguard falling out.
Can I use my sports mouthguard to help with teeth grinding?
No, these guards use different materials and are designed for different purposes. Sports mouthguards are a bit bulkier, with a softer material that’s designed to absorb shocks. Using it for teeth grinding can damage both your mouthguard and your teeth. A tooth-grinding guard is slimmer and made of a strong, hard material to withstand grinding pressure. It doesn’t provide protection from a hit or trauma.
Can a mouthguard help with my sleep apnea?
A nightguard is a very similar oral appliance that we frequently prescribe to sleep apnea patients. A nightguard is essentially a customized mouthguard that you wear only at night while you sleep.
The nightguard is designed to hold your jaw in a healthy resting position that prevents your soft tissues from collapsing into the airway when you breathe, which is what causes you to snore. Mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea can be treated using this method.
Can a mouthguard help me stop grinding my teeth?
For patients who grind their teeth, we encourage the use of a nightguard. This is because it protects your teeth from potential damage caused by teeth grinding. The nightguard acts as a protective coating for your teeth. Even if you do continue to grind your teeth, the nightguard protects them from excessive wear, chips, and cracks.
How often should I clean my mouthguard?
It’s essential to keep your mouthguard clean to prevent bacteria growth. These bacteria can make you seriously ill and it’s important to prevent them. Rinse your mouthguard out with water after every use. It should be stored in a place where it can air dry safely. A continuously moist mouthguard is a haven for bacteria. Clean it with mouthwash or a soft soap and water at least every other day to prevent bacteria growth as well.
Will my dental insurance cover a custom mouthguard?
Whether your dental insurance covers a custom mouthguard depends on your plan. Some plans cover them if they’re needed for health, like to stop teeth grinding or for sports. However, you must check with your insurance to be sure. Look at the plan details or call your insurance company for more info about what is covered.
Schedule A Mouthguard Consultation
Do you think a custom mouthguard can benefit you in sports or TMJ? Call us or schedule an appointment online.