Do you or your child require a sports mouthguard? A custom sports mouthguard from our Media, PA, office is made of durable plastic molded to fit your teeth. They protect your teeth from tooth grinding, mouth trauma from hits to the face, and more. Protect your teeth or your child’s teeth with the most effective mouthguards possible. Only a dental professional can offer superior comfort and support in a mouthguard.
Not all mouthguards are created equal. Uncomfortable or ill-fitting mouthguards provide inadequate protection. In many cases, mouthguards that are not the right size are ineffective. Our dentists in Media, PA, Dr. Gregory Hillyard and Dr. Alexandra Monroe provide mouthguards as a preventative treatment. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can prevent
Why Do You Need a Sports Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are commonly worn during physical activity to protect the teeth from trauma. Sports like lacrosse, football, soccer, and basketball often require the participant to wear a mouthguard. The mouthguard protects the teeth from forceful blows and soft tissues such as the tongue, lip, or cheek lining. It’s common to accidentally bite these tissues during certain maneuvers.
Hits to the mouth during sports can also chip or break a tooth. Dental injuries can potentially knock out a tooth. Mouthguards help cushion teeth to reduce possible damage to the teeth, gums, and other tissues in the mouth.
A sports mouthguard can also cover and protect metal braces. Your child must wear a mouthguard over their braces for most sports. Wearing a mouthguard will prevent broken brackets and wires.
Mouthguards should be taken to the dentist at least once a year for a quick inspection. This will ensure they stay effective for years to come.
Can You Use Night Guards as Mouthguards?
Custom sports mouthguards are no substitute for night guards. You should only wear sports mouthguards during physical play and short periods. Mouthguards also use different materials than night guards. A sports mouthguard uses a flexible plastic that covers the upper teeth. Alternatively, a night guard uses a hard acrylic that covers the upper or lower teeth.
You cannot use mouthguards and night guards interchangeably. Sports mouthguards are too bulky to wear at night. Nightguards are meant to protect the tooth’s chewing surfaces, not the front of the teeth.
Receiving a Custom Mouthguard in Media, PA
Your dentist will help you decide if a mouthguard is right for you. First, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This will create a custom fit guard that fits perfectly and is more comfortable than store-bought options. They will send these impressions to a lab that will make the mouthguard from flexible plastic.
You may be able to choose from a variety of colors and styles. Most mouthguards last between three to ten years. For younger patients, mouthguards may need to be replaced more frequently. Young patients will need new mouthguards as their teeth grow.
Caring for Sports Mouthguards
You can clean your mouthguard with lukewarm water and liquid soap. Do not use hot water because it can warp the plastic. After cleaning your mouthguard, place it in its case to dry. We recommend cleaning your mouthguard after each use. Cleaning the mouthguard will keep it smelling fresh and will prevent bacterial buildup.
Contact our office if you notice a change in the fit of your mouthguard. We can create a new mouthguard to conform to your teeth.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Learn more about professional sports mouthguards with answers to these common questions:
Can a dentist fit a mouthguard?
Yes, a dentist can fit a mouthguard. A dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a mouthguard. This dental mold ensures that the mouthguard fits precisely.
Does dental insurance cover mouthguards?
Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of mouthguards. They consider mouthguards a preventive measure rather than a therapeutic measure. Some insurance companies may offer a discount for custom-fit mouthguards. However, most of the cost will likely be the patient’s responsibility.
Can you wear Invisalign instead of a mouthguard?
No, you should not. Your dentist will not recommend Invisalign in place of a mouthguard. While it is possible to wear them in a way that protects your teeth, the manufacturer would not recommend it. Wearing Invisalign as a mouthguard is considered “off-label” use. A proper sports mouthguard will provide more protection for your teeth than Invisalign.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
Most custom mouthguards last between 3 to 5 years. However, the life span of custom mouthguards can vary, depending on how often the patient uses them and how well the patient takes care of them.
Why do my teeth hurt after wearing a mouthguard?
There are a few reasons your teeth might hurt after wearing a mouthguard. One possibility is that the mouthguard does not fit properly and pushes against your teeth and gums. You can also experience sensitivity to the plastic or rubber material.
Finally, you may feel pain from pressure on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These joints connect your jaw to your skull. If you feel pain after wearing your mouthguard, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will examine your smile to determine the cause of your pain and find a solution.
Why does my child need a custom-fitted mouthguard?
A custom-fitted mouthguard is necessary for a child because it will properly fit their teeth and gums. The right fit will provide maximum protection. A standard-sized mouthguard can be too big or too small and not offer the right protection. Store-bought, boil-and-bite mouthguards can be too loose and can fall out.
A custom-fitted mouthguard will help prevent dental injuries like a broken tooth or jaw. It also helps protect the child’s teeth from sports-related injuries.
Protect Your Teeth During Sports
Do you or your child need a custom mouthguard in the Media, PA? Call 610.566.0291 to schedule an appointment with our dentists. Your comfort is essential to our team. Feel free to ask us questions about the mouthguard process during your next dental care visit. We are here to help.