Sports injuries are an unfortunate reality for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. A single impact can cause severe dental trauma, from chipped teeth to jaw injuries, and sometimes even career-breaking or life-threatening in the worst cases. Their impact not only jolts the player but risks physically damaging the teeth and jaw.
But you can choose not to be its victim by considering a scientifically backed solution to safeguard your oral health by opting for Mouthguards. The best part about them is that they do not limit their offerings to One Size Fits All when catering to diverse users. Today, we learn all about these Custom Mouthguards and guide you into choosing the right fit.
What Are Mouthguards?
Mouthguards are protective devices that save the teeth and the structures around them from damage in heavy impact. They act as a cushion, absorbing and distributing impact forces so that the problems of injuries to the teeth or jaw fractures, even concussions, are not caused. Made from materials such as thermoplastic or ethylene vinyl acetate, or EVA, mouth guards are designed to be both strong and durable yet flexible.
Custom-made mouthguards are precision-engineered, using multiple impressions of your teeth to make them a perfect fit. They shield anyone who plays contact sports or engages in other activities with a high facial impact risk. So, whether it’s a professional athlete or an enthusiastic weekend participant, consulting with a dentist ensures getting a mouthguard that best fits your requirements and tastes.
Why and When Does One Need a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a must-have for anyone involved in outdoor sports such as rugby, football, basketball, or martial arts. Even non-contact sports like cycling or skateboarding also have risks where an individual finds a mouthguard invaluable. They offer reliable, tailored protection by:
Dental trauma prevention: Greatly reducing the chance of broken or knocked-out teeth.
Jaw Injury Prevention: Redistributing impacts which, if otherwise directly received, might cause fractures.
Prevent soft tissue damage: Providing protection for tongue, cheeks, and lips, thereby avoiding cuts.
We consistently highlight the importance of mouthguards for all athletes, recreational or professional, to safeguard against potential long-term oral health issues.
What Does a Mouthguard Offer?
A mouthguard’s primary function is to act as a barrier between the teeth and the soft tissues of the mouth. They scientifically work by:
- Distributing Impact Forces: The high-impact polymers and shock-absorbing inner layers help spread the force of a blow over a larger surface area, minimising the risk of localised trauma to teeth and gums.
- Reducing the Risk of Concussions: By incorporating viscoelastic materials, mouthguards can dampen and absorb shock waves from sudden impacts, mitigating the transfer of force to the skull and brain.
- Preserving Dental Work: If you have opted for any dental procedures in the past, Mouthguards help you protect them instead of being obstructive. Crafted with durable yet pliable components, they protect dental components like braces, bridges, crowns, and implants by offering stability during physical activities.
Mouthguards ensure optimal fit and comfort, whether for recreational sports or professional competition.
What Are the Different Types of Mouthguards?
Mouthguards come in three main types, catering to different needs depending on the condition and budget. Your Healthy Smile on 154 Bennett Road are renowned to craft customised mouthguards that suit the needs of athletes of all levels, from children to professionals.
- Stock Mouthguards: Pre-fabricated and ready to wear, these are crafted from basic plastic materials. While inexpensive, their one-size-fits-all approach often results in a poor fit and limited protection. Stock mouthguards are suitable for occasional or low-risk activities but fall significantly back when offering the comprehensive protection and coverage needed for high-impact sports.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Made from thermoplastic materials, these can be softened in hot water and moulded to the shape of your teeth. Although more adaptable than the stock mouthguard variant, their protection level and fit are still inferior to custom solutions. They are a practical choice for recreational athletes seeking moderate defence without breaking the bank.
- Custom Mouthguards: Precisely crafted in dental laboratories, custom mouthguards are engineered on a case-to-case basis from high-grade EVA or similar polymers. Using advanced moulding techniques, they are tailored to the exact contours of your teeth and gums. These devices offer unparalleled fit, comfort, and protection, making them ideal for professional athletes or those with specific dental requirements.
How to Choose the Right Mouthguard For You?
When selecting a mouthguard, consider:
- Fit and Comfort: A custom-fit mouthguard is tailored to your specific dental structure, ensuring it stays in place and feels comfortable even during intense activities. This reduces distractions and enhances performance on the field.
- Durability: High-quality materials used in custom options make them more resilient, withstanding repeated impacts without losing their protective capabilities. This ensures relatively long-term reliability and better value for investment.
- Professional Advice: A consultation with a dentist will help you choose a mouthguard that aligns with your sports and dental needs. Their expertise can address unique requirements, such as accommodating braces or managing specific risks based on your activity type. Additionally, they leverage precise diagnostic tools to ensure the mouthguard’s design supports maximum protection without compromising oral comfort.
Who Should Be Cautious About Using Mouthguards?
While mouthguards are highly effective in preventing sports injuries, certain dental conditions or procedures require careful consideration before use. Understanding these scenarios ensures you prioritise safety and comfort when protecting your oral health.
Recent Dental Work
Individuals who have undergone tooth extractions, implants, or gum surgery may need to wait before using a mouthguard. The pressure exerted by the device could disrupt the healing process, so always consult your dentist to determine when it’s safe to begin wearing one.
Orthodontic Treatments
A custom-fitted mouthguard is essential for those with braces. Improperly fitted guards can damage braces or fail to provide adequate protection. Custom designs are adjusted to accommodate brackets and wires, offering both safety and comfort.
Sensitive Gums or Advanced Periodontal Disease
People with sensitive gums or severe gum disease may find that a poorly fitting mouthguard exacerbates discomfort. In these cases, a tailored solution from your dentist is vital.
Can One Wear a Mouthguard with Existing Dental Procedures or Braces?
Absolutely! Modern custom mouthguards can be designed to accommodate braces, bridges, or implants. They are adjusted to ensure the dental work is protected without causing discomfort.
But the key lies in consulting a highly professional dentist for all these procedures, or at least when opting for a Mouthguard. This will ensure a comfortable, inconvenience-free experience for the rest of the day.
The challenge always lies in finding the right dentist who truly understands your needs, analyses the preconditions, and delivers the best results in securing the integrity of your dental health.
Your Healthy Smile Cares For Your Dental Needs
It is your time to sport a contagiously safe smile, and it all begins and ends at Your Healthy Smile dental clinic.
Because ‘Tooth be told’, a well-designed custom mouthguard by us will give you dental safety with unmatched comfort. Because for the past 35-plus years, we at Your Healthy Smile have mastered the customised dental solutions especially for you. Book an expert dentist appointment with us at Your Healthy Smile on 154 Bennett Road or Mt Druitt today!
FAQs
1. Is a mouthguard from a dentist worth it?
Yes, a dentist-made mouthguard is worth the investment because it offers a personalised fit, superior comfort, and better protection than over-the-counter options, reducing the risk of injury during sports or grinding teeth at night.
2. How long does a custom mouthguard last, and when should I replace it?
Typically, custom mouthguards last 1-2 years. Replace them sooner if they show signs of wear, or if your teeth shift, to ensure continued protection.
3. Is wearing a mouthguard at night advisable?
Yes, wearing a mouthguard at night can protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) and reduce the jaw pain. It also prevents tooth damage caused by clenching while sleeping, promoting better dental health.
4. Are custom mouthguards comfortable to wear during sports?
Yes, custom mouthguards are designed for a snug fit, offering comfort while allowing easy breathing and speaking without irritation.
5. Will a custom mouthguard affect my ability to talk or breathe?
No, a custom mouthguard is designed for comfort and fit, so it won’t hinder your ability to speak or breathe. It should feel natural during use.