Do you or your child play sports? You need a custom sports mouthguard. At Lighthouse Family Dentistry, we can provide a custom mouthguard for patients of all ages in Annapolis, MD.
Sports mouthguards offer general dental treatment to patients by preventing tooth injuries or loss. Patients who play contact sports, or sports where there is any contact between players, need to wear a mouthguard. Common contact sports include soccer, football, lacrosse, hockey, and basketball.
Dr. E. Taylor Meiser ensures that his patients receive tailor-made mouthguards that offer a comfortable, proper fit. He works with patients of all ages to create a sports mouthguard that conforms to the contours of their smiles.
The Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards
Compared to store-bought or over-the-counter mouthguards, a custom mouthguard from our Annapolis, MD office has far more benefits:
Secure Fit
With a custom-made mouthguard, our patients do not have to worry about their appliances falling out during a game. They can also easily drink and speak with their mouthguard. Sports mouthguards that fit properly can prevent accidents.
Better Protection
Custom mouthguards offer better protection for your teeth, gums, and jaw. They absorb impact from hits to the mouth to reduce the risk of injury. If a mouthguard doesn’t provide a custom fit, it may not cover your teeth fully.
Improved Comfort
A custom mouthguard is more comfortable to wear than store-bought options. If a mouthguard is too big or too small, you don’t want to wear it. A comfortable fit ensures you wear your mouthguard when you need to play sports.
Durability
Since they are made from high-quality materials, custom mouthguards last longer than store-bought options. Store-bought mouthguards may only last one or two uses before they fall apart. You can wear your custom mouthguard as long as it fits properly and feels comfortable.
Getting a Custom Mouthguard in Annapolis, MD
You can get a custom sports mouthguard for you or your child in just two office visits. At your first visit, we will take digital impressions of the teeth. We send these impressions to a local lab to craft a customized, comfortable mouthguard. Once the custom mouthguard is complete, Dr. Meiser will ensure that it fits properly.
Dr. Meiser will also provide a mouthguard case. You or your child can pick from a variety of different colors!
How to Care For Your Mouthguard
Cleaning and protecting the mouthguard ensures that it keeps its shape. To maintain your mouthguard:
- Rinse After Each Use: After wearing your mouthguard, rinse it with cold water to remove any saliva or debris. You can also gently brush it with a toothbrush (use mild soap if needed). Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the shape.
- Store Properly: Remember to keep your mouthguard in its case when it is not in use. This keeps it safe from dirt, damage, and bacteria. Make sure the case is dry to prevent mold or mildew.
- Clean Regularly: Clean your mouthguard at least once a week. To keep your mouthguard clean and fresh, you can soak it in a denture or oral appliance cleaner. These cleaners typically come in a powder form that you can mix with water.
- Avoid Excess Heat: Never leave your mouthguard in a hot car or near a heat source, as the heat can cause it to lose its shape. Also, do not use hot water to clean your mouthguard because it can warp it.
- Check for Damage: Before each use, check your mouthguard for any cracks, tears, or wear. If you notice any damage, it’s best to replace it to ensure it continues to provide full protection.
Can Sports Mouthguards Treat Bite Problems?
Many patients, seeing the similarities between sports mouthguards and nightguards, may assume that they can be used interchangeably. However, nightguards are typically worn by patients who have bite problems and grind their teeth at night.
Nightguards and sports mouthguards are made of different materials, each made for different oral health needs. Sports mouthguards are too bulky to wear at night and are not used to protect the chewing surfaces of teeth.
Please let us know if you need an oral appliance for different dental problems. Do not use sports mouthguards or nightguards in ways they are not intended to be used.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards are the best way to protect your teeth. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions below and learn more.
How often should you replace a sports mouthguard?
You should replace your sports mouthguard every season or if it shows signs of wear and tear. Over time, mouthguards can become damaged, lose their fit, or not protect your teeth as well. If your mouthguard starts to crack, lose its shape, or feel uncomfortable, it’s time to get a new one. A well-fitting mouthguard will keep your teeth safe during sports, so make sure to replace it when needed to maintain the best protection.
Baby teeth can affect the fit of a sports mouthguard. As children’s mouths are still growing, their baby teeth can change how a mouthguard fits. If a child is still losing baby teeth, a mouthguard may not fit properly and could become uncomfortable or less effective at protecting their teeth. Once most of the baby teeth have fallen out and adult teeth are starting to come in, you should get a new custom mouthguard for the best fit and protection.
Can I get a sports mouthguard for braces at the dentist?
Yes, we can provide a mouthguard if you or your child has braces. We will take dental impressions to account for the braces, wires, and brackets. Sports mouthguards are essential if you wear braces because mouth injuries can lead to soft-tissue injuries or break your brackets or wires.
Can I get a sports mouthguard if I have Invisalign?
Yes, you can get a sports mouthguard if you have Invisalign. While you’re wearing your Invisalign aligners, remove them before playing sports to avoid damage. However, your dentist can create a custom sports mouthguard that fits over your teeth without the aligners. This mouthguard will protect your teeth from injury while you’re playing sports, and it will still fit comfortably even though you’re wearing Invisalign.
Are custom mouthguards comfortable to wear?
Yes, comfort is one of the main advantages of a custom mouthguard. Because it is molded to fit your teeth precisely, it feels natural in your mouth. It allows you to speak, breathe, and move your jaw without difficulty. Store-bought guards are often bulky and uncomfortable, making it hard to wear them consistently. Comfort encourages regular use, which is essential for protection.
How should I store my mouthguard?
Store your mouthguard in a ventilated case when not in use. This allows it to dry completely and prevents bacterial growth. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or direct sunlight, which can warp the material. A case also protects the guard from damage or loss. Keeping it clean and dry ensures it stays effective for years.
Can custom mouthguards prevent concussions?
While no mouthguard can completely prevent concussions, custom guards may reduce the risk by absorbing and dispersing impact forces. They help stabilize the jaw and minimize direct trauma to the teeth and jaw. Athletes in high-impact sports benefit most from this additional layer of protection. Wearing a custom guard is one part of an overall safety plan.
Will a custom mouthguard affect my speech?
Custom mouthguards are designed to fit precisely, allowing normal speech and breathing. There may be a brief adjustment period as you get used to wearing it. Unlike bulky store-bought guards, custom ones do not significantly interfere with talking. Most patients quickly adapt and feel comfortable speaking while wearing it.
How do I know if my mouthguard fits correctly?
A proper fit should feel snug without being uncomfortable. It should stay in place during talking, chewing, or movement. You should not need to bite down excessively to keep it in position. Dr. Meiser will check the fit and make adjustments to ensure maximum comfort and protection.
How do custom mouthguards protect against soft tissue injuries?
They cover the teeth and gums, creating a buffer between the hard surfaces of your mouth and external impacts. This reduces the risk of cuts, bruises, and lacerations inside the mouth. Athletes in contact sports benefit most from this added protection. The precise fit of a custom guard keeps it in place, providing consistent coverage.
How do custom mouthguards help prevent long-term dental costs?
By protecting teeth from fractures, chips, and enamel wear, custom guards prevent expensive dental repairs. They also reduce the risk of jaw problems caused by grinding or clenching. Investing in a custom guard is a cost-effective way to maintain oral health over time. Patients often save money in the long run by avoiding restorative procedures.
Protect Teeth During Sports
Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Meiser for a custom-made sports mouthguard. You can also contact Lighthouse Family Dentistry for treatment at 410-324-7287. If you have questions about treatment, we’re here to help.