Talk to your Dentist about a Custom Made Mouthguard

A dentist can help patients protect their teeth with a custom-made mouthguard. It can help during sports or for those who grind their teeth during sleep.

By understanding the importance of talking to your dentist about a mouthguard, you can ensure your mouth is protected during sports or other dangerous activities.

Seeing your dentist for a mouthguard

While there are over-the-counter mouthguards, a dentist can ensure you receive a mouthguard that is tailored specifically to your mouth and activities.

What is a custom-made mouthguard?

To create your mouthguard, the dentist first will take a mold of your teeth and gums. With this, your new guard will sit perfectly in place during activities.

Over-the-counter mouthguards work well to protect teeth, but their sizes can vary. If a mouthguard moves around your mouth, it can cause minor irritation or even cut your gums.

Your dentist will also use high-quality materials to create your custom mouthguard. This ensures that the rubber or plastic is not weak or irritating. It will be able to withstand repeated use without wearing down or breaking.

That said, for some patients, a mouthguard from the store may perform well. Let us look at the reasons your dentist may recommend a custom mouthguard.

Why visit the dentist for a mouthguard

There are two main reasons to visit the dentist for a custom-made mouthguard: Sports and grinding teeth.

Sports and other physical activities carry an increased risk of a mouth injury, especially if the sport involves contact or a hard object. Here are the sports that may require the player to visit the dentist for av custom mouthguard:

• Boxing
• Football
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Baseball

While these are the most common, any sport that carries a chance of a mouth injury may result in the need for a dentist recommended mouthguard. For example, tennis balls are soft, but they can cause damage if one hits your face.

Anyone who suffers from grinding teeth, especially while they are sleeping, should visit the dentist for a mouthguard. Clenching and grinding throughout the night can change the shape of your teeth, cause jaw soreness and irritation and weaken your enamel.

Benefits of a custom-made mouthguard

When comparing a dentist recommended mouthguard and an over-the-counter mouthguard, there are benefits and drawbacks to each. The most obvious benefit to an over-the-counter mouthguard is the price. Although, a dentist recommended mouthguard wins in almost every other category, including the following:

• Withstands severe teeth grinding
• More protection for teeth and gums
• Increased comfort
• Long-lasting durability

The benefits of a custom-made mouthguard can largely be attributed to the fact that they are tailored specifically for the individual after the dentist takes an impression of the patient’s teeth.

Quite simply, a custom-made mouthguard feels better, works better and lasts longer than a store-bought mouthguard.

Do you need a mouthguard?

Do you grind your teeth? Do your children play sports and need a mouthguard? Whatever the case, call our office to learn more about protecting your smile with a tailored mouthguard.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.

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