Custom mouthguards in Seminole, FL keep smiles intact, prevent serious sports injuries
Sports mouth guards are worn to keep your teeth intact and your smile complete. But, as we at Boulevard Dental in and Seminole, FL have seen firsthand, custom mouthguards do more than protect your teeth from getting knocked out or cracked. A well-designed, well-fitting mouthguard has many health benefits that support your overall wellness.
Complete your “uniform” with a custom mouthguard
Mouthguards are designed to slip over your teeth. They are made to be worn during sports or other physical activities that may result in dental, oral, and other contact-related injuries. The mouthguard is only as “good” as its fit. An ill-fitting, “universally-sized” mouthguard is uncomfortable, and does not have good compliance. A mouthguard that isn’t worn due to discomfort cannot do its job and effectively protect your teeth and associated structures. Additionally, one-size-fits-all guards that are not customized to your specifications can interfere with proper respiration. Athletes, of all people, do not want their sports performance and endurance to suffer.
Our dentists, Drs Wujick, Clark, and Castillo design mouthguards from impressions or molds of your mouth. So, they fit comfortably and provide adequate “coverage” to effectively protect you from traumatic and costly injuries. Our custom athletic guards are also made from a quality, durable dental material. These appliances are built to last and last, which makes them a great value. Since you are getting your protective gear from a dental professional, we will check that your mouthguard continues to be in great shape during routine check-ups.
For more than a happy smile
Yes, a well-made, high-quality mouthguard can prevent damage to your teeth, including the loss of a tooth and the need for tooth replacement. However, the right mouthguard goes the “extra mile”; it absorbs the shock from blows or contact during practice, games, or exercise. Research has supported that these shock-absorbing properties can also help to minimize the risk of mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions. These specially-designed appliances aid in stabilizing and limiting movement of the head and neck, which also helps to prevent severe jaw fractures and other injuries. Sportsguards further protect oral tissues from cuts, and retain the integrity of orthodontics and dental-work, preventing the need for costly repairs and replacement.
Sports Mouth Guards FAQS
Custom-fit sports mouthguards are designed to optimally protect the jaws, lips, cheeks, and other soft tissues. Sports-related injuries to the mouth and face are not limited to dislodged or knocked-out teeth and fractures. They can also extend to other parts of your face and head, and our precision mouthguards have you covered.
Findings from studies suggest that properly fitted mouthguards reduce the incidence of concussions by absorbing some of the force of hits or contact that would otherwise be transmitted from your jaw to your teeth and skull.
A sportsguard that fits your mouth perfectly does not inhibit breathing or performance. In fact, some studies suggest that custom mouthguards enhance athletic performance by promoting stable postures and healthy body alignment.
Any organized sport, exercise, physical activity, or hobby that carries with it the risk of potential injuries to the mouth and face may be fair game for a professional mouthguard. The American Dental Association specifically recommends mouthguards for a dozen contact or collision sports, including basketball, boxing, martial arts, football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and soccer. It also recommends mouthguards for athletes who engage in “limited-contact” sports, such as acrobatics, baseball, gymnastics, skateboarding, volleyball, and cycling.
Your specific experience can vary. In general, the process starts with an exam. We need to ensure the health of your teeth and gums and make any repairs to restorations before moving forward with the process. We then make a model or impression of your mouth. This mold is used to guide the fabrication of your perfect-fit mouthguard. Once the mouthguard is ready, you return to our office to try it on, and one of our dentists will make adjustments to ensure your comfort and the right fit.
Yes, but only if you do not care for them properly. Our team can provide you with instructions on how to care for your mouthguard and the right products to use to keep it in top shape. If you don’t clean your mouthguard consistently and properly, plaque and bacteria can accumulate. These substances are associated with tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
You’ll ideally want to brush and floss before you insert your mouthguard. Before taking it out and placing it back in the storage case provided to you, rinse the guard with cool or lukewarm (never hot) water. You should also use a gentle cleanser and soft-bristled toothbrush to remove harmful bacteria and any lingering food particles. Since bacteria flourish in moist environments, make sure your mouthguard is completely dry before storing it.
It depends on the type of damage. Professional mouthguards are very durable; however, because of how they are used, these materials eventually break down and become vulnerable to damage. Never try to repair oral appliances on your own. Always contact us, so our doctors can examine the damage and make recommendations based on what we find. For instance, smaller abrasions may be repaired, but larger cracks or excessive thinning may mean the mouthguard no longer protects as it was designed to. In such cases, we recommend replacing your appliance so it works as intended.
The benefits of a well-designed, professional mouthguard far outweigh the upfront cost and minimal time that is required to plan for and make a piece of gear that is as essential to your child’s health and safety as helmets or pads. We look forward to doing our part to keep the fun in the game. Contact us today at (727) 308-6224 to schedule an appointment at our Seminole, FL office.
