Custom Sports Mouthguards: What You Should Look For

If you play sports or know someone who does, you are probably aware of the increasing popularity of custom sports mouthguards. It is a device designed to protect your teeth and jaw from impact. Learn more about what makes custom mouthguards different from other options and why they are worth the investment. 

What are the benefits of a custom sports mouthguard?

Custom sports mouthguards have the significant advantage of being custom-fitted, so they are comfortable and secure in the mouth. Additionally, they are made of materials that protect your teeth and fit your mouth perfectly versus a store-bought mouthguard.

The mouthguards typically sold at the store are generic and available in various colours and sizes. Their primary purpose is to protect your teeth against contact.  With custom-made sports mouthguards, they absorb the force from an impact. 

Factors to consider in choosing a mouthguard

Mouthguards are essential protection for athletes of all ages and sports. You should remember that not all mouthguards are created equal. If you choose a custom sports mouthguard, you must consider several factors.

• Protection

The mouthguard should protect your teeth, gums and jaw. The material should be durable and impact-resistant.

• Comfort

Your dental appliance should be comfortable to wear. It should fit snugly against your teeth without feeling too tight or loose. For those into sports, comfortable mouthguards will help them concentrate on the game. 

• Breathability

The mouthguard should allow airflow so you can breathe.  A breathable mouthguard will help keep your teeth and gums healthy by allowing airflow and preventing moisture accumulation. 

The process

Getting a custom sports mouthguard created is a process that can take between 1 and 3 weeks. 

1. The process starts when you select the mouthguard, the design, and the shape you want.
2. Dentists take impressions of your teeth. Using the image, they can create the model of your teeth to make the personalized mouthguard.
3. Then, they send the model to a dental lab. The dental lab uses the model to create a prototype. 
4. As soon as your mouthguards are ready, your dentist will fit them into your teeth and check your bite. 

Because they fit perfectly, custom sports mouthguards are more comfortable and more effective. Their lifespan is also longer, as they are less likely to break.

Aftercare

Follow these quick tips to ensure that your sports mouthguard is taken care of and provides you with the best protection possible. 

1. Keep it clean.

Brush your teeth and rinse your mouthguard before and after each use.

2. Store it properly.

Keep your mouthguard in a cool, dry place when not using it.

3. Don’t wait to replace it.

Replace your mouthguard if it shows signs of wear or doesn’t fit as well as it used to.

Takeaway

If you are an athlete or the parent of an athlete, it is vital to protect the teeth. This guard will help prevent dental injuries, but it can also improve performance. Schedule an appointment with your Thornhill dentist today to get fitted for a custom sports mouthguard.