Participating in sports and physical activities offers a wide range of health benefits, but it also carries the risk of injury – particularly to the mouth and teeth. One of the most effective ways to help protect your teeth during contact or high-impact sports is by wearing a properly fitted sports mouthguard.
At ABN Family Dental in Aurora, we provide custom sports mouthguards designed to help minimize the risk of dental injuries, allowing you or your child to play with added protection.
A custom-fitted mouthguard offers a number of benefits that go beyond basic protection. While store-bought, over-the-counter options may provide a general level of safety, a mouthguard made specifically for the individual provides a higher level of comfort, fit, and durability. Whether taking part in skateboarding, mountain biking, or involved in gymnastics, basketball, rugby, hockey, wrestling, etc., here are some of the key benefits:
Because custom mouthguards are made using an exact impression of your teeth, they have a secure and comfortable fit. This snug fit helps prevent the mouthguard from shifting or falling out during activity, allowing you to focus on your performance rather than constantly adjusting the dental appliance. A proper fit also makes it easier to speak and breathe naturally, which is especially important during high-intensity sports.
Custom sports guards are designed to distribute impact forces more evenly, which helps reduce the risk of serious dental injuries. This includes broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, jawbone fractures, or injuries such as lacerations to the lips and cheeks. By absorbing and dispersing the force of a blow, a mouthguard can also reduce the risk of concussions in some cases, although it should not be considered a substitute for head protection.
For athletes who have orthodontics, custom sports mouthguards can be specially designed to accommodate their hardware. This protects the teeth and soft tissues and prevents damage to braces, which can be costly and inconvenient. A well-designed mouthguard will fit comfortably over brackets and wires without putting unnecessary pressure on them.
One of the most valuable benefits of a custom sports mouthguard is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that your teeth and mouth are well protected allows you to participate in sports activities with greater focus on the game at hand. This is especially important for young athletes whose teeth and jaws are still developing.
There are several types of mouthguards available, each offering different levels of protection, comfort, and fit. For example, a boil-and-bite mouthguard is made from medical-grade plastic or silicon. It is softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth, but they may lack optimal protection against dental injuries. A stock mouthguard is pre-formed and ready to wear, but it can be bulky and ill-fitted. This is where a custom mouthguard comes in. Our dental care team will take impressions of your teeth and, from there, be able to craft an accurate, custom-fitted, and comfortable mouthguard for you.
Playing sports can obviously come with potential risks, especially when it comes to your dental health. The best way to prevent injuries to your teeth and gums and beyond is with a custom sports mouthguard. Want to learn more about these protective devices? Contact us today to schedule a consultation! We look forward to helping you protect your smile.
Welcome to ABN Family Dental in Aurora, where we provide a wide suite of dental care services, including family and cosmetic dentistry services.
