Why a family dentist recommends custom mouthguards
Every year, millions of people suffer from sports injuries or teeth grinding. Many dental emergencies can be prevented. One of our most popular recommendations as a family dentist Montebello is to invest in a mouthguard. This applies to both adults and children.
Custom mouthguards, unlike those purchased in stores, are made specifically for you. These mouthguards offer superior comfort and protection for your oral health. This guide will explain why dentists recommend them and when they are needed. We’ll also show you how to protect your smile over time.
Understanding Custom Mouthguards
What is a custom mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards are dental appliances made using impressions taken of the teeth. It is designed by a Family dentist Montebello to perfectly fit your mouth, providing maximum comfort and protection.
There are many types of mouthguards.
Custom-made mouthguards can be recommended in the following situations:
- Sport protection (football basketball hockey martial arts
- Wearing night guards to protect your teeth from grinding is a good idea.
- Jaw and TMJ Pain Treatment
- After-orthodontic treatment
What a Montebello Family Dentist Recommends about Custom Mouthguards
1. Superior Protection Against Dental Injuries
The American Dental Association reports that athletes who do not wear a mouthguard are more than 60 times as likely to sustain dental injuries.
Custom Mouthguards
- Impact forces are absorbed and distributed
- Soft tissues, including the jawbone and teeth, should be protected.
- Reducing the risk of lip injury, fractures and tooth loss
Example:
We have treated teenagers who have fractured their teeth after using store bought, thin mouthguards. Custom guards have resulted in zero injuries for patients who switched to them.
2. Better Fit Means Better Comfort
Mouthguards purchased over-the-counter often feel loose and bulky. Mouthguards can cause:
- Breathing or talking difficulties
- Patients stop wearing the devices
Custom Mouthguards
- Fit snugly with no shifting
- Normal speech and breathing are allowed
- Comfortable enough to wear for a long time
When comfort is achieved, it leads to a more consistent usage of the product.
3. How to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism).
Nearly 10-15% of adults grind their teeth, and it is often unnoticed before damage occurs.
The Family Dentist Montebello can recommend:
- Prevent enamel wear
- Relieve jaw pain, headaches and other symptoms
- Crowns, veneers and fillings should be protected
Case Insight
A patient with chronic pain in the jaw and cracked fillings was diagnosed. The symptoms of the patient improved dramatically after using a night guard.
4. Cost Savings Over the Long-Term
Custom mouthguards are more expensive upfront, but they protect:
- Emergency dental visits
- Root canals
- Crowns and implants
Option Average Lifespan Protection Level
Buy from a store and get a 3-6 month Low
Custom Mouthguards 3-5 Years High
The Family Dentist Montebello sees custom guards not as an expense, but rather as a way to prevent future problems.
5. Safety for growing children and teens
The mouths of children change quickly. A family dentist ensures:
- Proper fit during growth stages
- As teeth move, adjust the dentures.
- Protecting braces and other orthodontic appliances
This is particularly important to do this for young athletes.
The Differences Between Custom-Made Mouthguards and Store-Bought Mouthguards
What family dentists don’t like about OTC mouthguards
The options available at the counter are often:
- Wear down quickly
- Offer uneven protection
- Poor fit can cause jaw pain
The Family Dentist Montebello creates custom-made guards from materials that are tested to ensure durability and safety.
Who should consider a custom mouthguard?
If you are:
- Contact sports or other high-impact games
- Do not grind or clench teeth in the night
- Jaw Pain and TMJ Symptoms
- Crowns, implants, and bridges are all options.
- Braces and aligners
Family Dentist in Montebello Offers Custom Mouthguards
- Comprehensive dental exam
- Digital or physical images with precise digital impressions
- Lab fabrication using dental-grade materials
- Last fitting and bit adjustment
- Use and Care Instructions
The process is tailored to ensure maximum efficiency.
Questions about Custom Mouthguards
Q: Is it worth the money to get custom-made mouthguards?
Yes. The ADA states that custom-made mouthguards provide the best level of comfort and protection compared with stock options.
Q: How long will a customized mouthguard last me?
Most last between 3-5 years with proper care. Children may need replacements sooner due to growth.
Q: How can I wear braces with a mouthguard?
Yes. Yes.
Q: Do custom night guards stop teeth grinding?
The lubricants do not stop the grinding, but they prevent muscle damage, reduce symptoms, and relieve tension.
Why Choose a Montebello Family Dentist?
Experience: Many years of sports injury and bruxism treatment
Research-based, evidence-based recommendations for dental care
Personalized Care for Children, Adults, and Seniors under One Roof
Family dentists understand how a person’s oral health of a person changes over time and how to maintain it.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to prevent dental injuries. Family dentist Montebello recommends mouthguards to athletes, people who grind their teeth, and families with growing children.
These products offer unparalleled protection, comfort and savings over the long term, while protecting your smile.
Call to Action
Schedule a consultation today with an experienced Family dentist Montebello if you think your child or yourself needs a mouthguard. Prevention now means fewer dental problems later.
