If you play contact sports, you already know a mouthguard is necessary. However, most athletes wear an over-the-counter version that is not as protective as once thought. Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park provides custom-fit sports mouthguards. Our mouthguards provide better protection than cheap store-bought mouthpieces.
Dr. Nechama Brand creates custom-fit mouthguards that protect your teeth, gums, and oral appliances from damage. We recommend them for anyone that participates in contact sports. Sports like football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, boxing, field hockey, hockey, and martial arts for example.
Custom Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
Over-the-counter mouthguards and the boil-and-bite mouthpieces seem like they provide adequate protection. However, not only do they not protect the teeth well, but they can also irritate the gums. Most store-bought mouthpieces are not thick enough to cushion hard blows to the mouth. Since the fit is fairly generic, they can fall out during contact sports.
Store-bought mouthguards don’t specifically fit your mouth and do not provide adequate protection to your teeth, gums, and jaw. They also require that you keep pressure on them to hold them in place. This clenching of the jaw can lead to tension in the jaw, face, and neck. When professionally crafted, sports mouthguards stay in the mouth and make it easier to speak, drink, breathe, and play without distractions.
Learn more about the additional benefits that this general dental treatment provides compared to over-the-counter mouthguards below.
Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards
Custom sports mouthguards consist of thick durable plastic that provides an adequate cushion if a hard blow to the mouth, chin, or face occurs. This will prevent tooth and gum damage from collisions, falls, and accidents. Wearing a properly fitting mouthguard can also reduce your chance of getting a concussion. Our mouthguards will fit comfortably and securely over your teeth.
With custom sports mouthguards, players can focus on the game instead of clenching their jaw to keep their mouthguards in place. In addition, properly fitting mouthguards allow patients to drink and speak clearly. We will take dental impressions to make sure that the mouthguard fits properly and stay in the mouth when you play.
Receiving a Sports Mouthguard
Patients can receive a custom mouthguard in about two visits to our Chicago, IL, dental office. A member of our dental team will take dental impressions to ensure quality design and fit. Once we take the impression, and you choose the design, we will send the molds to our local dental lab.
It typically takes about two weeks to fabricate them. During your second appointment in our office, you will try on your new mouthguard and we may make minor adjustments.
Protect your teeth to prevent further damage or the need for future cosmetic and restorative dental treatments. Call Premier Dental at 312-586-8596 so that we can create a custom mouthguard for you. You can also request an appointment online today.