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. A custom-fit sports mouthguard can be fitted and purchased from Premier Dentistry in Chicago, Illinois. They provide better protection when compared to cheap store-bought mouthpieces.
Dr. Nechama Brand and Dr. Abraham Stein create custom-fit mouthguards that can protect your teeth, gums, and oral appliances from damage. They recommend wearing them for anyone that participates in the following sports: football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, boxing, field hockey, hockey, martial arts, and many more.
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 very 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 are known to fall out during contact sports.
Store-bought mouthguards are not specifically made to fit your mouth and do not provide adequate protection to the teeth, gums, and jaw. They require the mouth to be closed to hold it 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 are made from 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. When professionally fit, mouthguards are meant to fit comfortably and securely over the 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 the impression is taken, and the design is chosen, the molds are then sent to a local dental lab. It typically takes about two weeks for them to be fabricated and returned to our office. During your second appointment in our office, we will fit your mouthguard and make any minor adjustments if needed.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Keep your teeth protected to prevent further damage or future cosmetic and restorative dental treatments. Call Premier Dental at 312-586-8596 so that we can create a custom mouthguard for you. Request an appointment online today.