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 materials that provides an adequate cushion if a hard blow to the mouth, chin, or face occurs. Custom mouthguards are generally made from superior materials compared to over-the-counter options. They are crafted from high-quality, medical-grade polymers that provide enhanced durability, comfort, and protection. 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. There are several easy steps involves to ensure an optimal fit and protection. You will begin with a consultation with one of expert dentists where they will assess your needs and to see if you able to receive one. It is important that you are in good oral health and will not require a dental restoration before receiving a mouthguard as this will affect how it fits.
Following this, a member of our dental team will take an impression of your teeth. This impression will capture the shape and contours of your teeth and gums to ensure quality design and fit. It will essentially form a blueprint for your custom mouthguard.
Once we take the impression, and you choose the design, we will send the molds to our local dental lab. A skilled technician will create the mouthguard from high-quality materials. The fabrication process usually only takes two weeks, depending on the complexity and specific requirements.
During your second appointment in our office, you will try on your new mouthguard. It is our job to make sure your custom mouthguard fits correctly and comfortably. We are able to make minor necessary adjustments during this time.
The process to receive a custom mouthguard in Chicago ensures that you receive one tailored specifically to your dental structure, providing superior protection and comfort.
Caring for Your Custom Mouthguard
Caring for your custom mouthguard is vital to ensuring its longevity and effectiveness. After receiving your mouthguard, you need to adopt a consistent cleaning routine to maintain its condition.
Always rinse your mouthguard with cold water before and after each use to remove any debris or saliva. Never use hot water, which may warp the material and affect the fit. If you need to deep clean the mouthguard, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or soap. Then, rinse it thoroughly with cold water.
Let the mouthguard dry entirely on a clean surface to prevent bacterial growth before storing it. We will provide you with a ventilated case to store it in when not in use to protect it from damage and contamination.
Additionally, avoid exposing your mouthguard to direct sunlight or high temperatures, such as in a car or near a heat source. Doing so will cause the mouth piece to deform. Regularly inspect your mouthguard for signs of wear and tear. Always bring it with you to each dental appointment so we can clean it and inspect it. We will recommend replacement to ensure maximum protection of your teeth.
Following these care instructions will help extend the life of your custom mouthguard and maintain oral health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today for a Custom Mouthguard in Chicago
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.