Do you or your child play sports? Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports protects the smile. Athletes need to wear a mouthguard for any sport with contact between players, like football, basketball, or hockey.
As a general dental treatment, a sports mouthguard offers preventative care. Mouthguards prevent chips, cracks, and breaks in the tooth enamel. We also recommend mouthguards for patients with braces. Dr. Michael Sesi can create custom mouthguards in Clarkston, MI. Dr. Sesi also offers general dental care services at our Clarkston, MI, dental office.
Custom Mouthguard Treatment in Clarkston, MI
We take digital dental impressions to create customized mouthguards for our patients. Our team sends these impressions to a dental lab that creates custom mouthguards.
Once the mouthguards are complete, we ensure they fit patients comfortably. Ill-fitting mouthguards can fall out when athletes are playing, so it is important for the sports mouthguard to fit.
Some athletes may feel like they need to clench their teeth to keep their mouthguards in place. Customized mouthguards allow athletes to focus on the game, not their appliance. Additionally, clenching teeth places pressure on the jaw bone and muscles, which can lead to TMJ disorders over time. For more information on how we diagnose and treat TMJ disorders, please visit TMJ Treatment.
To care for your sports mouthguard, rinse it with soap and warm water. Do not use hot water because this can warp and damage the mouthguard. Place your mouthguard in its case when it is not in use.
Are Nightguards and Mouthguards the Same?
Although nightguards and mouthguards may seem similar, they come with several differences. Nightguards treat bruxism or teeth clenching and grinding. Patients with TMJ disorders often grind their teeth unconsciously or during sleep.
We craft nightguards from hard acrylic plastic that covers the top or bottom row of teeth. Sports mouthguards are made of a rubbery, flexible plastic that covers the front teeth and braces. You cannot use mouthguards and nightguards interchangeably.
Contact Our Dental Office
Call us for a custom-made sports mouthguard at 248-985-2906. You can also request a dental appointment with our team online. Please let us know if you have questions about your treatment options or any current concerns. We can help your whole family find the right care for their needs.