Do you or your child play sports? Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports protects the smile. Athletes must wear a mouthguard for any sport with contact between players, like football, basketball, or hockey.
A sports mouthguard is a general dental treatment that offers preventative care. It prevents chips, cracks, and breaks in tooth enamel. We also recommend mouthguards for patients with braces. Dr. Michael Sesi can create custom mouthguards in Clarkston, MI, and 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, which creates the mouthguard. Once the mouthguards are complete, we ensure they fit patients comfortably. Ill-fitting mouthguards can fall out when athletes play, so the sports mouthguard must fit.
Some athletes may feel they must clench their teeth to keep their mouthguards in place. Customized mouthguards allow athletes to focus on the game, not their appliance. Clenching teeth also places pressure on the jaw bone and muscles, leading 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, as this can warp and damage the mouthguard. When not in use, place your mouthguard in its case.
Sports Mouthguards Vs. Nightguards
Custom sports mouthguards and nightguards protect teeth but serve different purposes. While they may look similar, they are designed for different situations and cannot be used interchangeably.
Function: Protection vs. Prevention
A custom sports mouthguard protects teeth from external impact during physical activities. Athletes who play contact sports like football, basketball, and hockey risk dental injuries from collisions, falls, or hits to the face. A sports mouthguard absorbs shock and helps prevent chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
On the other hand, a nightguard prevents damage caused by teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism). Many grind their teeth at night without realizing it, which can wear down the enamel, cause jaw pain, and lead to serious dental problems. A nightguard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the pressure and preventing long-term damage.
Material: Thick and Rigid vs. Thin and Flexible
Sports mouthguards are made from thick, shock-absorbing material to cushion heavy impacts. They are durable and designed to cover the teeth and gums, providing full-mouth protection. Because of their bulkier design, they allow athletes to breathe and speak but are not comfortable for long-term wear.
Nightguards, however, are made from thinner, more flexible materials that provide comfort during sleep. They are designed for long hours of wear and focus on reducing friction between teeth rather than absorbing external force. A nightguard must be snug enough to stay in place but thin enough not to disrupt sleep.
Fit and Coverage: Full Protection vs. Targeted Cushioning
A sports mouthguard usually covers the upper teeth and sometimes the gums. Its purpose is to protect against sudden impact, so it has a looser fit to allow for easy breathing and communication during sports.
A nightguard typically fits only over the biting surfaces of the teeth and does not cover the gums. It is custom-fitted to ensure a snug, comfortable feel that prevents shifting during sleep.
Why They Can’t Be Used Interchangeably
Because they serve different purposes, sports mouthguards and nightguards should not be swapped. A sports mouthguard is too bulky to wear at night and can make breathing uncomfortable during sleep. Its thick design is meant for short-term use, not all-night wear.
A nightguard does not provide enough protection for sports because it is too thin to absorb strong impacts. Wearing a nightguard during sports could lead to serious injuries since it won’t effectively cushion blows to the mouth.
Custom Mouthguards Benefits
Mouthguards are essential in protecting teeth from injury and damage. Whether for sports or nighttime teeth grinding, a well-fitted mouthguard can prevent serious dental issues. While store-bought options exist, custom-made mouthguards offer superior protection, comfort, and durability.
Perfect Fit for Maximum Protection
One of the biggest advantages of a custom-made mouthguard is the fit. A dental lab creates it using impressions of your teeth, ensuring it fits securely and comfortably. Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, which are often bulky or loose, a custom guard stays in place without shifting. This snug fit is crucial for effective protection, whether absorbing impacts in sports or preventing grinding damage at night.
Better Comfort and Easier Breathing
Store-bought mouthguards come in standard sizes, which may feel too large or uncomfortable. Many users find them difficult to keep in place, making it hard to speak or breathe properly. Custom mouthguards are designed to match your mouth’s unique shape, allowing for a natural feel. This makes them much more comfortable to wear during a game or while sleeping.
Stronger and Longer-Lasting Material
Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality, durable materials that provide better protection than store-bought versions. Sports mouthguards absorb strong impacts, reducing the risk of broken or knocked-out teeth. Nightguards made from strong yet flexible material help cushion the pressure from grinding and clenching. Because of their durability, custom mouthguards last longer than boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all options.
Superior Protection for Teeth and Jaw
For athletes, a custom sports mouthguard protects against dental injuries, concussions, and jaw trauma. It absorbs shock from hits or falls, reducing the risk of broken teeth or soft tissue damage.
For those with bruxism (teeth grinding), a custom nightguard prevents enamel wear, cracks, and jaw pain. It also helps reduce symptoms of TMJ disorder by relieving pressure on the jaw joints. Grinding can lead to serious dental problems without a nightguard, such as worn-down teeth and gum recession.
Cost-Effective Long-Term Investment
Although custom mouthguards may cost more upfront, they save money in the long run. A properly fitted mouthguard prevents expensive dental treatments, such as crowns, implants, or braces, due to injury or damage. Since they last longer than store-bought options, they do not need to be replaced as often.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards and nightguards protect your teeth when you need them most. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
The length of time your mouthguard lasts corresponds to the type of mouthguard and how much you use it. Sports mouthguards can go through some pretty tough stuff. We recommend that you get a new mouthguard before the beginning of each new sports season. If you see any wear or tear on them, it’s a sign you need a replacement. Guards for other conditions, like TMJ, can last months to years.
Can I drink water with my mouthguard in?
Yes, one of the perks of custom mouthguards for sports is that you don’t have to take them out of your mouth to get a quick water break. Water is the only food or beverage that you should consume while you have the guard in. Food can gauge or take off chunks of the guard, providing bacteria a good space to hide and limiting the guard’s efficacy. Acidic beverages can compromise the guard’s integrity.
Can a custom mouthguard move my teeth?
No, it shouldn’t be tight enough to shift your teeth. Custom guards fit snug enough so that you don’t have to clench your teeth to keep them in, but not tight enough that you should feel sore or uncomfortable. If you’re feeling these things, it’s a sign your guard doesn’t fit properly.
What happens if I don’t clean my mouthguard?
Just because you don’t see anything on your mouthguard doesn’t mean bacteria aren’t there. You transfer bacteria from your mouth onto the guard whenever you wear it. Without washing it, they continue to build up on it. You may see signs of plaque and tartar buildup, calcium deposits, or mold. Bacteria can cause your mouthguard to smell bad and can even kill you.
Why are mouthguards usually made for just the top arch of teeth?
Your upper teeth protrude more, making them more likely to suffer from damage. We prioritize the top teeth, particularly when it comes to contact sports. Sometimes, we make guards for both sets of teeth. TMJ guards and sleep apnea devices may require both.
Are custom mouthguards worth it?
Absolutely. Custom mouthguards have many advantages over drugstore options. They’re more durable and made from better materials than over-the-counter guards. You don’t have to clench your teeth to keep it in, avoiding complications in your jaw joint. Since they’re custom, you’re guaranteed to get a perfect fit every time.
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.