Do you or your child play sports? Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports can protect the teeth, gums, and orthodontics. Dr. Jordan Morris can create a professional, custom sports mouthguard for you in Sahuarita, AZ. He takes impressions to ensure the sports mouthguard fits correctly and comfortably. Mouthguards are made of soft, BPA-free plastic that helps absorb shock. This general dental treatment can also prevent the need for cosmetic or restorative work.
Do Custom Mouthguards Make a Difference?
“Boil and bite” mouthguards that you can find in stores often do not use quality materials or provide the best fit. Poorly fitted mouthguards can slip in the mouth and even fall out. In addition, patients with poorly fitted mouthguards often need to clench their teeth to prevent the mouthguard from slipping during a game. Teeth clenching is distracting and also puts pressure on the teeth and jaw.
Professionally made mouthguards are meant to stay in the mouth to protect the teeth. Our professional mouthguards use quality materials that conform to patient smiles. Choosing a custom-made, professional mouthguard can prevent problems like broken or knocked-out teeth. Mouthguards also help minimize the severity of sports or dental injuries and accidents.
Custom Sports Mouthguards in Sahuarita, AZ
Additional benefits of custom sports mouthguards include:
- Minimized risk of injuries to soft tissues
- Protect teeth from breaks and loss
- Help wearers easily speak and drink
We take dental impressions of the upper teeth to create mouthguards customized to your smile. Sports mouthguards cover the upper teeth because these teeth typically stick out more and are more at risk of damage. Once the mouthguards are complete, we will provide you with a case to protect the mouthguard. After each wear, clean your mouthguard with water and liquid soap. Then, place your mouthguard in its ventilated case.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Discover more about getting a custom mouthguard in our Sahuarita, AZ dental office with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Can I use a custom sports mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes, you can use a custom sports mouthguard if you have braces. We can make a mouthguard to fit your mouth perfectly, even with braces. Our custom mouthguards provide a comfortable fit and helps prevent injuries to your teeth, gums, and braces if you get hit or fall while playing. Wearing a custom mouthguard also helps keep your braces from getting damaged during activities.
What sports should I wear a mouthguard for?
You should wear a mouthguard for any sport where there’s a chance of getting hit in the mouth or falling. This includes contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, and soccer, where players often collide with each other. A mouthguard protects your teeth, lips, and jaw from injury, so you should wear one during any activity where your mouth could get hurt.
How long does it take to get a professional sports mouthguard?
The whole process can take one to two weeks. When you visit our dental office, we will take impressions (molds) of your teeth. We send these impressions, to a dental lab that will make your custom mouthguard. This part can take about a week. Once the mouthguard is ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting.
How do I take care of my mouthguard?
Taking care of your custom mouthguard is simple and helps it last longer. After wearing your mouthguard, rinse it with cool water to remove saliva and debris. Use mild soap and a soft toothbrush or mouthguard cleaner to gently scrub your mouthguard. This keeps it fresh and free from bacteria.
When not in use, keep your mouthguard in a ventilated case. The case helps it stay clean and allows air to flow so it can dry.
Don’t leave your mouthguard in hot places, like a car or in direct sunlight, because heat can warp it. Inspect your mouthguard regularly for any wear or tears. If it’s damaged, ask our dentist if you need a replacement.
Can I wear a sports mouthguard if I grind my teeth?
A sports mouthguard is not the same as a nightguard, which is specifically designed to protect your teeth from grinding (also called bruxism) while you sleep. While a sports mouthguard can protect your teeth during physical activities, it may not be as effective for preventing damage from grinding. If you grind your teeth at night, please let us know. We can create a custom mouthguard for patients with TMJ disorders.
How long do sports mouthguards last?
Sports mouthguards usually last about 1 to 3 years. However, this depends on how often you use them and how well you take care of them. If you play sports frequently, you might need to replace your mouthguard sooner, especially if it gets damaged or starts to feel uncomfortable.
Do baby teeth impact the fit of a sports mouthguard?
Yes, baby teeth can affect the fit of a sports mouthguard. Since baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth, a mouthguard made for kids with baby teeth might not fit properly as their teeth change. If your child is still losing baby teeth, get a mouthguard that fits their current teeth.
Some kids may need a new mouthguard every few months as their teeth come in and shift. This ensures that the mouthguard provides the best protection during sports. If you’re unsure, talk to our dentist about the best option for your child’s mouthguard.
Do dentists provide sports mouthguards for patients of all ages?
Yes, our office can create custom mouthguards for patients of all ages! Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, our dentist can create a custom mouthguard that fits your teeth perfectly.
For kids, custom mouthguards are especially essential as their teeth change and grow. We can make new mouthguards as needed to keep up with those changes. Adults can also benefit from custom mouthguards to protect their teeth during sports and other activities. Getting a mouthguard from a dentist ensures it will be comfortable and effective in protecting your mouth.
Request a Dental Appointment
Do you need a new custom mouthguard for the upcoming sports season in Sahuarita, AZ? Call 520-412-9162. You may also schedule a dental appointment online. Let us know if you have any treatment questions; we will be happy to help. We are committed to creating lasting, effective treatments that are customized to your smile.