Dr. Thompson provides custom mouthguards in Greeley, CO, for the athlete in your family. A mouthguard is useful for a variety of reasons and can serve to correct a dental problem or protect your teeth and gums.
Dr. Thompson recommends that athletic patients who participate in contact sports of all ages use a custom sports mouthguard to avoid trauma and permanent damage to their teeth and gums. Dr. Thompson recommends and offers custom-fit sports mouthguards to protect the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth from injury during play.
Custom Sports Mouthguards in Greeley, CO
A custom sports mouthguard can offer additional benefits when compared to over-the-counter options available at stores:
- Custom, comfortable and stable fit: using your dental impressions, your custom mouthguard is made for you and your unique smile. It will fit snugly over your teeth and gums.
- Reduced energy loss in play: a custom sports mouthguard does not rely on jaw clenching to keep it in place, allowing your body’s total energy to be devoted to your athletic performance- it is also less distracting.
- Allows you to drink fluids and speak while in place: less bulky than other options, your custom mouthguard enables you to consume fluids and communicate more clearly with teammates during games.
- Maximum protection: a custom-fit mouthguard offers the best protection for your teeth and gums, including oral appliances and braces.
Protect your oral health and the investment you have made in your smile with a custom sports mouthguard. Thompson Advanced Dentistry also offers other general dental services to help protect your smile for excellent long-term dental health.
Teeth do not grow back!
Mouthguards are also important for patients wearing orthodontic or any other type of oral appliance as these can cause additional damage on impact or become dislodged and damaged too. Dr. Thompson can fit you or your child in his dental office in Greeley with a custom mouthguard fabricated from dental materials for better shock absorption than over-the-counter models. Custom sports mouthguards also fit snugly over the teeth and do not require the wearer to clench their jaw in order to keep it in place: this can eventually cause additional dental problems and also creates added stress on the body during play.
Mouthguards For TMJ Treatment
Dr. Thompson may recommend using a nightguard to address a bite problem or teeth grinding. This type of oral appliance is custom-designed to reposition the jaw and allow the teeth to make proper contact without creating muscle tension. Worn nightly, a nightguard can reduce common symptoms associated with TMJ such as jaw pain and headaches.
Mouthguard FAQs
How do I get fitted for a sports mouthguard?
We can fit anyone for a mouthguard in our dental office. Fitting requires one visit to take dental impressions. A lab completes the mouthguard and it’s ready within a couple of weeks.
Can I use a custom sports mouthguard for TMJ and Bruxism issues?
No. A custom sports mouthguard is only meant to be worn for a few hours, long enough to protect you from contact sports injuries. Don’t wear them overnight or for long periods. Mouthguards for TMJ and Bruxism issues are different and specifically made for that purpose. They correct jaw alignment issues when laying down for example.
How often should I get a new sports mouthguard?
We recommend getting a new mouthguard before every sports season. Young athletes outgrow their mouthguards every year, so they must get new ones before every sports season for complete comfort and the best protection possible. You risk tooth damage and distractions from an ill-fitting mouthguard.
How do I properly take care of my custom mouthguard?
You should clean your mouthguard after every use. Use cool water to rinse it off, as hot water can warp the material. Gently scrub the mouthguard with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the toothpaste off and place it somewhere safe to dry. Always keep it in your case when it’s not in use to make sure you don’t lose it.
Why do I need a custom mouthguard?
While mouthguards are available at the drugstore, one size fits all isn’t the way to go with mouthguards. If they aren’t fitted to your mouth, they’re susceptible to falling out. It’s difficult to talk or drink with them in while you’re playing sports. You also have to keep your teeth clenched to keep the mouthguard in your mouth. This can lead to TMJ issues, tension, and pain throughout your jaw, face, and neck.
Can my mouthguard make me sick?
If you don’t clean it properly, your mouthguard can accumulate harmful bacteria on the surface that can make you sick. Milder cases can cause bad breath, but more severe cases can cause infection. If you see any black spots on the mouthguard, do NOT put it in your mouth. This could indicate mold spores.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you or your child are active in sports, especially contact sports, a custom sports mouthguard may be your most important piece of equipment! Give us a call at 970.205.9614 for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thompson today.