Dr. Thompson provides custom mouthguards in Greeley, CO, for the athlete in your family. A mouthguard is useful for various reasons and can 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 and unique smile are made for you. 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 your investment 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 orthodontics or any other type of oral appliance, as these can cause additional impact damage or become dislodged and damaged. 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 to keep it in place. This can eventually cause additional dental problems and stress the body during play.
Mouthguards For TMJ Treatment
Dr. Thompson may recommend using a nightguard to address a bite problem or teeth grinding. This 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.
TMJ Vs. Sports Mouthguards
If you have one type of mouthguard, it’s tempting to try and use it for both purposes. But you should never use a mouthguard for anything but its express purpose. Sports mouthguards are made of a light, bulky material. It’s designed to absorb shocks from trauma and accidents so that it doesn’t damage your teeth. If you try to use that overnight, your teeth will grind right through the material. You’ll damage both the mouthguard and your teeth.
TMJ mouthguards are made of a harder material that prevents the surfaces of your teeth from grinding together. They can take on large amounts of pressure exerted by the force of your jaw. The material won’t be able to protect your teeth from any trauma because it isn’t able to absorb shocks. It won’t offer much more protection than not having a mouthguard in at all.
Taking Care of Your Custom Mouthguard
You have to care for the mouthguard properly if you want it to protect your teeth. Each time you wear the mouthguard, rinse it out with cool water afterward. It eliminates any saliva, blood, or sweat that accumulated while you were wearing it. Never use hot water, as it can warp or damage your guard.
At least once daily, clean your mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. This removes things that build up on the mouthguard, like food particle or residue. Once a week, disinfect and sterilize your mouthguard. Use a specialized mouthguard cleaning solution. It kills bacteria and eliminates odors that accumulate over time.
Store your mouthguard properly when it isn’t in use. A ventilated carrying case ensures it dries and bacteria don’t build up in a warm, wet environment. It also keeps your guard safe from damage and allows you to know where it is at all times. It won’t get lost because you wrapped it in a napkin or paper towel and accidentally throw it away. Don’t store it in areas with extreme temperatures, as these can damage the mouthguard.
You know your mouthguard well. Examine it frequently and take note of any wear or damage you notice. Mouthguards have a limited lifetime because of the wear and tear they take on. If you have concerns, bring them up at your next dentist appointment We can ensure that it’s still performing the way it should and give you tips to take care of it properly.
Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards are the best way to protect your smile. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
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 is ready within a few 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 lying 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 yearly, 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; 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. They’re susceptible to falling out if not fitted to your mouth. It’s difficult to talk or drink with them while you’re playing sports. You must also 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, making 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 equipment! Call us at 970.205.9614 for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thompson today.