How Do Custom Athletic Mouthguards Fit Better Than Regular Mouthguards?

If you or your child plays contact sports, you know that a mouthguard is a must. Still, not all mouthguards are equally protective.One question a lot of parents and athletes in our area ask if they visit our Acworth family dentist office is, what is the actual difference between a shop bought mouthguard and custom athletic mouthguards. Acworth dentists recommend: In this post we are going to break everything down in simple language so that you can make the correct choice before the next game.

Why Fit Matters More Than You Think

A mouthguard works best if it stays in place. “Most players end up cutting it out during the game if it falls down or feels loose or makes it hard to breathe, which cancels out the entire idea. The fit of a mouthguard is not only about comfort. It can have a direct impact on the guard’s power to take the hit, absorb shocks of contact, and protect your teeth, lips and jaw.

This is where personalised athletic mouthguards Acworth clients rely on are brought in. They are created to the precise shape of your own teeth so there is nothing to change, nothing to bite harder on and nothing that shifts about during play.

Regular Mouthguards: What You Are Really Getting

Regular, stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards may be bought at pharmacies or sporting goods stores. It comes in a one size fits all tray shape or a slightly better type in which you soften it in hot water and bite it to get a rough mould of your teeth.

The trouble is that “rough mould” is just what it sounds like. Boil-and-bite safeguards can only be moulded so much. They still tend to feel stiff, to sit unevenly, and to push against a few teeth more than others. It’s hard for a lot of players to talk or breathe alongside them. That’s why a lot of kids chew them up or take them out during the game instead of maintaining them in place.

Custom Mouthguards: Made For Your Mouth Only

A unique athletic mouthguard begins with a real imprint or digital examination of your teeth. Your dentist will take one of your teeth. It is then taken to a dental lab, when the guard is made, layer by layer, to fit your bite perfectly. No two molars are the same, so no two customised mouthguards will be the same.

Here is what that precision actually gives you:

• A snug, snug fit. The guard is created from your own dental impression so it locks properly around your teeth without slipping. You are not always biting down to hold in position.
• Better shock absorption. A properly fitted guard distributes the force for an impact over a larger area, instead of on one or two teeth. This reduces the chances of chipping, cracks or worse.
• Easier breathing, and talking. Since the material moulds itself to your mouth, not the other way around, the majority of athletes seldom even notice they’re wearing one.
• Longer lasting stuff. You will want a custom guard made out of a harder, lab-grade substance that can take normal cutting and clenching and not wear thin like ordinary store-bought ones. Many custom guards will continue for several years with proper upkeep, but boil-and-bite guards may need to be changed every season.
• Thickness adjustable. Your dentist can adjust the thickness of the guard to suit your sport and the way you tighten, something a standard guard simply cannot provide.

What the Research Says

It’s not merely a preference for comfort, which is also displayed in actual data. A popular study from the Academy of General Dentistry accompanied high school footballers over a whole season. The group with the custom-fitted mouthguards had a significantly lower rate of concussion than the group with the ordinary stock guards. On a violent smash, a well fitted, properly fitting mouthguard can really make an impact.

When Should You Get One Made?

If your kid plays football, baseball, hockey, wrestling, soccer or any sport with danger of contact a custom guard is worth considering at your next dental visit. It’s also an excellent option for those who play recreational sports on the weekends, or anyone who’s had dental work done like braces, veneers or implants and needs a little extra protection for their investments.

It is easy to get one made. Your dentist can take a snapshot of your teeth in a routine visit for dentist cleaning services Acworth or checkup in only a few minutes. The guard is then custom made in a lab and ready for your pick up shortly thereafter.

A Quick Word on Protecting Your Smile Long-Term

A mouthguard is one part of protecting your smile. Regular checks and cleanings are as important. If you have invested in dentist cosmetic dentistry Acworth work such as veneers, whitening, or bonding, a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to keep that work safe during sports. Our team is happy to talk through your options at your next visit, whether that is a cleaning, a cosmetic consultation, or simply getting fitted for a new guard before the season starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Author Bio

Dr. Melissa Wendling, born in South Africa, earned her biology degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her DMD from Roseman University of Health Sciences. Her interests are patient-centered services and instruction for people to keep their oral health healthy for life. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys camping, skiing and spending time with her family and goldendoodle, Maxwell.