Safeguard Your Teeth with Custom, Comfortable Mouth Guards

Mouthguards are oral or dental appliances that protect your teeth from damage. Sports mouthguards are worn during sporting activities to protect the teeth and gums from injury. Sports mouthguards are recommended for all athletes, including professionals, amateurs, hobbyists, middle school teams, and everyone in between.

Individuals who grind or clench their teeth wear nightguards to bed to deter this teeth-damaging habit. Mouthguards can also be worn to minimize snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.

Custom, well-fitting mouthguards can improve your oral well-being and change your life. If you’re seeking a trusted, family-friendly dental practice that offers mouthguard services, we recommend getting in touch with Wellesley Dental Arts today.

3 Types of Mouth Guards

Mouthguards are available in three main types: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom mouthguards. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each category, as well as the processes involved.

• Stock Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are readily obtainable from your local drug store and sporting goods store. However, despite being inexpensive, stock mouthguards have significant downsides. In particular, they come in limited sizes and, as such, are usually ill-fitting and uncomfortable. In addition, they can feel bulky in your mouth and end up causing more problems than they solve.

• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are closely similar to stock mouthguards in that they’re readily available and inexpensive. However, unlike stock mouthguards that come in several sizes, boil-and-bite mouthguards are available in a single size that you can customize to fit. Customization involves boiling the mouthguard until it’s soft and flexible and then molding it over your teeth.

• Custom Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are the most superior of the three types of mouthguards. These mouthguards are made from your dental impressions, guaranteeing an excellent fit and enhanced comfort. While they’re more expensive than stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards, the good news is that most insurance plans cover the partial or total cost of custom-made mouthguards.

Choosing a Mouth Guard

The type of mouthguard you choose depends on the task at hand, as well as your preferences. For example, if you’re active in sports that involve falling, contact, and flying equipment, it would be best to get a custom sports mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums against traumatic injury.

Individuals experiencing bruxism or teeth grinding and clenching require night mouthguards to protect their teeth against wear and tear. Night mouthguards are similar to sports mouthguards. However, they’re made of thinner material. They work by creating a soft, firm barrier between the upper and lower dental arches, hindering grinding.

If you snore excessively or have sleep apnea, your dentist may recommend using a mouthguard to keep your airway open.

Some patients may require multiple mouthguards depending on their unique needs.

To experience personalized mouth guard services, reach out to Wellesley Dental Arts today.

Mouthguards Procedure

Getting your custom mouthguard in Wellesley, MA at Wellesley Dental Arts is a painless affair. After examining your teeth to check for signs of cavities, gum disease, bite problems, and other dental issues, the dentist obtains your dental impressions. These are then shared with the dental lab, which creates your custom mouthguard from high-quality material. You’ll require only two visits to get your sports mouthguard.

However, if you’re interested in a mouthguard for sleep apnea, snoring, or bruxism, you may require additional visits to allow further assessments and treatments, e.g., sleep study, treatment for worn teeth, etc.

Caring for Your Mouth Guard

It’s crucial that you care for your mouthguard correctly, as this extends its lifespan and safeguards your oral well-being too. Some key steps to remember include:

• Brush your teeth before wearing your mouthguard.
• Rinse your mouthguard with mouthwash or cold water before and after every use.
• Pay attention to signs of damage and get in touch with your dentist if you detect wear and tear.
• Carry your mouthguard to your twice-yearly dental exams.
• Store your mouthguard in a clean container, out of reach of pets and young children.
• Clean your mouthguard with toothpaste and toothbrush after every use.

Custom mouthguards should be replaced every two to three years or as soon as holes and other signs of damage begin to appear. Stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards have a shorter shelf life and require more frequent replacement.

Schedule Your Appointment

Are you ready to schedule your mouthguards procedure? Call Wellesley Dental Arts now to enjoy personalized mouthguard services near you.