A custom mouthguard is a professionally fabricated oral appliance designed specifically to fit your unique bite and tooth anatomy. Unlike one-size-fits-all options available at pharmacies, custom mouthguards made at Smile Forever Dentistry in Morrisville, NC, are crafted from precise dental impressions or digital scans, resulting in a device that fits comfortably, stays in place, and provides superior protection.
Dr. Narender Dudee recommends custom mouthguards for a variety of needs, including sports protection, nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), and clenching. Whether you’re an athlete looking to safeguard your smile or someone waking up with jaw pain and headaches, a professionally made mouthguard from our Morrisville office delivers protection and comfort that store-bought alternatives simply cannot match.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards offer significant advantages over over-the-counter options in terms of fit, durability, and effectiveness. Because they are molded precisely to your teeth, they don’t shift during wear, making them far more comfortable and reliable. Patients at our Morrisville, NJ, dental practice consistently report that custom mouthguards feel natural and do not interfere with breathing or speech.
For athletes, a custom sports mouthguard provides substantially better protection against dental injuries, including chipped teeth, broken roots, and soft tissue lacerations. For bruxism patients, a custom nightguard distributes bite forces evenly to prevent enamel wear, relieve jaw tension, and reduce morning headaches and soreness.
Types of Custom Mouthguards
Dr. Narender Dudee provides custom mouthguards tailored to three primary needs. Sports mouthguards cushion impact during contact and collision sports such as football, basketball, hockey, martial arts, and wrestling. They protect teeth, lips, cheeks, and even reduce the risk of concussion-related jaw injuries.
Nightguards are prescribed for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism. These guards create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing enamel erosion and relieving strain on the jaw joints.
A third type, the occlusal splint, treats TMJ disorders by repositioning the jaw and relieving pressure on the temporomandibular joints.
Sports That Benefit from a Custom Mouthguard:
- Football
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Martial arts
- Wrestling
- Baseball and softball
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
The Process of Getting a Mouthguard Fitted
Getting a custom mouthguard is a simple and quick process. During your appointment, Dr. Dudee will take digital impressions or physical molds of your teeth. The lab then precision-crafts your mouthguard from high-quality materials to exact specifications.
When your mouthguard is ready, you’ll return for a fitting appointment, where Dr. Dudee will ensure the device fits snugly and comfortably and make any minor adjustments needed. You’ll also receive care and maintenance instructions to maximize your appliance’s lifespan.
Caring for A Custom Mouthguard
Sports mouth guards provide lasting protection for your smile when utilized, stored, and cared for properly.
Here are some tips on taking good care of your mouth guard:
Cleaning: Clean the mouth guard before and after every use with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This removes bacteria and keeps the appliance feeling clean and fresh. Periodically, clean and rinse the mouth guard with soap and lukewarm water to remove debris.
Storage: To protect the mouth guard, keep it in a firm case when not in use. The case protects your device from being crushed or otherwise broken.
Replacement: Mouth guards eventually need to be replaced after wear and tear diminishes their ability to protect teeth. Carefully monitor the device’s condition and ask Dr. Dudee when it’s time to get a new appliance.
If you have any questions or concerns about athletic mouth guards, please contact our Morrisville dental office.
