Dechter & Moy Dentistry offers custom sports mouthguards for children and adults to prevent dental injuries and tooth loss while playing contact sports. They are the best way to protect your teeth, gums, and oral appliances especially for those that wear braces, during contact sports.
You or your child can wear a mouth guard during any activity that could result in injury to the face or mouth. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy will recommend using a custom sports mouthguard for superior protection, that is also comfortable to wear. Protecting your smile is easier than ever with a custom mouthguard from Dechter & Moy Dentistry in Silver Spring, MD.
When are Protective Mouthguards Used?
We will recommend different types of custom mouth guards to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching. These are common signs of a bite disorder. Other symptoms include discomfort and pain around the jaw, neck, and head area.
We will design a custom fit mouthguard for teeth grinding that will position the jaw naturally and reduce muscle tension. This type of mouthguard is also known as a night guard or sleep appliance.
Store-bought Mouthguards Are Not as Effective
Only your dentist can create a truly comfortable mouthguard with a custom fit. The boil and bite ones in retail stores can be a little cheaper but often come in standard sizes that are tough to adjust to. Your mouth and jaws are not a standard size, so we always recommend consulting with your dentist before buying in a retail store.
To keep a store-bought mouthguard in your mouth, you often have to keep your jaw clenched. If you’re playing sports, this can make it impossible to communicate with your team or take a quick water break. You have to keep taking your mouthguard in and out of your mouth to do these simple actions. Custom fit mouthguards fit snugly and will stay on without you having to clench your teeth.
Clenching your teeth can lead to future oral health problems as well. Teeth clenching is one of the precursors to TMJ disorders. The jaw joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, causing pain and problems using your jaw. The jaw may pop and click when you’re trying to open your mouth or chew. You may start to struggle to open and close your mouth.
Nightguards Vs. Mouthguards
It can be tempting to use your custom guard to perform both tasks. To protect your teeth from sports trauma during the day and teeth grinding by night. However, these are two different guards. They’re made of different materials that aren’t equipped to handle the pressures of these other problems.
Nightguards are made of a thinner, harder material. They don’t need to absorb the impact of trauma, but rather keep the teeth from grinding together. Mouthguards are softer and bulkier because they will absorb these impacts. Using one for both functions can not only damage the guard, but your teeth as well.
The Custom Mouthguard Process
It usually takes two visits and starts with an initial consultation. On your first visit, our dentist in Silver Spring, MD will examine the current state of your teeth for issues. We will make recommendations to fix issues before we create a mouthguard. Then, we will take dental impressions of your teeth and bite pattern. These will ensure that your new protective appliance will fit over the teeth snugly and securely.
We will send the impressions to a dental lab to fabricate the final product. On the second visit, we will give you your new mouthguard. We will test it out and adjust accordingly. It should fit perfectly, without the need to bite down hard to hold it in place.
One of the key benefits of a custom-made mouthguard is that it will not require the wearer to clench or bite down to keep it in place. This will also help improve performance on the field. It will allow you to focus all your energy on the activity and reduce tension in jaw muscles.
Mouthguard FAQs
Do I need a night guard?
A thorough evaluation of your dental health will be a necessary part of the overall treatment. If you suffer from sleep apnea, teeth grinding, or other bite related disorders, we may recommend a nightguard. We may also suggest repairing your worn down or damaged teeth for the best long term result. This will fully stabilize your oral health.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
After taking a mold of your mouth, it takes approximately 2 weeks to create a custom mouthguard. Most dentists send impressions to a laboratory to create the mouthguard. When it is ready, the dental lab will send it back to the to the dentist’s office.
Can a custom nightguard shift your teeth?
Custom-fit mouthguards may feel tight or snug, but they are not strong enough to shift the alignment of teeth.
Can you wear a mouthguard all day?
You can wear a mouthguard whenever you want. Many patients who grind their teeth throughout the day have clear custom fitted mouthguards. It provides a barrier between their teeth so they will not damage their teeth from the grinding.
Request A Dental Exam Today
Dechter & Moy Dentistry and our dental care team is your dental sports partner. Get a custom sports mouth guard to protect your teeth from damage in the best possible way. Call us to set up an appointment, or request an appointment online today. We serve all of Montgomery County MD and surrounding communities.