Custom Mouth Guards | Pearland, TX General Dentists

Custom Mouthguards in Pearland, TX

At Night or Play: Protect Your Smile

If you deal with bruxism (teeth grinding) or play sports where impacts occur often, your smile needs as much protection as you can give it. That’s why, at Pearland Dental Group, our Pearland dentists provide custom mouth guards, including sports guards and mouth guards, to protect your teeth during play and while you sleep at night. Call our Pearland dental office by dialing (281) 993-9900 to learn more about these simple, but effective methods for protecting your smile.

What Are Custom Mouthguards?

Custom mouthguards also called dental guards, are specialized oral devices available in two variants: sports guards and nightguards. Sports guards act as protective shields for the upper or lower teeth themselves, gums, tongue, and adjacent structures worn during physical activities or sports, with the primary goal of reducing the risk of injuries resulting from impacts. Typically constructed from flexible plastic, a custom mouth guard made for impact protection is engineered to absorb and disperse the force of blows, thereby minimizing the chances of dental injuries like chipped teeth, as well as damage to the lips and tongue.

Night guards play a crucial role in managing bruxism, a condition characterized by teeth grinding or clenching during sleep. A custom night guard functions by providing a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, mitigating the damage caused by these involuntary habits during sleep. These custom-fitted night guards also contribute to the prevention and reduction of symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Benefits of Professionally-Made Sports Guards

Professionally-made sports guards offer several benefits, including:

Optimal Protection: Your custom dental guard will be meticulously crafted to provide optimal protection for teeth, gums, and surrounding oral structures during physical activities and sports.
Custom Fit: Unlike store-bought boil and bite mouth guards, a professionally made sports guard is custom-fitted to your mouth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. This personalized design enhances the effectiveness of the mouth guard in safeguarding against potential injuries.
Material Quality: These custom-fitted mouth guards are constructed from high-quality materials, often pliable plastic, which is chosen for its durability and ability to absorb and distribute impact forces effectively.
Injury Prevention: The primary purpose of sportsguards is to minimize the risk of injuries resulting from impacts. They act as a protective barrier, reducing the likelihood of dental injuries such as chipped teeth and damage to soft tissues like lips and tongue.
Improved Performance: A properly fitted sportsguard allows athletes to focus on their performance without concerns about potential dental injuries, contributing to enhanced confidence and concentration during sports activities.
Long-Term Oral Health: By preventing injuries, professionally made sportsguards contribute to long-term oral health, reducing the need for extensive dental treatments and interventions.
Customization for Specific Sports: These mouth guards can be tailored to the requirements of specific sports, taking into account the nature of the activities and potential risks involved. This ensures that athletes receive targeted protection based on the demands of their chosen sport.
Comfortable Wear: The custom fit and high-quality materials make professionally crafted sports guards comfortable to wear, promoting adherence to regular usage during sports and physical activities.
Durability: Professionally made sports guards are designed to withstand the rigors of sports activities, providing durable protection over time. This durability ensures that the guards maintain their effectiveness through extended use.

Benefits of Professionally Made Nightguards

Professionally made nightguards offer several benefits, including:

Customized Fit: Custom nightguards are individually tailored to the unique contours of the wearer’s teeth and mouth, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit.
Effective Bruxism Management: Night guards play a crucial role in addressing bruxism, effectively acting as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth to minimize the impact of grinding and clenching during sleep.
Prevention of Dental Damage: By providing a cushioning effect, professionally made nightguards help prevent dental damage caused by bruxism, such as enamel wear, chipped teeth, and fractures.
Comfortable Sleep: The custom fit and design of professionally made night guards contribute to a more comfortable sleep experience by alleviating the negative effects of teeth grinding and clenching.
Reduction of TMJ Disorders: Custom-fitted nightguards assist in the prevention and reduction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can be exacerbated by bruxism-related stress on the jaw.
Durability: Professionally crafted night guards are made from durable materials, ensuring their longevity and effectiveness over time.
Improved Sleep Quality: By addressing bruxism, nightguards contribute to improved sleep quality, reducing disruptions caused by teeth grinding and clenching.
Minimization of Headaches: Bruxism is a common cause of headaches, and professionally made night guards can help minimize the frequency and intensity of headaches associated with this condition.
Preventive Oral Health: Investing in a professionally made night guard contributes to preventive oral health by addressing and mitigating the negative effects of bruxism, ultimately reducing the need for extensive dental treatments.
Customized Material Selection: Our dentists will choose materials for your custom night guard based on your specific needs and preferences, ensuring you get the best custom mouth guard for both effectiveness and comfort.

The Custom-Mouthguard Process

Consultation

The creation of custom mouth guards begins with a consultation between you and one of our Pearland dental professionals. During this stage, your dentist gathers information about your specific needs, such as the type of custom mouthguard required (e.g., sports guard or nightguard), any pre-existing dental conditions, and your individual preferences. The consultation is crucial for customizing the mouthguard to fit the unique shape and characteristics of the wearer’s mouth.

Design

Following the consultation, you and your dentist will move on to the design phase and create a personalized plan for the custom mouth guard based on the gathered information. For sports guards, we’ll make considerations based on the nature of the sport and potential impact levels, while night guards are typically designed more to address specific issues like bruxism. The design phase also involves selecting appropriate materials and determining the mouth guard’s structure for the most effective protection, and comfort.

Impressions

Once we establish the design, the next step is the mold impressions process. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and mouth to create a mold. This mold serves as the foundation for crafting a custom-fit mouth guard.

Manufacturing

Your custom mouthguard will be made, either in-office by our dental professionals or out-of-office by skilled dental technicians. You’ll return to Pearland Dental Group when your mouthguard is ready.

Fitting

The fitting of mouthguards is a precise procedure to ensure the mouth guard conforms to your dental anatomy. For sports guards, factors such as ease of speech and breathing may also be considered during this stage.

Adjustments

After the initial fitting, adjustments may be necessary to refine the fit and comfort of the custom night guard or mouth guard. Our dental professionals will carefully assess the mouthguard, checking for any areas that may cause discomfort or impede its effectiveness. Adjustments may involve modifying the shape or thickness of certain areas to achieve an optimal fit. This phase ensures that the mouth guard not only provides maximum protection but also remains comfortable for regular use.

Finalization

Once all adjustments are made and you’re satisfied with the fit and comfort of the sports guard or night guards, it’s polished and refined to ensure a smooth surface and remove any sharp edges. Then, the finalized custom mouthguard is ready for sports activities or nighttime protection for your teeth at night.

Follow-Up

In some cases, we may schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your experience with the sports guard or night guard and make any additional adjustments if needed. Follow-up appointments allow our dental professionals to address any concerns or discomfort, ensuring ongoing satisfaction and effectiveness of the custom mouth guard.

Custom-Mouthguard Care

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of a custom mouth guard, whether it be a sports guard or night guard. Follow these guidelines to keep your mouthguard in optimal condition:

Rinse: After each use, rinse the mouth guard with cool water to remove saliva and debris.
Brushing: Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently brush the mouth guard. Avoid abrasive toothpaste, as it may damage the material.
Storage: Store the mouth guard in a ventilated container to allow air circulation, preventing the growth of bacteria. Avoid placing it in a closed container, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Heat Sensitivity: Custom mouthguards can be sensitive to heat, so avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or hot environments. High temperatures can distort the shape of the mouth guard, affecting its fit and effectiveness.
Professional Evaluation: Schedule regular check-ups with your Pearland dentist to ensure the mouth guard continues to fit properly. They can assess any signs of wear and make adjustments as needed.
Storage Case: When not in use, store the mouth guard in a sturdy, protective case. This helps prevent damage, loss, or exposure to contaminants.
Chewing: Refrain from chewing on the mouth guard, as this can lead to premature wear and compromise its protective qualities.
Pet Safety: Store your mouth guard away from pets. Animals may be attracted to the material, leading to potential damage.
Replace Regularly: Replace your custom mouth guard as recommended by your dental professional or according to the specified lifespan of the device. Over time, wear and tear can diminish its effectiveness.
Damage: If the mouth guard becomes damaged or shows signs of wear, consult your Pearland dental professional promptly. Do not attempt to repair it yourself, as this may compromise its integrity.
Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth before wearing the mouth guard. This helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains overall oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear my custom mouthguard for multiple sports?

While some mouth guards are designed to protect you for specific sports, many custom mouth guards offer versatile protection. It’s essential to discuss your activities with your dental professional during the dental guard fitting to ensure the mouth guard is suitable for your specific needs.

Can I chew gum or eat while wearing my custom mouth guard?

It isn’t recommended to chew gum or eat while wearing your custom mouth guard, as this can lead to premature wear and damage. Remove the mouth guard before eating, and store it in its protective case to avoid contamination.

How long does it take to get a custom-fitted mouth guard?

The timeframe for obtaining a custom mouthguard can vary. The timeline depends on factors such as the type of mouthguard, the complexity of the design and molding process, and the availability of follow-up appointments.

Can I use a custom mouth guard if I have braces or dental work?

Yes, custom mouth guards can be designed to accommodate braces or dental work. It’s essential to inform your dental professional about any orthodontics, dental appliances, or dental work during the consultation so that the mouth guard can be customized accordingly for a secure and comfortable fit.

Call Pearland Dental Group for Your Custom Mouth Guard!

Protect your smile with custom mouthguards from Pearland Dental Group. Whether you’re facing the challenges of teeth grinding or seeking optimal protection during sports, our Pearland dentists provide simple yet effective solutions for your oral health.

Visit our Pearland office and discover the benefits of professionally crafted mouthguards. Call us at (281) 993-9900 or click the button below to schedule an appointment and learn more about safeguarding your smile, both at night and at play. Pearland Dental Group serves new and returning patients from Pearland and surrounding areas such as Fresno, Houston, Alvin, and League City, TX.