Did you know sports-related injuries are one of the leading causes of dental emergencies? Our team at Design Dental offers custom mouthguards in North Liberty, IA as a general dentistry service for patients of all ages.
In many cases, you can wear a custom mouthguard to help protect the teeth, mouth, neck, and jaw from injury. Taking a proactive approach to your dental health can help reduce the risk of injury and help keep your smile healthy.
Most dentists suggest that patients get a custom mouthguard for every season. This ensures that a mouthguard will fit comfortably and securely as a patient grows.
Mouthguards are designed using soft plastic or laminate and are typically worn over the upper teeth. In some instances, patients wear them over the bottom teeth to help reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, head, and jaw.
A well-fit sports mouthguard absorbs the shock of a blow before it reaches the teeth and jaw, which minimizes the risk of chipped, knocked out, or loose teeth.
In addition to protecting the teeth from sports-related injuries, a sleep mouthguard, also known as a sleep guard, can prevent the biting surfaces of the teeth from coming together and is an effective solution for snoring, tooth grinding, and sleep apnea.
Why Should I Wear A Mouthguard?
Many dental injuries or dental emergencies occur during sports. This may include chipped and broken teeth, damaged restorations, fractured jaws, injury to the soft tissue in the mouth, and more.
For some contact sports, mouthguards are mandatory. For others, it is up to the athlete. Most dentists recommend that patients wear a mouthguard for all contact sports. The goal is to prevent damage to the teeth, jaw, head, and neck.
Custom Mouthguards VS. Store-Bought Mouthguards
The most significant benefit of a professional custom mouthguard is its fit. Over-the-counter options, such as “boil-and-bite” or one-size-fits-all products, rarely align perfectly with your unique bite. This poor fit can make the guard uncomfortable, bulky, or prone to slipping out of place.
A custom mouthguard, however, is designed using precise impressions of your teeth. The result is a secure, comfortable fit that feels natural, making it easier to breathe, speak, and wear consistently.
Protection is another major advantage. Professional mouthguards are crafted to absorb and evenly distribute impact, reducing the risk of chipped or broken teeth, jaw injuries, and even concussions. For athletes, this level of protection is critical on the field or court.
For people with bruxism, or teeth grinding, custom nightguards shield the teeth from excessive wear and fractures. Over-the-counter guards are not built to withstand heavy, long-term pressure, and often fail to provide adequate defense against serious damage.
Durability also sets professional custom mouthguards apart. Made with high-quality materials, they last significantly longer than store-bought alternatives. While over-the-counter guards often wear down quickly and need frequent replacement, custom guards can provide years of reliable use with proper care. This makes them not only a safer choice but also a cost-effective one in the long run.
Another benefit is customization to meet your specific needs. Dentists can adjust the thickness, shape, and design of a custom mouthguard depending on whether you need it for high-impact sports, nighttime grinding, or orthodontic considerations. Over-the-counter guards simply cannot offer this level of personalization. Children and teens who wear braces especially benefit from custom guards that fit comfortably over orthodontic appliances without causing irritation.
Custom mouthguards also improve overall comfort during use. Because they fit precisely, they allow you to speak clearly and breathe easily, unlike bulky, ill-fitting store-bought versions. This comfort makes you more likely to wear the guard consistently, ensuring your teeth and jaw receive full-time protection.
Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards are the best way to protect your smile. Read the answers to these common patient questions to learn more.
Who should wear a custom mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards are ideal for anyone who engages in physical activities that pose a risk to the teeth, such as contact sports (football, basketball, hockey) or recreational activities (skateboarding, biking). They are also recommended for individuals who grind their teeth at night (bruxism), as they help protect the teeth from damage caused by grinding. Additionally, children, teenagers, and adults undergoing orthodontic treatment can benefit from a custom mouthguard’s protection.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
The lifespan of a custom mouthguard can vary depending on how often it’s used and how well it’s cared for. With proper care, a custom mouthguard can last several years. However, if you notice any signs of wear or discomfort or if your teeth have shifted, getting a replacement is important to ensure continued protection. We recommend replacing sports mouthguards every sports season to ensure maximum protection.
How do I know if a custom mouthguard fits properly?
A well-fitting custom mouthguard should feel snug but not too tight. It should stay securely in place when you bite down, but it shouldn’t cause discomfort or make it difficult to breathe or speak. If it feels loose or uncomfortable or moves around in your mouth, you should return to your dentist for adjustments or to have a new one made.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
The process of getting a custom mouthguard typically takes a couple of weeks. First, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which may take 30 minutes. Then, the impressions are sent to a lab, where the mouthguard is made, which can take around 1-2 weeks. Once it’s ready, your dentist will ensure the fit is correct, and you can start wearing it.
Will a custom mouthguard affect my speech?
No, custom mouthguards are designed to fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth, so they should not interfere with your ability to speak clearly. Since they are customized to fit your teeth perfectly, they are less bulky than over-the-counter options, making talking easier. However, adjusting to speaking with a mouthguard in place may take a short time.
Can a custom mouthguard prevent concussions?
While a custom mouthguard protects your teeth and jaw during sports, it cannot completely prevent concussions. It can, however, reduce the risk of dental injuries and lessen the force of impacts on the head and face, which may help lower the chances of concussions in some cases. A mouthguard is just one part of concussion prevention, and it should be combined with proper safety gear like helmets.
Get a Custom Mouthguard in North Liberty, IA
At Designed Dental, we offer a complete range of general and preventive dental services for patients in North Livery, Iowa City, Ceder Rapids, and surrounding communities. Dr. Tu and our dental care team work with patients of all ages to prevent dental injuries and maintain a healthy smile.
If you would like to learn more about sports mouthguards and oral sleep appliance therapy, visit Design Dental for a consultation. To schedule a consultation, call (319) 284-4361 or request an appointment online.