Mouthguards are one of the most important tools for protecting your smile. If you or your child plays sports, wearing a mouthguard can prevent dental injuries. While over-the-counter options exist, custom mouthguards offer better protection, comfort, and durability. Knowing the benefits of a custom mouthguard in our Washington, DC, office can help you make a smarter decision about your oral health.
How Do Sports Mouthguards Work?
Getting a custom mouthguard will protect your teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw during sports. They act as a cushion to absorb impact and spread out the force of a blow to the face.
Mouthguards are commonly used in contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, and soccer, but they are also important for non-contact sports. Activities such as gymnastics, skateboarding, biking, and martial arts still carry a risk of falls or collisions. No matter the sport, protecting your smile should always be a priority.
Top Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards
Compared to store-bought mouthguards, our custom mouthguards offer a better fit and last longer. We recommend that you visit Dr. Banks so he can take impressions of your teeth. Then you can benefit from your new mouthguard on the field.
Superior Fit and Comfort
One of the most noticeable benefits of a custom mouthguard is how well it fits. Since it’s made with an exact mold of your teeth, a custom mouthguard conforms to your mouth. Your new mouthguard will be comfortable to wear. A custom fit also ensures your guard stays in place during physical activity.
Unlike store-bought versions, which can be bulky or shift around in your mouth, a custom mouthguard helps you speak more clearly and breathe more easily. This is especially important for athletes who need to communicate on the field.
Enhanced Protection
The main purpose of a mouthguard is protection, and custom mouthguards offer the highest level available. Because they fit so precisely, they absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively. This helps protect not only the teeth but also the jaw and soft tissues inside the mouth.
Custom mouthguards also provide better coverage of the gums and reduce the risk of cuts to the lips and tongue. For athletes with braces, crowns, or other dental work, a custom mouthguard can be designed to fit around these features without losing its protective benefits. This makes them a safe and reliable option for growing teens and adults alike.
Durability and Longevity
Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials designed to last. They are stronger and more durable than most over-the-counter options, which can tear, warp, or lose their shape quickly. While store-bought mouthguards often need to be replaced several times a year, a custom mouthguard can last much longer with proper care.
Although the upfront cost of a custom mouthguard may be higher, it can be more cost-effective over time. Fewer replacements and better protection against dental injuries can save you money and stress in the long run.
Improved Performance for Athletes
For athletes, performance is everything. A poorly fitting mouthguard can be distracting, restrict breathing, or cause jaw discomfort. A custom mouthguard allows athletes to stay focused on their game without worrying about their guard.
Some research suggests that a well-fitted mouthguard may help stabilize the jaw and support better balance and muscle function. While the performance benefits may be subtle, the confidence that comes from knowing your smile is protected can make a big difference.
Schedule a Consultation
At Dupont Dental, we want to protect your oral health. If you participate in contact sports, your smile could be at risk. Contact Dr. Banks today to schedule a consultation and see if a custom mouthguard is right for you.