Do you or your child play contact sports like lacrosse, hockey, or football? At Dupont Dental, we can create a custom-made sports mouthguard in Washington, DC. Custom-made mouthguards are essential to prevent broken teeth, missing teeth, bruised gums, and broken braces. Mouthguards are part of our general dentistry services to new and existing patients in Washington, DC.
Custom Mouthguard in Washington, DC
Professional, custom mouthguards worn during contact sports offer many benefits. Wearing a professionally-made mouthguard can:
- Prevent tooth damage and loss
- Stop damage to soft tissues in the mouth
- Prevent damage to braces
- Allow patients to drink and speak clearly
Custom sports mouthguards are made from thick, durable plastic to protect teeth from damage when playing contact sports. They prevent tooth damage and loss, as well as soft tissue damage from collisions, falls, and accidents.
We can also provide custom sports mouthguards for patients with braces. When you play sports, there’s a chance you could get hit in the face, which can damage your braces or even hurt your teeth and gums. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, reducing the impact on your braces and preventing cuts from the wires in your mouth. It can also help keep your braces from breaking, which could delay your treatment.
Over-the-Counter vs. Custom-Made Sports Mouthguards
The main types of mouthguards are over-the-counter and custom-made professional mouthguards. Over-the-counter mouthguards are available at most sporting goods stores. These mouthguards are not customized and come in standard sizes. Some may be boil-and-bite, meaning you soften them in hot water and then bite into them to form a rough fit around your teeth.
However, they may not fit as securely or comfortably as a custom-made mouthguard. This can make it harder to speak and breathe, and they may not offer the same level of protection.
Custom professional sports mouthguards will not feel too loose compared to store-bought ones. Patients don’t need to clench their teeth or jaw to keep the appliance in place. We will take dental impressions of teeth to ensure the mouthguard fits properly and will not fall out during games. Because it fits so well, it provides better protection and is more comfortable to wear.
Getting a Custom Mouthguard in Washington, DC
You can get a sports mouthguard in just two office visits. At your first visit, we will take dental impressions of your teeth. We take impressions of your upper teeth because they are more likely to get hit during sports. The lower teeth are less exposed and usually don’t need as much protection.
Covering just the upper teeth makes the mouthguard more comfortable and easier to wear. It protects your smile while allowing you to breathe and talk more easily.
After we take your impressions, we send them to a dental lab where they make the mouthguard. Once your mouthguard is ready, you’ll return to our office. Our dentist will check to make sure it fits properly and comfortably.
After everything looks good, you can start wearing your custom mouthguard during sports to protect your teeth and braces. Our office will provide you with a case to keep track of your mouthguard when not in use.
How to Care For Sports Mouthguards
After wearing your mouthguard, rinse it under cool water to remove dirt or debris. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste to clean your mouthguard gently. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the mouthguard.
You can also deep clean the mouthguard by soaking it in a special mouthguard cleaner or an antibacterial solution. This helps keep it fresh and free from bacteria.
After cleaning your mouthguard, let it air dry completely before putting it away. This helps prevent bacteria from growing.
Also, store your mouthguard in its ventilated case. The holes in the case help it dry and prevent moisture buildup.
Keep your mouthguard away from hot places, like the car or direct sunlight, as heat can damage the material. Following these care tips will keep your custom mouthguard clean and ready to protect your teeth every time you play.
How Often To Replace Sports Mouthguards
Depending on how often you use it, you should replace your sports mouthguard every six months to a year. If you notice any signs of wear and tear, like cracks or thinning areas, it’s time to get a new one. Also, you should get a replacement if your mouthguard feels uncomfortable or doesn’t fit as well anymore.
A professionally made athletic mouthguard should fit snugly over the upper teeth. You shouldn’t have to bite down to keep it in place, and it shouldn’t move around when you talk or breathe.
For kids and teens, it may need to be replaced more often since their mouths are still growing. When kids lose their baby teeth and their adult teeth grow, they can experience a change in how their mouthguards fit. Keeping your mouthguard in good condition ensures it can protect your teeth properly.
Are Nightguards and Mouthguards the Same?
Sometimes, patients may confuse nightguards with mouthguards. While mouthguards protect teeth from dental injuries, nightguards cover teeth to prevent tooth wear and jaw pain.
We recommend custom-made nightguards for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Wearing a TMJ nightguard can prevent problems such as teeth clenching and grinding, morning headaches, jaw pain, and tooth wear.
Nightguards are also made of materials different from sports mouthguards. While nightguards are made of hard acrylic and cover the upper or lower teeth, mouthguards are made of rubber-like plastic material and cover the front of the upper teeth.
We don’t recommend using a nightguard during sports or an athletic mouthguard during sleep. Our dental office can provide nightguards and mouthguards for patients with different dental needs.
Protect Your Smile
Do you need a new sports mouthguard for the upcoming sports season? Contact Dupont Dental for a custom mouthguard in Washington, DC, at (202) 946-4720. You may also request a dental appointment with Dr. Banks on our website.
If you have questions about mouthguards for you or your child, please let us know. We will be happy to help.