23 Dec What protection does a custom mouthguard provide?
Athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are risking damage to their smiles, but not all mouthguards are created equal. Stock or boil-and-bite models may seem more economical, but a mouthguard that is custom-designed by our dentist likely offers more protection.
First of all, Dr. Kozlow will take an impression of your teeth that is then used to inform the design of your mouthguard. Therefore, it is crafted to your unique specifications and is more comfortable than other options. Even a boil-and-bite model does not approximate the fit of a custom mouthguard.
Because a custom mouthguard fits so well, it offers the best protection against facial and dental injuries. A custom device is well-equipped to absorb excessive forces to the face and jaw, potentially preventing issues like damage to the teeth and even tooth loss following a blow to the face. Some evidence suggests that a well-fitting guard can even offer some protection against concussions.
Although it has a higher cost than the products you can buy in a sporting goods store, a custom mouthguard still can be a component of affordable dentistry. Don’t dismiss this option just because you assume it will be expensive. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that this type of mouthguard will fit in your budget.
Mouthguards aren’t just used in sports, though. Custom guards may also be used for other purposes, such as preventing bruxism—the unconscious grinding of the teeth during sleep. In these cases, the mouthguard helps to keep the upper and lower teeth from touching each other while the patient is asleep. Again, a device that is made for your unique mouth structure will be far more effective at eliminating the bruxism than a stock model would be.
Patients who participate in contact sports should always wear mouthguards while at play. They can be useful in other scenarios, as well. Contact the office of Philip R. Kozlow about your options for a custom mouthguard as the optimal safeguard for your smile.