During sports or other physical activities, a mouthguard is recommended to minimize the risk of trauma to the oral cavity. Oftentimes, over the counter purchased mouthguards are uncomfortable, ill-fitting, and may interfere with breathing. As a result, a child may be less compliant to wear.
Custom mouth guards cost less than most parents spend on other types of sports equipment such as cleats or other gear. Of course, if the mouthguard fits well children are far more likely to use it. The main function is to protect that million dollar smile but there is some significant evidence that mouthguards reduce the incidence and severity of concussions acting as a “shock absorber.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouthguards
A mouthguard is a device that protects the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues from traumatic injury. While there are a number of different types of mouthguards available, custom mouthguards are the best investment you can make when it comes to safety.
Custom mouthguards at our practice start at $80. What sets these mouthguards apart is that they’re made from a mold of your child’s teeth with a material superior to that used for boil-and-bite guards. Custom mouthguards offer the best protection possible and they’re particularly important for children who participate in contact sports. In addition to protecting the teeth, they also protect your child against head and neck injury by cushioning falls. A custom mouthguard that fits well encourages use and is more likely to stay in place when a player gets hit.
Yes! A custom mouthguard can (and should) be made for any child with braces. The orthodontic treatment adds devices to the mouth that can easily do damage in a traumatic event. Unlike a store-bought boil-and-bite mouthguard, a custom mouthguard gives us the option to create a track to allow for tooth movement.
The process is simple—we take an impression (or mold) of your child’s teeth and they choose the color they’d like. In two weeks, you’ll return to our office and your child will try on their custom-made mouthguard so we can make adjustments if needed. We’ll ask you to bring their mouthguard to every dental check-up so we can make sure it’s still in good shape.
Custom mouthguards offer better protection than products that can be purchased at retailers or online. Many of our doctors have taken additional coursework on mouthguard design and are certified in sports dentistry.
