If you deal with bruxism (teeth grinding) or play sports where impacts occur often, your smile needs as much protection as you can give it. That’s why, at Deer Park Dental Group, our Deer Park dentists provide custom mouth guards, including sports guards and mouth guards, to protect your teeth during play and while you sleep at night. Call our Deer Park dental office by dialing (281) 930-8744 to learn more about these simple, but effective methods for protecting your smile.
Custom mouthguards also called dental guards, are specialized oral devices available in two variants: sports guards and nightguards. Sports guards act as protective shields for the upper or lower teeth themselves, gums, tongue, and adjacent structures worn during physical activities or sports, with the primary goal of reducing the risk of injuries resulting from impacts. Typically constructed from flexible plastic, a custom mouth guard made for impact protection is engineered to absorb and disperse the force of blows, thereby minimizing the chances of dental injuries like chipped teeth, as well as damage to the lips and tongue.
Night guards play a crucial role in managing bruxism, a condition characterized by teeth grinding or clenching during sleep. A custom night guard functions by providing a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, mitigating the damage caused by these involuntary habits during sleep. These custom-fitted night guards also contribute to the prevention and reduction of symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Professionally-made sports guards offer several benefits, including:
Professionally made nightguards offer several benefits, including:
The creation of custom mouth guards begins with a consultation between you and one of our Deer Park dental professionals. During this stage, your dentist gathers information about your specific needs, such as the type of custom mouthguard required (e.g., sports guard or nightguard), any pre-existing dental conditions, and your individual preferences. The consultation is crucial for customizing the mouthguard to fit the unique shape and characteristics of the wearer’s mouth.
Following the consultation, you and your dentist will move on to the design phase and create a personalized plan for the custom mouth guard based on the gathered information. For sports guards, we’ll make considerations based on the nature of the sport and potential impact levels, while night guards are typically designed more to address specific issues like bruxism. The design phase also involves selecting appropriate materials and determining the mouth guard’s structure for the most effective protection, and comfort.
Once we establish the design, the next step is the mold impressions process. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and mouth to create a mold. This mold serves as the foundation for crafting a custom-fit mouth guard.
Your custom mouthguard will be made, either in-office by our dental professionals or out-of-office by skilled dental technicians. You’ll return to Deer Park Dental Group when your mouthguard is ready.
The fitting of mouthguards is a precise procedure to ensure the mouth guard conforms to your dental anatomy. For sports guards, factors such as ease of speech and breathing may also be considered during this stage.
After the initial fitting, adjustments may be necessary to refine the fit and comfort of the custom night guard or mouth guard. Our dental professionals will carefully assess the mouthguard, checking for any areas that may cause discomfort or impede its effectiveness. Adjustments may involve modifying the shape or thickness of certain areas to achieve an optimal fit. This phase ensures that the mouth guard not only provides maximum protection but also remains comfortable for regular use.
Once all adjustments are made and you’re satisfied with the fit and comfort of the sports guard or night guards, it’s polished and refined to ensure a smooth surface and remove any sharp edges. Then, the finalized custom mouthguard is ready for sports activities or nighttime protection for your teeth at night.
In some cases, we may schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your experience with the sports guard or night guard and make any additional adjustments if needed. Follow-up appointments allow our dental professionals to address any concerns or discomfort, ensuring ongoing satisfaction and effectiveness of the custom mouth guard.
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of a custom mouth guard, whether it be a sports guard or night guard. Follow these guidelines to keep your mouthguard in optimal condition:
While some mouth guards are designed to protect you for specific sports, many custom mouth guards offer versatile protection. It’s essential to discuss your activities with your dental professional during the dental guard fitting to ensure the mouth guard is suitable for your specific needs.
It isn’t recommended to chew gum or eat while wearing your custom mouth guard, as this can lead to premature wear and damage. Remove the mouth guard before eating, and store it in its protective case to avoid contamination.
The timeframe for obtaining a custom mouthguard can vary. The timeline depends on factors such as the type of mouthguard, the complexity of the design and molding process, and the availability of follow-up appointments.
Yes, custom mouth guards can be designed to accommodate braces or dental work. It’s essential to inform your dental professional about any orthodontics, dental appliances, or dental work during the consultation so that the mouth guard can be customized accordingly for a secure and comfortable fit.
Protect your smile with custom mouthguards from Deer Park Dental Group. Whether you’re facing the challenges of teeth grinding or seeking optimal protection during sports, our Deer Park dentists provide simple yet effective solutions for your oral health.
Visit our Deer Park office and discover the benefits of professionally crafted mouthguards. Call us at (281) 930-8744 or use the form below to schedule an appointment and learn more about safeguarding your smile, both at night and at play. Deer Park Dental Group serves new and returning patients from Deer Park, TX.
Schedule an appointment with the best dentists in Deer Park Dental Group by dialing (281) 930-8744. You can also fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page and one of our friendly staff will get back to you shortly.
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The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment with our Deer Park dentists. Deer Park Dental Group is accepting new and returning patients from our home location of Deer Park, TX.
Schedule an appointment with the best dentists in Deer Park by dialing (281) 930-8744. You can also fill the form at the bottom of the page and one of our friendly staff will get back to you shortly.
Your dental care experience is fully personalized at Deer Park Dental Group. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will address every question and concern.
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