In the world of sports and recreation, safety should always be a top priority. While helmets and pads receive a lot of attention, mouthguards are often overlooked. Yet, they play a crucial role in protecting your teeth and mouth from injury. Custom made mouthguards also protect the lips, cheeks, and jaws from trauma during playing sports. Both children and adults benefit from using custom made mouthguards while playing sports.
Custom made mouthguards are protective devices for your teeth. They help in reducing the risk of injury from blows to the face. They’re commonly used in sports like rugby, hockey, boxing, football, basketball, soccer, and cricket, but they’re also beneficial in non-contact sports such as gymnastics and mountain biking.
Mouthguards play an important role in protecting oral health and overall health by preventing trauma to the teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaws. Custom made mouthguards offer the best protection for athletes of all ages, ensuring comfort, durability, and a personalized fit for any sport or exercise.
Types of Mouthguards
There are three main types of mouth guard:
Stock Mouthguards:
These are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are the most inexpensive option in terms of price but often don’t fit well, making them uncomfortable and less effective.
Boil and Bite Mouthguards:
Available at most sports shops, these mouthguards are softened in boiling water and then shaped around your teeth using finger and tongue pressure. They offer a better fit than stock mouthguards and are a popular choice for sports mouthguards due to their affordability.
Custom Mouthguards:
Made by a dentist or a professional laboratory, these are individually designed and constructed for the best fit and comfort. The design of custom mouthguards is tailored to the individual's mouth, ensuring superior fit, comfort, and protection. Custom mouthguards are often made from high-quality materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which is durable, flexible, BPA-free, latex-free, and provides excellent impact absorption. They can be made in a variety of colours to match team colours or personal preference.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards offer several distinct advantages over their stock or boil-and-bite counterparts. Here’s why you might consider investing in one:
A custom mouthguard is made using dental impressions taken during a scheduled appointment, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit. Some users may experience initial discomfort with a new mouthguard, but this usually subsides as they get used to wearing it. If your mouthguard becomes damaged or no longer fits properly, it is important to get a new mouthguard to maintain optimal protection.
Custom mouthguards are designed to absorb impact and help prevent injury to your teeth, lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw during sports. For consistent safety, mouthguards should be worn during both games and practice sessions. It is recommended to check your mouthguard each season and replace it if necessary to ensure continued protection.
Appointments are required for dental impressions and fittings, so be sure to schedule your appointment in advance. Multiple appointments may be needed to complete the process and ensure the best fit.
Superior Protection
Custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your mouth.
This tailored fit ensures that the guard stays firmly in place, providing optimal protection against impacts. They cover all the teeth and some of the gum area, which helps absorb shock, reducing the risk of knocked-out teeth or other injuries. Custom mouthguards can also help reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing shock from impacts during high-impact sports.
Enhanced Comfort and Fit
A custom mouthguard is moulded to the unique shape of your teeth and gums, offering a fit that is far superior to any off-the-shelf product. This snug fit not only enhances comfort but also makes it easier to breathe and speak, which is crucial during sports activities.
Durability and Longevity
While custom mouthguards can be more expensive upfront, they are made from high-quality materials that last longer than cheaper alternatives. This durability means they offer better long-term value, especially for regular sports participants.
Tailored for Specific Needs
Custom mouthguards can also accommodate specific dental needs.
For instance, if you wear braces or have other dental appliances, a custom mouthguard can be designed to fit over them comfortably.
How Are Custom Mouthguards Made?
The process of creating custom made mouthguards involves several steps to ensure a perfect fit and optimal protection:
Initial Appointment and Assessment: At your first appointment, the dentist will assess your dental structure to determine your needs. During this visit, impressions of your teeth and gums are taken. These impressions form the basis for your custom made mouthguard. You can also choose the colour of your mouth guard at this stage to personalize your device.
Mouthguard Design and Creation: The impressions are sent to a dental lab, where technicians use them to design and craft a custom made mouthguard tailored to your mouth’s unique specifications. The design ensures a precise fit, comfort, and effective protection, using durable materials for longevity.
Fitting Appointments and Adjustments: Once your custom made mouthguard is ready, you’ll have follow-up appointments with your dentist for fitting. The dentist will assess the fit and make any necessary adjustments to guarantee maximum comfort and protection.
When to Use a Custom Mouthguard
Custom mouthguards are recommended in a variety of situations, particularly when engaging in activities that pose a risk to your teeth and mouth:
Contact Sports
Sports like rugby, hockey, and martial arts are high-contact and can result in significant dental injuries. A custom mouthguard is essential in these sports for optimum protection.
Non-Contact Sports and Activities
Even in sports where contact is not a primary component—such as cycling or skateboarding—falls and accidents can occur. Wearing a mouthguard can still provide essential protection.
Night Grinding (Bruxism)
Mouthguards aren't just for athletes. If you grind your teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism, a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth from wear and reduce jaw pain.
Custom Mouthguards in New Zealand
In New Zealand, many dental clinics offer bespoke mouthguard services. When looking for custom mouthguards in NZ, consider the following:
- Research and Consultation: Visit reputable dental clinics and consult with dentists who have experience in creating bespoke mouthguards.
- Cost and Quality: While the cost of bespoke mouthguards can vary, investing in a high-quality product is crucial for effective protection and comfort.
- Maintenance and Care: Inquire about the best practices for caring for your mouthguard to ensure it remains in good condition.
Caring for Your Bespoke Mouthguard
Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your mouthguard and ensure it continues to provide the best protection for your teeth and oral health:
- Regular Cleaning: Rinse your mouthguard with cold water before and after each use. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste for a more thorough cleaning. Maintaining a clean mouthguard is important for both oral health and overall health.
- Storage: Store your mouthguard in a sturdy, ventilated case to prevent damage and allow it to dry out between uses.
- Check for Wear: Regularly assess your mouthguard for signs of wear and tear, as well as fit and condition. Replace it if it becomes damaged or ill-fitting, and always replace your mouthguard at the start of each new season. Proper care and timely replacement ensure the best protection for your teeth and oral health.
Protect Your Smile
If you or your child are active in sports, don’t leave your dental safety to chance. Bespoke Smiles Wanaka offers expertly crafted custom mouthguards tailored for maximum comfort, protection, and performance.
Book your consultation today with our friendly team.