Is It Worth Getting a Custom Mouthguard?
If you or your child play rugby, soccer or other sports or activities that involve a risk of injury to your teeth, a mouthguard is an important safety measure to prevent serious injuries. Many schools and sporting clubs in Australia even operate mandatory mouthguard policies in recognition of the risks involved and the vital protection mouthguards offer.
But not all mouthguards are equally effective. If you want to minimise the risk of painful dental injuries and expensive treatments, a custom mouthguard provided by a dentist offers the best possible protection, as well as other advantages. Read more about their benefits and book a mouthguard fitting in Mosman.
More protection from serious injuries
From impacts with balls and equipment to falls and collisions with other players, sporting incidents are a common cause of dental emergencies. Wearing a mouthguard lowers the risk of teeth getting chipped, cracked or knocked out and can help you avoid the resulting pain, dental treatments and in some cases lifelong maintenance.
While all mouthguards offer some degree of protection, a custom-fitted mouthguard can better cushion impacts, as it’s been designed for your individual bite. They can also made from thicker and more durable material than boil-and-bite mouthguards that can quickly lose their shape. The Australian Dental Association and Sports Medicine Australia recommend custom mouthguards for their superior protection.
Improved comfort and performance
Another benefit of having a mouthguard custom made is that they can feel more comfortable to wear. This may be especially noticeable if you have an uneven or misaligned bite, wear braces, have missing teeth, or have other issues that can make stock mouthguards feel uncomfortable or poorly fitted.
A custom mouthguard also won’t impact on your breathing or performance during sports, which can sometimes be an issue with store-bought mouthguards. There’s also no risk of them coming loose or lodging in your throat when struck.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
Custom mouthguards generally last longer than over-the-counter mouthguards, as they’re made from higher quality and more robust materials. How long they last depends on how well you care for and store your mouthguard, but a mouthguard for adults may last for several years before it needs to be replaced. Mouthguards for kids and teens may need to be replaced every year or so, as their teeth and jaws are still growing and changing shape.
Mouthguards should be cleaned after every use and kept away from sources of heat. We recommend bringing your mouthguard along to your regular dental check-ups so our dentists can check its condition and determine whether you need a new fitting.
Custom mouthguards in Mosman
Do you need a new mouthguard and want to make sure you or your child are getting the best protection Book a mouthguard fitting appointment with our friendly team at Mosman 3D Dental so we can explain the steps involved in taking impressions of your teeth and designing your custom appliance.
Call us today on (02) 9969 8610 to book your appointment or contact us if you want to know more.