The Benefits of Custom Mouthguards for Athletes
Mouthguards are essential when playing contact sports such as hockey, football, and wrestling. Mouthguards help protect your teeth from potential injuries and may even help minimize the impact of a blow that could cause a concussion.
There are many different mouthguards available, including over-the-counter mouthguards that are marketed to protect teeth. However, when it comes to keeping your smile safe, no store-bought mouthguard can do the job of a custom mouthguard.
When you play contact sports, here’s why a custom mouthguard is essential for athletes of all levels.
What Are Custom Mouthguards?
Custom mouthguards are devices that fit over the teeth and gums and are made specific to each person. Unlike their off-the-shelf counterparts, custom mouthguards are made from impressions of a person’s mouth, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum protection and comfort.
Sports that require the use of mouthguards include:
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Martial Arts
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wrestling
However, this list isn’t exhaustive. For example, a custom mouthguard is a good idea if you or your child enjoys roller skating or another activity, like water polo, that could cause dental injuries.
The Benefits of Custom Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Options
Precise Fit for Better Shock Absorption
Custom mouthguards provide superior protection against dental injuries. The precise fit of a custom mouthguard allows it to absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively than stock or boil-and-bite alternatives. This enhanced shock absorption significantly reduces the risk of injuries such as:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
- Jaw fractures
- Knocked-out teeth
There are also studies highlighting the role of custom mouthguards in preventing concussions. In one study, football players wearing store-bought mouthguards were more than twice as likely to suffer mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions than those wearing custom-made mouthguards that properly fit.
Consistent Thickness for Optimal Protection
Custom mouthguards are designed with a consistent thickness across all areas, ensuring uniform protection. This is particularly important in high-impact zones where stock mouthguards may thin out during the fitting process, compromising protection.
For example, the maxillary arch, or upper dental arch, tends to have the highest risk of injury, so ensuring adequate thickness when creating the mouthguard can help prevent injuries and even offer protection from soft tissue lacerations.
Perfect Fit for Improved Comfort
The personalized fit of custom mouthguards translates to superior comfort for athletes. Unlike generic mouthguards that can feel bulky and uncomfortable, custom guards sit snugly against the teeth and gums without causing discomfort or irritation.
This improved comfort encourages athletes to wear their mouthguards consistently, enhancing protection and reducing risk. Comfort is also an essential feature in mouthguards for children, increasing compliance and allowing them to enjoy sports without an uncomfortable mouthguard.
Reduced Interference With Speech and Breathing
Custom mouthguards are designed to minimize interference with speech and breathing—two factors that are crucial during contact sports.
Their precise fit allows for clearer communication on the field and easier breathing during intense physical activity. This is particularly beneficial for sports that require constant communication among team members.
The proper fit of custom mouthguards can even help optimize jaw position, potentially improving airflow and oxygen intake during physical exertion. This could lead to enhanced endurance and performance, especially in high-intensity sports.
High-Quality Materials for Extended Use
Athletes depend on their mouthguards season after season, and store-bought devices often aren’t up to this type of wear.
Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that result in a more durable product that can withstand regular use. They maintain their shape and protective properties for longer periods, ensuring consistent protection throughout their lifespan.
How long a custom mouthguard will last depends on the athlete’s use and care of the device, but many can last for years before needing to be replaced, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run despite their higher initial cost.
Tailored Protection for Specific Sports
Dentists can design custom mouthguards with specific sports in mind. For instance:
- Football and hockey players might benefit from thicker guards in areas prone to direct impacts.
- Basketball and soccer players might prefer thinner guards that allow for easier communication on the court or field.
This sport-specific customization ensures that athletes receive optimal protection tailored to the unique demands and risks of their chosen sport.
Accommodation of Dental Work and Orthodontics
Asheville Dentists can also design custom mouthguards to accommodate existing dental work or orthodontic appliances. This is particularly important for athletes with braces, bridges, or dental crowns that may require special consideration in mouthguard design.
Ensuring the mouthguard accommodates these restorations or appliances helps protect your teeth and prevent the need for future restorative or orthodontic work due to injuries.
Expert Fitting and Adjustment
Getting a custom mouthguard involves working with a dentist who can provide expert advice on proper fit and usage. This professional guidance ensures that athletes receive the maximum benefit from their mouthguards.
Your dentist can also advise you when to replace custom mouthguards and perform regular check-ups to ensure the guard continues to provide optimal protection if your needs or smile change over time.
Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
While custom mouthguards have a higher upfront cost compared to over-the-counter options, their durability, effectiveness, and potential to prevent costly dental injuries make them a wise investment in the long term.
The cost of treating a single dental injury often far exceeds the price of a single custom mouthguard, making them a cost-effective choice for athletes serious about their oral health and safety.
Get a Custom Mouthguard With Saunders DDS
As you can see, custom mouthguards offer a range of benefits that make them an essential piece of equipment for athletes in various sports. From superior protection and comfort to potential performance enhancements, the advantages of custom mouthguards can have a lifelong impact.
Whether you enjoy sports as a hobby or are a committed athlete, don’t ignore the importance of choosing a custom mouthguard to protect your smile. Contact Saunders DDS today to explore your options for custom mouthguards—call us at (828) 277-6060 or reach us online.