Our teeth are designed to be strong and durable, able to bite hard foods, and withstand pressure throughout the day. However, too much tension or activity can lead to fractures and other damage. A custom mouthguard in Cadillac, MI, could help prevent some of the disasters caused by bruxism or contact sports. A custom mouthguard is designed to fit perfectly to your unique bite, providing a comfortable fit that protects your teeth and gums. Your dentist can examine your mouth to fabricate a custom guard just for you.
Why Get a Custom Mouthguard in Cadillac, MI
Mouthguards can be beneficial to your oral health in two main instances. While some companies do produce one-size-fits-all mouthguards that you can buy, they don’t always protect your teeth and gums properly. A custom mouthguard is designed to fit comfortably and provide maximum protection against fractures and plaque buildup.
Custom Mouthguard for Contact Sports
Patients who play contact sports can greatly benefit from a custom mouthguard. Every time your head experiences sharp movement, your teeth, gums, and jaws take the brunt of the force. A custom mouthguard can help cushion the blow so your teeth are less likely to fracture or chip. When worn properly, a custom mouthguard can also help prevent gum and jaw problems caused by head trauma.
Custom Nightguard
A custom mouthguard can also be beneficial for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night. When we clench our jaws excessively throughout the night, we can experience pain and discomfort in our face and neck during the day. More than that, grinding our teeth can cause the protective enamel to wear away. This means our teeth are more likely to suffer fractures or develop decay. Wearing a custom mouthguard at night can soften the tension in your jaw and help protect your teeth and gums.
The Custom Mouthguard Process
For most patients, getting a custom mouthguard is a two-appointment process. During the first appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth and discuss your concerns. If they determine a custom mouthguard is right for you, they’ll take an impression of your bite. This impression is used to fabricate a mouthguard that will fit perfectly to your teeth.
It can take some time for your mouthguard to be made, and you’ll need to go back for a second appointment after it’s ready. During this appointment, your dentist will have you put in your mouthguard and will check that the fit is comfortable and effective. They may need to make minor adjustments while you’re in the chair. In some rare cases, your dentist may need to take new impressions to have a different mouthguard fabricated.
At Brilliant Smiles Family Dentistry, we believe prevention is key when it comes to your oral health. A custom mouthguard can help protect your teeth, gums, and jaws from excessive force or tension. If you play contact sports or find yourself grinding your teeth at night, give us a call at 231-389-6388 to schedule an appointment. After examining your mouth, your dentist can fabricate a custom mouthguard made for your unique bite.