How Custom Mouthguards Can Prevent Long-Term Dental Issues
When it comes to protecting your teeth, custom mouthguards are one of the most effective tools available. Whether you play contact sports, grind your teeth at night, or want to protect dental work, a custom mouthguard can help prevent serious and costly dental problems down the line. Unlike store-bought options, custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your mouth, ensuring a secure fit and superior protection.
In this blog, we’ll explore how custom mouthguards work, the long-term dental issues they help prevent, and why investing in a professionally fitted mouthguard is a smart decision for your oral health.
What Are Custom Mouthguards?
A custom mouthguard is a protective device made to fit your mouth perfectly. Unlike generic, one-size-fits-all options, custom mouthguards are moulded from an impression of your teeth. This ensures a precise fit that provides better comfort and protection.
Custom mouthguards are typically made from high-quality, flexible materials that absorb impact and distribute pressure evenly across your teeth and jaw. They are designed for a range of uses, including:
Sports Protection: Preventing tooth damage and jaw injuries during contact sports like rugby, football, boxing, and basketball.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Protecting teeth from wear and damage caused by nighttime grinding.
Jaw Alignment: Reducing pressure on the jaw and preventing misalignment issues.
Dental Work Protection: Shielding crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations from damage.
How Custom Mouthguards Prevent Long-Term Dental Issues
Wearing a custom mouthguard regularly can help you avoid costly dental problems and maintain better oral health over time. Here’s how they protect your teeth and mouth in different situations:
1. Protecting Against Sports-Related Injuries
Contact sports are one of the leading causes of dental injuries, including chipped or knocked-out teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue damage. A custom mouthguard helps absorb the impact from blows to the face, reducing the risk of serious injuries.
How It Helps:
Acts as a cushion, reducing the force of direct hits.
Protects the soft tissues of your mouth (tongue, cheeks, and lips) from cuts and bruises.
Reduces the risk of teeth being knocked out or fractured during play.
Example: A rugby player wearing a custom mouthguard is less likely to suffer from a broken tooth or jaw injury after a tackle than a player without one.
2. Preventing Tooth Wear from Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a common condition that can lead to severe tooth damage, headaches, and jaw pain. Custom mouthguards for bruxism are designed to provide a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact.
How It Helps:
Reduces pressure on the teeth and jaw, protecting enamel from wearing down.
Prevents teeth from cracking or breaking due to grinding forces.
Helps minimise tension headaches and jaw pain caused by grinding.
Example: Someone who grinds their teeth every night can avoid costly restorative treatments like crowns or implants by wearing a custom mouthguard that absorbs the pressure.
3. Preventing Jaw Misalignment and TMJ Disorders
Constant pressure from teeth grinding or jaw clenching can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, causing pain, clicking, and limited jaw movement. A custom mouthguard helps keep your jaw in a relaxed position, reducing strain on the joint.
How It Helps:
Encourages proper jaw alignment during sleep.
Reduces muscle tension and prevents jaw pain.
Protects against long-term damage to the temporomandibular joint.
Example: A person who clenches their jaw at night may avoid chronic jaw pain and joint damage by wearing a professionally fitted mouthguard.
4. Protecting Dental Work and Orthodontic Alignments
If you have dental work such as crowns, bridges, or veneers, protecting them is crucial to avoid costly repairs. Custom mouthguards are designed to protect dental restorations from damage due to impact or grinding.
How It Helps:
Shields crowns and veneers from chips or cracks.
Protects braces and aligners from pressure during contact sports.
Helps maintain proper alignment of teeth after orthodontic treatment.
Example: A person with dental implants can prevent costly repairs by wearing a custom mouthguard during high-contact activities.
5. Reducing the Risk of Tooth Loss
Severe impact or grinding pressure can loosen teeth over time, eventually leading to tooth loss. A custom mouthguard helps protect teeth by absorbing and distributing pressure evenly across the mouth.
How It Helps:
Reduces the risk of avulsion (tooth being knocked out).
Protects the supporting structures of the teeth (like gums and bone).
Preserves the overall integrity of your bite.
Example: A basketball player wearing a custom mouthguard is far less likely to lose a tooth after a fall or collision.
Why Custom Mouthguards Are Better Than Store-Bought Options
While generic mouthguards are cheaper and more accessible, they don’t offer the same level of protection and comfort as custom options. Here’s why custom mouthguards are a better investment:
Perfect Fit: Custom mouthguards are moulded to the exact shape of your teeth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
Better Protection: A custom fit provides even pressure distribution, which improves shock absorption and reduces the risk of injury.
Improved Comfort: Since they’re tailored to your mouth, custom mouthguards are easier to wear for extended periods without discomfort.
Longer Lifespan: Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials, meaning they last longer and provide better protection over time.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Mouthguard
A custom mouthguard is a small investment that can protect you from major dental issues down the road. Whether you need protection for contact sports, grinding, or dental work, a professionally fitted mouthguard provides the best comfort and protection. By wearing a custom mouthguard, you can avoid painful dental injuries, preserve your smile, and reduce the need for costly treatments in the future.
At Denture Haus, we specialise in high-quality custom mouthguards designed for comfort and protection. Our team will create a personalised fit to ensure your mouthguard works perfectly for your needs.
Ready to protect your smile? Contact Denture Haus today to schedule a consultation and get a custom mouthguard that offers the perfect fit and maximum protection!