Why You Should Get a Custom Mouthguard

If you need a mouthguard for sports, it’s tempting to just buy one over the counter. Sports stores and pharmacies offer a “one size fits all” approach with the mouthguards they offer. This isn’t something that’s ideal. Montclair Plaza Dental Group, your general dentist in Montclair, CA, can give you the mouthguard to truly protect your smile during physical activity.

Why You Shouldn’t Get Store-Bought Mouthguards

You’re probably familiar with the mouthguards they sell over the counter. They look big and bulky, sufficient to protect your precious teeth. The boil and bite mouthguard method doesn’t truly fit the mouthguard to your teeth. While they look thick, they don’t have the right amount of thickness to actually protect the teeth.

If you want to use these types of mouthguards, your mouth has to be closed at all times to get the maximum amount of protection. This makes it hard to breathe while running. If you need to yell or talk to a teammate, the mouthguard is likely to fall out or people won’t be able to understand you. 

Since you have to keep your mouth closed as much as possible, these contribute to tension. You’ll be able to feel the impacts of the clenching in your jaw, neck, and face. This can lead to feeling pain in these areas more often, as well as headaches. 

The Benefits of a Custom Mouthguard

What are the benefits of a custom mouthguard provided to you by your general dentist in Montclair, California? Instead of boiling and hoping that the mouthguard will fit, these are measured to fit over your teeth perfectly. It’s extra protection that won’t fall out or make it hard to breathe when you’re running down the field and yelling to your teammates. Our goal is to make sure everyone gets the perfect fit they need from their mouthguard.

What to Expect with the Mouthguard Process

A custom mouthguard only requires two visits to your dentist’s office. During the first visit, impressions are made of both your upper and lower teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where they’ll be used to make your mouthguard.

Once the mouthguard is made, we’ll have you come back in. We want to make sure you get the perfect fit and that the mouthguard will work the way we want it to. If both the dentist and you are satisfied, you’re good to take it home and start using it!

Mouthguards in Montclair, California

Mouthguards aren’t just for kids playing sports in school. If you’re doing any type of physical activity regularly, mouthguards can help. Even with just running, it can prevent accidentally cracking your teeth together or biting your tongue. Protect your smile when you’re working out. Call us today or request an appointment online to get started!