A mouthguard from a dentist (versus the ones you would buy in a store) offers a custom fit, greater protection, and better results. Custom mouthguards are one of the dental services Dr. Scott Finlay provides to patients of all ages. There are several types of mouthguards we offer in our Annapolis dental office. Nightguards help prevent tooth grinding. Snore guards improve snoring and sleep apnea. The most popular mouthguards we make are for contact sports. A custom mouthguard is made to fit specifically over your teeth and gums.
Type of Mouthguards at Annapolis Smiles
- Night Guards – We may prescribe a custom night guard for our patients who grind their teeth or clench their jaw while they sleep. Many people may not even know they do these things in their sleep until a dental exam or symptoms appear. A dentist may notice that your teeth are worn down, an obvious sign you are grinding your teeth while you sleep. You may also wake up with headaches or a sore jaw. This is a sure sign that you are clenching your jaw while you sleep. A custom night guard can help you find relief if you suffer from these issues.
- Snore Guards – Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Snoring is the number one symptom. If you suffer from snoring or other sleep apnea symptoms, you may want to visit Dr. Finlay for a custom snore guard. This oral device prevents your tongue and jaw from slipping while you sleep, which can block your air passage. It will help keep your lower jaw in a comfortable, forward position while you sleep, helping to prevent snoring.
- Custom Sports Mouthguards – For many sports, mouthguards are mandatory. They are designed to protect the teeth in the event of a collision or other traumatic force. Since the mid-1990s, the American Dental Association has endorsed using sports mouthguards for those who participate in contact sports. Over-the-counter mouthguards are often sufficient, but they aren’t always comfortable. A mouthguard that isn’t comfortable, not worn properly, or not worn at all are ineffective. With a custom-fitted mouthguard, it has been proven to reduce the risk of dental injuries.
Custom Mouthguard in Annapolis, MD
Fitting for a custom mouthguard is quick, painless, and can be completed during a routine preventive care visit to our Arnold dentist office. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to get the closest possible fit. A plaster model is made and sent to a dental lab where your custom mouthguard is made. Once complete, we will contact you for pick up.
Sports Mouthguards Vs. Nightguards
If you already have a mouthguard for one of these purposes, it’s tempting to try using it for all your needs. However, you should never use your guard for anything other than its express purpose. Sports mouthguards are made of a light, bulky material. Their main purpose is to absorb shocks from a hit or a blow during sports. If you tried to wear it at night for teeth grinding, your teeth would go right through it shortly. It would render the guard unusable and damage your teeth.
Nightguards are made of thin, hard material. They keep the surfaces of your teeth from coming together when you’re grinding them. Without a guard, your teeth wear down faster and are more prone to chipping or breaking. It doesn’t offer much protection if you try to wear this type of guard while playing sports. It wouldn’t be much better than playing without a guard at all.
Caring for Your Custom Mouthguard
Your mouthguard can only protect your teeth if you care for it properly. Each time you use your mouthguard, rinse it out with cool water. It gets rid of any debris and bacteria that’s built up on it. At least once a day, gently scrub the mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Toothpastes with abrasive products like activated charcoal can damage your mouthguard.
At least once a week, deep clean the mouthguard. Soak your mouthguard with water and an antibacterial mouthwash or with denture cleaner. This sanitizes the mouthguard and gets rid of any bacteria, odor, and any built up residue that’s accumulated throughout the week. You should also ensure that your smile is clean before you put your mothguard in.
When you’re not wearing it, you must store it properly to discourage bacteria buildup. Bacteria love a warm, wet environment, so the mouthguard needs to be in a ventilated area. Dry it before you store it to avoid bacteria and mold growth. Keep it in a ventilated case or box. This also ensures that you don’t lose or damage the mouthguard accidentally. You’ll always know where it’s at.
Always keep an eye on your mouthguard. You know it the best. If you see any signs of damage, wear, or tear, let us know immediately. You shouldn’t use a mouthguard in these conditions, as it can endanger your teeth.
Excessive heat and cold are problematic for the mouthguard. They warp the material and compromise the integrity of your guard. Never leave your guard out in the sun or in a hot or cold car.
Lastly, you should never share your mouthguard with anyone. Not only can it transfer germs and something like a cold, but more serious conditions can be shared through the saliva or blood. Your guard is custom-fit to you, and you only. It won’t work as well for anyone else. If other people wear it, it can change the fit and shape of the guard.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards can protect your teeth in a variety of situations. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How often should I get a new custom mouthguard?
We recommend getting a new mouthguard before every sports season. Young athletes outgrow their mouthguards every year, so it is imperative that they get new ones before every sports season for complete comfort and the best protection possible. You risk tooth damage and distractions from an ill-fitting mouthguard.
Can nightguards ruin your teeth?
No. Nightguards are a specific prosthetic that does not harm your teeth when holding them in place, so you don’t snore or grind them at night. They are durable enough to work their magic but made from safe materials that won’t cause gum irritation or tooth damage. If you have a nightguard that causes you tooth pain or other issues, it’s time to replace it. All types of mouthguards are not permanent and need to be replaced periodically.
Can nightguards and snore guards change my bite?
Yes, there is a possibility that a bad-fitting night guard, snore guard, and mouthguard can shift your tooth position and change your jaw alignment. This only happens when you wear an old prosthesis your mouth has outgrown. Do not wear a nightguard, snore guard, or mouthguard that no longer fits. Replace your guard yearly for maximum protection. Also, follow all care instructions, which helps prevent issues.
Can I get sports mouthguards for braces?
Yes, you want to wear a mouthguard during sports if you have braces. Wearing a sports mouthugard prevents damage from metal brackets and wires to your mouth’s soft tissues. It also prevents your braces from breaking. We can customize mouthguards to fit properly over your teeth and braces.
Do baby teeth affect the fit of my child’s sports mouthguard?
Yes, baby teeth can affect the fit of your child’s sports mouthguard. If your child still has baby teeth, the mouthguard might not fit as securely as it would with adult teeth. This is because baby teeth are smaller and more spread out, which can make it harder for the mouthguard to stay in place.
As your child loses their baby teeth and their adult teeth come in, the mouthguard will need to be adjusted or replaced to fit the new shape of their mouth. Have your child’s mouthguard checked and fitted again as their teeth change.
Why do some sports mouthguards only cover the top teeth?
Some sports mouthguards only cover the top teeth because the upper teeth are more likely to get injured during physical activities. The top teeth are more exposed and are at a higher risk of impact from contact sports like football, basketball, or hockey. By covering just the upper teeth, the mouthguard provides enough protection while being more comfortable and easier to wear.
In most cases, the bottom teeth are not as vulnerable to injury as the top teeth. A mouthguard that covers only the top can still offer good protection.
Will my TMJ nightguard cover the upper or lower teeth?
A TMJ nightguard usually covers either the upper or lower teeth, depending on the type of nightguard your dentist recommends. Most nightguards are made to fit over your upper teeth. Sometimes, you may need a nightguard for the lower teeth if you have certain bite issues or if it’s more comfortable for you.
What are the benefits of a custom mouthugard?
Custom mouthguards provide a custom fit and great protection. We create mouthguards from the impressions of your teeth for the best fit.
The secure fit ensures the best possible protection of teeth and gums. Because you can drink fluids while wearing them, users are more likely to keep a comfortable mouthguard in place. We can also make custom fit mouthguards for braces and other oral appliances to avoid tooth or gum damage.