Custom Mouthguards in Houston, TX
Safeguard Your Smile: Custom-Made Mouthguards
Are you looking for simple, but effective methods to safeguard your smile against teeth grinding or impact? One effective solution that often goes overlooked is the custom mouthguard – a versatile oral device that not only protects your teeth and improves your health, but also offers unmatched comfort and durability.
At Dentistry of Highland Village, our Houston, TX dentists are here to explain the ins and outs of custom-made mouthguards, shedding light on why they are the go-to choice for ensuring your smile remains confident and intact. Learn more about the benefits of custom mouthguards by dialing (713) 360-7700.
What Are Custom Mouthguards?
Custom mouthguards, also called dental guards and sometimes night guards, are precision-crafted dental appliances designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. We can craft custom-fitted night guards that keep teeth grinders from gnashing their teeth at night, which can also help address TMJ. We can also make sports guards for those who play impact sports, and guards that position the lower jaw forward to address sleep apnea.
Unlike over-the-counter guards such as boil and bite guards, custom-fitted guards are tailor-made to provide optimal comfort, protection, and functionality. They are typically recommended and fabricated under the supervision of dental professionals, ensuring a snug fit and enhanced performance.
Why Choose Custom-Made Mouthguards?
Custom-fitted mouthguards are the superior option over store-bought or boil-and-bite mouth guards, for several reasons, some of which include:
- Personalized Fit: Generic mouthguards are typically designed with a one-size-fits-all mindset. The non-customized nature of boil and bite guards or other over-the-counter guards can cause them to feel loose, and uncomfortable, or interfere with proper breathing. Custom-made mouthguards are molded specifically to the unique shape of your mouth and teeth, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
- Superior Protection: The individualized design of custom-made mouthguards provides superior protection against impact, reducing the risk of dental injuries during sports activities or nighttime teeth grinding.
- Durability: Crafted from high-quality materials, custom-made mouthguards are more durable and long-lasting compared to off-the-shelf alternatives.
- Optimal Thickness: Your Houston dentist can customize the thickness of the mouthguard based on your specific needs, ensuring it effectively absorbs and disperses impact forces.
- Improved Speech and Breathing: The tailored fit of custom-made mouthguards minimizes interference with speech and breathing, making them more comfortable and functional during use.
- Safety: Discomfort and damage caused by poorly crafted guards can result in facial pain, jaw pain, and the worsening of existing problems such as teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and clenching. A custom-fitted guard is necessary for the safe treatment of these issues.
Applications: Where Custom-Made Mouthguards Shine
Sports Mouthguards
For athletes engaging in high-impact sports, custom mouthguards are indispensable. They provide crucial protection against dental injuries caused by collisions, falls, or other impacts during activities like football, basketball, hockey, and more.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding or bruxism, often occurring during sleep, can lead to significant dental issues. A custom night guard is a convenient solution for teeth grinding. They act as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing damage to teeth caused by grinding and clenching. This promotes better oral health and minimizes discomfort.
TMJ/TMD Management
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can cause jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort. Custom-made mouthguards, designed to address specific TMJ issues, can alleviate symptoms and provide relief. Additionally, it’s important to note that a non-custom fit dental guard can exacerbate the symptoms of TMJ, so a custom mouthguard is the best mouthguard for TMJ treatment.
Sleep Apnea
Mouthguards for sleep apnea, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or mandibular repositioning appliances, are dental appliances designed to address obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These custom-fitted devices work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing interruptions in breathing. By promoting proper alignment and decreasing airway obstruction, these mouthguards effectively reduce snoring and help to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea, providing a non-invasive and comfortable alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
Orthodontic Retainers
After orthodontic treatment, maintaining the corrected alignment of your teeth is crucial. Custom retainers ensure that your teeth stay in their desired positions, preventing any regression.
The Process: Getting Your Custom-Made Mouthguard
Consultation
Your journey with custom mouthguards begins with a consultation at Dentistry of Highland Village in Houston, TX. During this appointment, our experienced dental professionals will assess your dental health, discuss your specific mouthguard needs, and determine the type of mouthguard best suited for you.
Impressions and
Measurements
Precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth, or just the lower or upper teeth depending on the type of guard you’re getting, will be taken to ensure the mouthguard is molded accurately. Instead of using a messy impression tray for the molding process, the dentists at our Houston dental office will take precise, 3D impressions using our intraoral scanner. This allows us to more accurately measure your oral anatomy. These impressions serve as the foundation for creating a mouthguard that fits seamlessly over your upper or lower teeth only, providing optimal protection and comfort.
Custom Fabrication
With the impressions, our dental team will craft your custom mouthguard. Using high-quality materials, we ensure durability while maintaining the flexibility needed for comfort during use. The customization extends to the color and design, allowing you to express your style while prioritizing your dental health.
Fitting and Adjustments
Once your custom-made mouthguard is ready, you’ll return to Dentistry of Highland Village for a fitting. Our team will ensure the customized fit of the custom mouth guard made is perfect, making any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and functionality.
Caring for Your Custom-Made Mouthguard
Ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your custom mouthguard involves proper care. Our Houston dentists offer the following tips to care for your new mouthguard:
- Regular Cleaning: Rinse your mouthguard with cool water before and after each use.
- Mild Soap and Water: Clean the mouthguard with a mild soap and cool water solution, and allow it to air dry.
- Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can alter the shape of your mouthguard. Use color or lukewarm water for cleaning.
- Storage: Keep your mouthguard in a sturdy, ventilated container when not in use to prevent damage.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Refrain from using abrasive toothpaste or harsh cleaning agents on your mouthguard, as they can damage the material.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your custom-made mouthguard for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. If you notice any cracks, rough edges, or changes in shape, contact Dentistry of Highland Village promptly for an assessment and potential replacement.
- Keep Away from Pets: Pets may be curious about your mouthguard, and their playful chewing can lead to unintended damage. Store your mouthguard out of reach and in a secure location to prevent it from becoming a pet chew toy.
- Professional Check-ups: During your routine dental check-ups, bring your custom dental guard with you. Our Houston dentists can assess its condition, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure it continues to provide optimal protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, custom-made mouthguards are suitable for children, especially those engaged in sports. Dentists can create custom mouthguards tailored to fit your child’s growing teeth, providing effective protection against injuries while ensuring a comfortable fit.
Yes, custom-made mouthguards can be designed to accommodate braces. It’s essential to inform your dentist about your braces during the consultation so that a mouthguard can be crafted to provide effective protection without interfering with your orthodontic treatment.
The lifespan of a custom-made mouthguard depends on factors like frequency of use, teeth-grinding intensity, and overall wear. Periodic checks during dental appointments will help detect wear and tear. If signs of wear are detected, replacement may be recommended for continued wear and effectiveness.
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice signs of worn-down teeth, you may be dealing with bruxism. Dental professionals can assess your symptoms during a consultation and recommend a custom-made nightguard to ensure you don’t grind your teeth together at night.
Call Dentistry of Highland Village To Care For Your Smile!
At Dentistry of Highland Village in Houston, TX, our commitment to your dental well-being extends beyond routine check-ups. We understand the importance of proactive measures to protect your smile, and custom-fit mouthguards play a pivotal role in this endeavor.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about the many benefits of a custom-fit mouthguard, reach out to us at (713) 360-7700. Let Dentistry of Highland Village be your partner in preserving the confidence and health of your smile. We proudly serve new and returning patients from Houston and surrounding areas such as Pasadena, Sugar Land, and Pearland, TX.
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| Monday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
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