Preventing tooth loss or tooth damage is our main priority of Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry’s general dentistry services. This is why we offer custom-made mouthguards to all of our patients (children or adults) who engage in any collision and contact sports or activities.
Mouthguards protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from any direct impact they may endure. Consider them a regular part of your athletic gear. Wear them whenever you engage in any activity that puts you at risk for tooth loss or tooth damage.
Dr. Matthew Jenne and the team at Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can create you a custom-made mouthguard that offers both protection and comfort. We are happy to provide these to anyone who feels like a mouthguard would be best for their dental health. This includes patients who experience involuntary teeth grinding at night.
Custom Mouthguards in Garner, NC
While you can get mouth guards over the counter, a custom-made mouthguard offers some key benefits to consider, including:
- More comfortable, natural fit
- Less jaw clenching, which allows you to stay focused during any activity
- Ability to drink fluids and speak while using
Dr. Jenne creates your custom-fit mouthguard by taking dental impressions during your initial office visit. This allows for your new mouthguard to fit securely over your teeth or braces for your best protection and comfort. For our younger patients, we offer fun colors to choose from for the design of the mouthguard to encourage them to use it as often as they need to.
After we have those dental impressions, it takes about a week for the mouthguard to be created in our labs. We will contact you right away when it is ready to be picked up. If your mouthguard is ever damaged or worn down, contact us! We are happy to examine your current mouthguard and provide you with a new one if necessary.
Custom Mouthguards FAQs
What does a mouthguard do to protect your teeth?
Mouthguards protect your top teeth and your gums and soft tissue. Dental grade custom-fit mouthguards mold to the exact shape and crevices of a patient’s individual jaw, which gives them the highest level of protection against impact. A mouthguard gives an extra layer between your teeth and gums and anything else that they may come in contact with.
Can a mouthguard help end my habit of grinding my teeth?
Mouthguards do not stop the habit of grinding one’s teeth, but they do provide a layer of protection between teeth. When you grind your teeth it wears at the surface and causes damage to each tooth. Although wearing a mouthguard may not stop you from grinding your teeth, it does protect your teeth from any further damage.
How do dentists custom-fit mouthguards compared to at-home custom fit?
Dentists use dental putty or digital impressions to take an exact mold of a patient’s teeth. They then use the mold to create a mouthguard that fits exactly to one’s mouth. You have to put store-bought mouthguards in boiling water until they are soft to shape them. Then, you place them into your mouth, bite down, and wait. This process will not guarantee a precise fit because you are not a professional at it yet.
The shape of the mouthguard will also change over time if it doesn’t fit correctly the first time. Dental grade custom-fitted mouthguards fit better and offer more protection than store-bought mouthguards.
How long does a custom made mouthguard last?
Your custom mouthguard could last for up to five years if you take proper care of it. However, due to normal wear and tear, we recommend replacing your mouthguard annually or biannually.
How do you take care of a custom mouth guard?
The best way to care for your custom mouthguard is to clean it daily. You can rinse your mouthguard with water or a cleaning solution, and brush it after use. We also recommend having a case for your mouthguard to keep it safe when not in use.
Are custom mouthguards supposed to be tight?
It’s possible that your mouthguard doesn’t fit properly if you have to clench or bite your teeth to keep it in place. Your mouthguard should not shift, and you should not need to hold it in place. If this is occurring, call our office and we can discuss options for creating a mold and mouthguard that fit properly.