Mouthguards in Geneva, IL

It is normal to worry about recent dental implants if you have developed the habit of grinding your teeth. It is also normal for a parent to feel nervous about your child falling victim to a sports related injury. The solution to both is a custom mouthguard. The American Dental Association recommends that athletes wear custom mouthguards for sports to avoid severe injuries.

Mouthguards are removable dental accessories that protect the teeth and gums from trauma and injuries. Initially, used by athletes, mouthguards have become increasingly popular among people who indulge in recreational sports as it provides increased teeth protection and are easy to use.

Types of Mouthguards

1. Preformed mouthguards: Preformed mouthguards are available at sports stores and have a unique teeth pattern. They are the most affordable version available, but they score low on points for comfort. Unless the wearer has perfectly aligned teeth, the comfort is average. There are also people who find these preformed mouthguards painful for the gums.
2. “Boil and bite” mouthguards: Partially adjustable, the “boil and bite” mouthguards are also found at sports stores. They are flat and relatively hard. Put them in a pot of boiled water to soften, let it cool a little until bearable then mold it onto the teeth using fingers and tongue. Significantly more comfortable than the preformed ones, these mouthguards are a little expensive.
3. Personalized or custom mouthguards: Made in the dental office, the custom mouthguards are the best fitting device of this type. To make the best fit and comfortable mouthguards the dentist takes an impression of the patient’s teeth. The impression is used to mold a personalized mouthguard from a soft, yet resistant material. Because of the time and effort involved, the personalized mouthguards are expensive. However, the extra money spent on them is well worth it, as they are unbeatable when it comes to comfort and protection. The personalized mouthguards are highly recommended for patients wearing braces.

Who Should Wear Mouthguards

• Professional athletes who box, play ice hockey, soccer, football or any other sport where the risk of dental injury is high use of a Mouthguard is very essential.
• Children and adults who engage in the above-mentioned sports or other dangerous activities with risks of injury (e.g. skateboarding).
• People who grind/clench their teeth at night. Grinding/Clenching damages the tooth enamel, applies pressure on the jaw, and provokes pain and headaches. To prevent the discomfort and protect the teeth, a special mouthguard or a nocturnal bite plate can be attached to teeth. Worn all night long, it prevents grinding/clenching and eliminates its disadvantages.

Mouthguards Care and Maintenance

The care and maintenance of a mouthguard is relatively simple and does not require a lot of time. The basic rule is to keep it clean! Rinse the mouthguard or clean it with a mild cleanser after each use and clean it thoroughly before putting it back in your mouth. Store it in a ventilated container to prevent damage or bad odor. If the mouthguard is made in acrylic, it needs to be kept fully immersed in water to maintain its shape and properties.

Prior to using a mouthguard, it is recommended to ask for a dentist’s advice. Regardless if it is a custom mouthguard or just a simple preformed version, they will give you the best advice about how to best use it and care for it.

With the right mouthguard, you will feel confident. If you think you may be in need of a mouthguard, contact our friendly staff today to schedule an appointment!