Is A Custom Mouthguard Really Worth It?

Imagine spending thousands on a gorgeous dental implant only to have it break because of nighttime grinding. Imagine paying hundreds for sports equipment to keep your child safe but skimping on a mouthguard to protect their teeth and jaws. And the solution is a simple yet effective custom mouthguard crafted in your dentist’s office. Custom mouthguards play a valuable role in protecting our teeth, whether we’re athletes or prone to clenching or grinding. When you think about it, they’re one of the best (and most cost-effective) investments you can make in protecting your teeth.

How Is A Custom Mouthguard Better Than Store-Bought Models

In a nutshell, custom mouthguards offer better fit and protection. Let’s take a look at why family dentists recommend them:

• Comfort and fit: Custom mouthguards are designed to fit your mouth, making them more comfortable and easier to wear. Loose or oversized ready-made mouthguards can cause discomfort and irritation. As many of us know from experience, we’re less likely to wear our guard if we’re uncomfortable.
• Quality and durability: A custom mouthguard created by your dentist is made of higher-quality materials and will last longer than an over-the-counter model.
• Protecting your teeth: The materials and fit of a custom guard mean better protection for your teeth and gums. They’re specifically crafted to hug your upper teeth and stay in place.
• Customization: Your dentist knows your specific needs, whether you grind while sleeping or leave it all on the ice at the hockey rink. We can also adapt orthodontic work and restorations to boost comfort and protection.
• Cost-effectiveness: spending a few hundred on a custom mouthguard can help you avoid costly dental restorations and repairs caused by injury or grinding.

Why Should I Consider A Custom Mouth Guard?

There are several reasons your dentist may recommend a custom guard.

• Teeth grinding: Bruxism, or grinding your teeth, can cause significant wear and tear (especially while you sleep). Consistent grinding wears down your enamel and puts pressure on your teeth, increasing the likelihood of breakage or tooth loss.
• Protecting restorations: Delicate and expensive dental work needs extra protection. For example, when you get an implant, the new crown and metal root need to be protected. An implant’s metal root is strong but less flexible than your natural root. So wearing your mouthguard is essential to protecting your restoration, which often costs thousands and may not be covered by insurance.
• TMJ: Mouthguards can prevent clenching and provide relief to patients experiencing TMJ. A specialized mouthguard can shift the jaw’s position, relieving tension and pain.
• Sleep apnea: New research shows that specialized mouthguards can alleviate sleep apnea in many patients with mild symptoms. Because they are easier to use, sleep apnea mouthguards may be more effective than CPAP machines in some patients because they will actually wear them.

Do I Really Need A Custom Mouthguard For Sports?

Protecting your teeth and jaws is vital for athletes, young and old. While mouthguards are essential in contact sports like football and lacrosse, they can also protect athletes active in “limited contact” sports like gymnastics and surfing. While all mouthguards can help prevent injury, damage, and tooth loss, custom guards provide better protection than boil-and-bite or ready-made mouthguards you buy from the store. They are made of thicker, high-quality materials designed to fit your upper teeth snugly, making them less likely to be knocked out of place. Custom mouthguards not only prevent injury to your teeth but also to your head and jaw. A 2014 study of high school football players showed that wearing a custom mouthguard can actually reduce the likelihood of experiencing a concussion. Well-fitting mouthguards also protect your lips, cheeks and gums from injury.

Does My Insurance Cover Custom Mouthguards? How Much Do They Cost?

After identifying your mouthguard needs, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and send it to a lab to create a mold. The lab creates the mouthguard using high-quality materials as specified by your dentist. Then you’ll return to your dentist for a fitting. If it doesn’t fit properly, we’ll do it again. Custom guards are often covered by insurance. Depending on specific needs, patients who pay out of pocket generally spend around $300.

How Can I Keep My Custom Mouthguard In Good Shape?

Your custom mouthguard is an investment in your oral health. It’s important to keep them clean and watch for signs of wear and tear. Follow your dentist’s specific instructions, but general care tips include:

• Brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse well.
• Store your guard in your dentist’s ventilated case to keep it dry and prevent bacteria.
• Check for cracks and other signs of wear and tear. If you think it might be time to replace your mouthguard, talk with your dentist.

Talk With Your Family Dentist About A Custom Mouthguard

We might feel like spending a few hundred dollars on a mouthguard is excessive. But let’s put it in perspective. Your teeth or your children’s teeth are precious and worth protecting. Reducing the impact of clenching and grinding on your teeth pays off in the long term.  Expensive crowns, implants and other restorations are worth preserving. At Greenhill Family Dental Care, we recognize the value of these very useful protective tools. We work with patients and our partner labs to create guards with the best materials and fit to protect your investment (and your teeth!) and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.