Custom Sports Mouthguards in Scottsdale, AZ
It’s not just the bone-crunching hits football and hockey players endure that can do a number on their teeth, gums, and jaw. Even athletic activities like bodybuilding, high-intensity interval training, and acrobatics can lead to serious dental trauma. As awareness of these risks has grown, the dental community has placed greater emphasis on sports dentistry, custom-fit mouthguards, and patient education. The American Dental Association estimates that the use of mouth protection helps to avoid around 200,000 dental injuries annually, just among high school and college football players. The value of a mouthguard isn’t limited to just contact or even competitive activities. Whatever your sport, visit Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry Excellence to have Dr. Jeffrey D. Clark help you get the affordable, durable, custom-fit mouth protection you need.
The Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard
Most people accept without much consideration that mouthguards make perfect sense in contact sports like football, hockey, boxing, wrestling, and so forth. A well-timed hit or even a rough fall to the surface can cause an impact that affects your mouth. But dangerous contact isn’t limited to just person on person. Athletes who participate in track, gymnastics, cycling, and tennis, for instance, can all make contact with their environment and their equipment in a manner that causes dental harm. Custom-made mouthguards stabilize your jaw and redistribute forces from collisions in order to prevent:
- Lost teeth
- Broken teeth
- Jaw fractures
- Gum damage
- Tongue, cheek, and lip wounds
Even if you participate in an activity where you don’t believe the risk is very high, a mouthguard is an excellent investment. The mouthguards available in Scottsdale are relatively inexpensive, whereas if a dental injury does occur without a mouthguard, the care you need can be quite expensive. There can also be lifelong consequences to consider.
Stock vs. Custom-Fit Mouthguards
Generic mouthguards are less expensive than custom-fit mouthguards, however dentists generally do not recommend them. Stock mouthguards are often uncomfortable to wear, and some people experience difficulties breathing while wearing them. Both scenarios make athletes less likely to wear them. Even when worn, these guards do not have a tight fit, which means you’re still prone to some dental damage.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards do provide a better fit and thus better protection. However, they tend to wear quickly and require frequent replacement. If not replaced, they provide inadequate protection. Not only is that a hassle, but it means that while your upfront expense may be lower, your long-term expense will be higher than if you had just gone to your dentist in the beginning. A custom mouthguard made by your dentist provides you with maximum protection, comfort, and longevity.
The Custom-Fit Mouthguard Process
Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry Excellence provides you access to the finest mouthguards available. Better yet, your mouthguard will be personalized not only to your distinct dental profile but your activities. These guards are comfortable due to their form-fitting nature and are both tasteless and BPA-free. They do not disrupt breathing and speech, are resistant to penetration and tears, and are available in various strength levels.
Typically, having your personalized mouthguard created will require two visits to our Scottsdale office. Dr. Clark will assess your mouth and needs and create an impression of your teeth and gums. You’ll learn about the various design and strength options, and the impression will be used to make the mouthpiece based on the choices you made. Once your mouthguard is ready, a second visit will ensure that the fit is optimal and the appliance will protect you during your activities.
Enjoy Peace of Mind With a Form-Fitting Mouthguard
No matter your athletic pursuits, a custom-fit mouthguard is an effective and economical way to protect your smile. Jeffrey D. Clark, DDS, is a leading dentist in the Greater Scottsdale area and has many years of experience helping young and adult patients protect their teeth and gums with mouthguards. If you’re considering a mouthguard, schedule a consultation today. Book your appointment by calling Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry Excellence at 480 585 1853.