Do you play contact sports? Do you grind or clench your teeth? Over 5 million teeth are lost each year due to sports related injuries.
Missing teeth require advanced dental procedures to replace and left untreated can cause a range of complex oral health concerns. Prevent sports related tooth loss with a custom fit sports mouthguard. Custom mouthguards and night guards can provide optimal protection against tooth damage.
Mouthguards are ideal for patients of all ages who participate in contact sports. Night guards are designed to prevent the biting surfaces of the teeth from making contact for patients who grind or clench their teeth. Both are great options when customized to fit your smile.
At The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Abraham Stein and Dr. Zachary offer custom mouthguards and night guards for patients of all ages. Our team takes a personalized approach to your care to ensure all of your needs are met. To explore your options, visit our Skokie, IL dentist office for a consultation.
We Provide Custom Mouthguard For Sports
For patients who participate in contact sports, wearing a custom mouthguard can provide optimal protection to your teeth and jaw. A mouthguard is a removable oral appliance that fits comfortably over your teeth and is worn during contact sports. Custom mouthguards can reduce the risk of knocked-out teeth and concussions during contact sports.
At The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, Drs. Stein and Weiss can create a custom mouthguard that fits comfortably and securely in your mouth. You no longer have to worry about slippage during your practice or game.
Benefits of a custom mouthguard:
- Reduces the risk of contact sports-related concussions
- Reduces the risk of injury to the soft tissues in the mouth
- Minimizes the chance of fractured and chipped teeth
- You can communicate clearly with your coach and teammates
- Can help reduce stress on the neck
- Reduces the risk of knocked out teeth during contact sports
- Protects the lower jaw from injury
Night Guards For Bruxism
A night guard is a custom dental appliance that is worn while sleeping. This custom device prevents the bottom and top teeth from coming together during sleep. Night guards are also used in treatment plans designed for patients with a bite disorder, or TMJ.
To create a custom sleep guard for bruxism, we will take impressions of your teeth, which will serve as a foundation for your custom night guard. While there are over-the-counter solutions for bruxism, a custom night guard from our team at The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry is custom designed to fit your smile perfectly, allowing for a more effective solution. We strive to create custom sleep guards that not only work efficiently but also fit comfortably in your mouth.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
If you’re considering a custom mouthguard for sports, nighttime teeth grinding, or other dental needs, you probably have some questions about the process, the benefits, and what to expect. To help guide you in making the best decision for your oral health and comfort, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about custom mouthguards.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
On average, custom mouthguards last anywhere from two to five years. Some patients may choose to replace their mouthguard annually to keep it clean and fresh.
How often should I clean my night guard?
Night guards should be cleaned and rinsed regularly, at least once per week. A common way to clean night guards is to rinse in an OTC denture cleaner. The cleaner will dissolve in a bowl of water, and the mouthguard can sit inside of it to clean.
How should a custom mouthguard fit?
Custom mouthguards should fit snugly against patients’ upper teeth. You should not have to bite down or hold your mouthguard in place. It should comfortably rest on your top teeth without shifting or falling out of place.
What’s the difference between a custom mouthguard and one from the store?
A custom mouthguard is made just for your teeth by a dentist. It fits your mouth perfectly, so it feels more comfortable and works better to protect your teeth when you play sports. A store-bought mouthguard, like a “boil and bite” guard, is a one-size-fits-all appliance. It will not fit as well and can be less comfortable and less safe. Custom mouthguards cost more, but they give your teeth the best care and fit.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
Getting a custom mouthguard usually takes about one to two weeks. First, you visit your dentist so they can make a mold of your teeth. This step only takes a few minutes. Then, we will send the mold to a lab, where they will create the custom mouthguard to fit in your mouth perfectly. The lab needs about a week to create the mouthguard. When ready, you will return to our office to pick it up and ensure it fits just right.
Can I get a custom mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes, we actually suggest you wear a custom mouthguard if you have braces. We will customize it to fit in your mouth and help protect your teeth and braces during sports. Regular store-bought mouthguards may not fit well over braces and can get stuck. Your dentist can make you a mouthguard that fits your mouth and braces. It’s vital to wear it every time you play sports to keep your teeth and braces safe from harm.
Can I wear my nightguard while playing sports to protect my teeth?
No, it is not safe to wear your nightguard when playing sports. Nightguards are meant to stop you from grinding your teeth while you sleep, but they are not strong enough to protect your teeth from hits or falls during sports. If you want to keep your teeth safe while playing sports, you should use a sports mouthguard. Sports mouthguards are made to take hard blows and give better protection for your teeth and mouth.
Get Your Custom Mouthgurad in Skokie, IL Today
Schedule your mouthguard fitting in Skokie, IL, at our dentist office today. If you grind your teeth and need a night guard, or you play contact sports and require a mouthguard, visit our trusted team at The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry for the care you need. To schedule an appointment, call 847-750-3125 or request an appointment online.