Welcome to Coastal Dental Care, nestled in the heart of Nederland, TX. As a premier dental care provider, we offer extensive services that maintain your oral health. One general dental service we take pride in is our custom mouthguards. You need a mouthguard if you or your child play contact sports like hockey, lacrosse, basketball, or soccer. A custom mouthguard in our Nederland, TX, office can prevent impact from hits to the mouth.
Understanding Mouthguards
Mouthguards are essential in preserving dental health by acting as protective shields for your teeth and gums. We often recommend custom-made mouthguards because they can prevent chipped, cracked, and even knocked-out teeth. Hits from other players or sports equipment can damage your natural teeth, braces, gums, and soft tissues.
Mouthguards come in different forms:
- Stock mouth protectors: Pre-formed and ready to wear but often lack comfort due to their standard size.
- Boil and bite mouth protectors: These mouthguards provide more personalization than stock types but may not achieve an optimal fit.
- Custom-fitted mouth protectors: Individually designed based on a detailed impression of your teeth, these mouthguards offer unparalleled comfort and protection.
While convenient, the problem with store-bought mouthguards is they only come in one size. If a mouthguard is too loose, it can fall out during a game. As a result, you may feel the need to clench your teeth to keep it in place. A mouthguard that is too tight feels uncomfortable.
When you get a custom sports mouthguard, it fits your specific measurements. We provide custom athletic mouthguards for children and adults.
A proper fit is essential. Your mouthguard should fit comfortably over your upper teeth. The mouthguard only covers the top teeth because these teeth are more likely to get hit. The upper teeth typically protrude over the lower teeth. Covering these teeth with flexible, rubber-like plastic will absorb some shock from hits to the face.
The Need for Custom Mouthguards
A personalized approach always triumphs over one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to protecting your smile. Our custom-designed guards adhere seamlessly to your mouth. A custom fit ensures comfort and maximum protection from potential injuries.
Our office also provides guards similar to sports mouthguards for patients with TMJ disorders. Many patients with TMD experience teeth clenching and grinding during sleep. This can disrupt sleep, create headaches, cause jaw pain, and wear down the teeth.
A custom-made TMJ nightguard covers the upper or lower tooth arch. It prevents teeth from grinding together and brings the lower jaw forward. However, a TMJ nightguard is different from a sports mouthguard. You cannot use a sports mouthguard to treat TMJ, or vice versa. If you need a separate mouthguard for TMD, please let us know so we can create one for you.
How We Create Your Custom Mouthguard in Our Nederland Office
Our patient-friendly process revolves around your comfort and unique needs. It begins with an in-depth consultation. Our expert team will provide a visual exam to determine the specifications for your mouthguard.
Here’s what to expect next:
- We take accurate impressions of both upper and lower teeth sets.
- Our office sends this impression to a dental lab.
- Lab techs use your impression as a cast. They carefully mold high-grade dental material to match your mold.
- You return to our office for a fitting.
- We provide a case to carry your new, custom mouthguard home.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
Proper care extends the life of your custom mouthguard. Rinse your mouthguard before and after each use or brush with toothpaste using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Do not use hot water because this can warp your mouthguard.
Store it in a cool place, using its container when not used, and keep it away from pets. If you lose or damage your mouthguard, contact our office as soon as possible. We will provide a replacement.
Insurance Coverage and Costs
At Coastal Dental Care, we believe everyone should have access to necessary services like custom-fit mouthguards. Therefore, we accept various insurance plans and offer flexible payment options alongside prior cost estimates. Our office accepts PPO insurance plans and will help file during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might have questions about custom mouthguards. Well, we have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about custom mouthguards.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
Custom mouthguards typically last about one to two years. However, the lifespan can vary based on usage, care, and changes in your mouth. Regularly inspect your mouthguard for wear and tear, and replace it if it becomes damaged or ill-fitting. Your dentist can help determine when it’s time for a new one.
Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, you can wear a mouthguard with braces. In fact, it’s important to protect your teeth and braces during sports or physical activities. Dentists can provide custom mouthguards designed to fit over braces, offering both comfort and protection. These mouthguards allow for adjustments as your teeth move and ensure continued protection throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Are mouthguards only for the upper teeth?
Mouthguards are usually only cover the upper teeth. However, you can also get them for the lower teeth. Athletes with braces or specific dental conditions might require protection for both the upper and lower teeth. Your dentist can recommend the best option based on your individual needs and activities.
Why are custom-made mouthguards better than store-bought mouthguards?
Custom-made mouthguards are better than store-bought ones because they fit your teeth precisely. They also provide better protection and comfort. Moreover, dentists design them to fit the unique shape of your mouth, which helps prevent injuries more effectively. Custom mouthguards are also more durable and less likely to interfere with breathing or speaking. Overall, they offer superior performance compared to generic store-bought options.
Do mouthguards cause gum recession?
However, a poorly fitting mouthguard can irritate your gums and potentially contribute to gum issues over time. It’s important to have a well-fitted mouthguard, ideally custom-made by a dentist.
Does insurance cover custom mouthguards?
Insurance coverage for custom mouthguards varies. Some dental insurance plans cover them for medical reasons like teeth grinding (bruxism) or orthodontic protection. However, many plans don’t cover mouthguards for sports. Check with your provider to clarify your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Protect Your Smile
Your beautiful smile deserves all-around protection that only tailor-made mouthguards can provide! Get a custom mouthguard for you or your child in our Nederland, TX office.
Reach out today to schedule an appointment at Coastal Dental Care – where safeguarding smiles across Southeast Texas begins. You can also call our office at 409-215-2035. If you have questions for our team about mouthguards, let us know at your next visit.