Sports Guard We recommend wearing a mouthguard any time you participate in a sport, even for non-contact sports. There is still a chance of dental injury. At Smile Makers Dental Center, we can inform you about the different variations of mouthguards. We can also tell you how to clean and store your mouthguard so that it lasts as long as possible.Protecting Teeth and Dental RestorationsMouthguards are very important in protecting your teeth, jaw, and head during any type of sport. Your teeth are encased in the mouthguard, protecting them from hitting against each other. Your jaw and head are not necessarily protected from the initial impact, but mouthguards can help to reduce the severity of the impact. They keep your jaw in proper alignment and they absorb part of the impact. Although many materials can last for years, dental restorations must be protected during sports. This includes crowns, bridges, and other treatments, such as braces. Mouthguards protect these by reducing impact, just like with dentoalveolar injuries. Mouthguard VariationsThe most basic type of mouthguard is a stock mouthguard that you would get from sporting goods retailers, pharmacies, or department stores. These are the best budget option, but they are not the best for protecting your teeth. They are all the same size, so they may not be very comfortable either. One step above the stock mouthguard is a boil and bite mouthguard. These are also an over-the-counter product, but they can be molded to fit your teeth. You would first need to place the mouthguard in boiling water. Remove the mouthguard and, when it has cooled enough to safely touch, place it on your teeth. Then, you can press the material to mold it around your teeth. These types of mouthguards are more comfortable and a bit more protective. The best variation is a custom-fitted mouthguard. We create these by getting a dental impression at our office, which we can then provide to a dental lab. The dental lab, using this impression, can then construct a mouthguard that is perfectly fitted to your teeth. These mouthguards will protect your teeth the most. Mouthguard Cleaning and StorageYou will always receive a mouthguard case when you get a custom mouthguard at our office. In general, retail mouthguards are also sold with a case, but not always. You should buy a case if it does not come with one. Mouthguards should be stored in their cases if you are not currently using them. In addition, you should rinse your mouthguard after each use before you put it in its case. Wash your mouthguard daily. You can use soap and lukewarm water to do this. Hot water may warp the plastic material, which would cause you to need a new mouthguard. Bring your mouthguard with you for each of your routine appointments. Our dentist can check its fit to ensure your teeth have not shifted, requiring a new mouthguard. We can also check that it is still in a good enough condition to be able to protect you from injury. To learn more about mouthguards for sports, call Smile Makers Dental Center at one of our locations. |
 Bailey's Crossroads5659 Columbia Pike, Ste 100 Falls Church, VA (571) 648-1711 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am - 5pm City of Falls Church313 Park Avenue, Ste 101 Falls Church, VA (571) 648-1713 Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pm Fairfax2810 Old Lee Highway, Ste 200A Fairfax, VA (571) 773-6563 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10am - 6pm Friday: 9am - 5pm Leesburg19 Catoctin Cir NE Leesburg, VA (540) 882-0421 Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 5pm, Saturday: By Appointment Tysons8310 Old Courthouse Road, Ste A Tysons, VA (571) 773-6582 Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm Saturday: By Appointment Woodbridge14416 Richmond Hwy Ste 16 Woodbridge, VA (571) 628-8583 Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pmSaturday: By Appointment |
