Custom Athletic Mouthguards in Westchester NY

Protect Your Teeth With A Custom Mouthguard From Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale

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Your dentists at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale can create a custom mouthguard that will last longer than a store bought mouthguard and protect your teeth from painful and expensive injuries.

Below we will go over why mouthguards are important, the different types of mouthguards, and how we create custom mouthguards for our patients.

What Is A Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a custom oral device that is worn over the teeth during athletic and recreational activities. It protects your mouth from injuries like cut cheeks and tongues, chipped or broken teeth, broken jaw and concussion. Though mouthguards are important for everyone, they are also especially important if you wear braces. To know that you mouthguard is made correctly it should:

• Allow you to speak freely
• Stay in place
• Fit comfortably
• Last for a long time
• Cleans easily

While most sporting goods stores stock mouthguards, they are not as effective or long lasting as a custom mouth guard from Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale.

Who Needs A Mouthguard?

The U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association requires mouthguards for only four sports: lacrosse, football, field hockey and ice hockey. However, the American Dental Association recommends the use of a mouthguard for any sport or recreational activity that involves a chance of contact with other players or hard surfaces. This ranges from boxing, to weightlifting, and anything in between.

Why Is A Mouthguard Important?

A mouthguard is an important precaution for all athletes - regardless of age or ability. Mouthguards protect your teeth from being chipped or broken, and your teeth roots and the bone in your mouth from being damaged. Mouthguards also prevent serious injuries, like jaw fracture, cerebral hemorrhage, concussion and neck injuries. This works by keeping your lower jaw from jamming into your upper jaw in the case that you are struck in the chin. Mouthguards protect you from other, more mild injuries (like cutting and bruising of the lips, tongue and cheeks) by keeping teeth and braces away from the soft tissues in your mouth.

What Kind Of Mouthguard Should I Get?

There are three types of mouthguards:

1. Stock Mouthguards

   Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear. These are the worst fitting, least comfortable and least protective. Made of rubber or polyvinyl, these stock mouthguards tend to be bulky, and they make breathing and talking difficult because they sometimes cause you to gag, and they require the jaw to be clenched to hold them in place.

2. Mouth-Formed Mouthguards

   These are either a shell liner or “boil-and-bite.” Shell lined mouthguards are lined with acrylic gel or rubber that molds to the teeth and sets to keep its shape. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made of thermoplastic. They are placed in boiling water, then formed and molded to the teeth by pressing with the fingers, lips and tongue.

3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

   Custom-fitted mouthguard are the best value for your needs. They provide the greatest fit, comfort and protection because they are custom made for your teeth and mouth shape. These mouthguards are the greatest investment in dental protection. You can expect custom mouthguards to last much longer, and offer better protection.

What's So Great About a Custom Mouthguard?

The mouthguards at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale offer a variety of benefits that are simply not found with “over the counter” mouthguards from a sporting goods store.

Stock and mouth-formed guards typically wear out after several months of repeated, hard use. Custom-fitted guards can last for over a year. Bring your mouthguard with you to your regular dental examinations for periodic evaluations. Your dentist will be happy to keep your mouthguard in good condition and give you advice to help it last longer.

Stock and mouth-formed mouthguards tend to be bulky and uncomfortable. This causes excess saliva, gagging, and difficulty breathing and speaking. Though they’re meant to keep you safe, store-bought mouthguards can negatively impact your sports performance. Eventually, these types of mouthguards stop getting used because of their associated consequences. Alternatively, you can come in to our office. We will take a mold of your teeth and send it to a professional to make your ideal mouthguard. It will be formed as an exact replica of your mouth, letting you speak and breathe naturally. It will conform effortlessly around your teeth without needing to clench your jaw.

How Do I Care For My Mouthguard?

Proper maintenance, care, and cleaning your mouthguard is important to help it last, and to prevent oral disease. For a long-lasting mouthguard, we recommend the following:

Custom mouthguards fit better, last longer, and offer excellent protection. Get yours today!

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• Brush and floss your teeth before wearing your mouthguard
• Avoid chewing on your mouthguard
• Never put your mouthguard in the same bag as dirty or sweaty clothes
• Wash your mouthguard in soap and water after each use
• Use only cold--never hot--water to wash your mouthguard
• Soak your mouthguard in mouthwash before storing
• Do not store your mouthguard in an airtight container
• Avoid bending your mouthguard
• Do not share your mouthguard, or borrow anyone else's mouthguard
• Do not try to modify your mouthguard; call us for help
• Call your dentist if you experience any of the following warning signs of a contaminated mouthguard: difficulty breathing, wheezing, diarrhea and nausea to the point of vomiting.

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For professional advice about how to protect your teeth during athletic activities, talk to us at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale. We’re excited to help keep your smile healthy and straight with a custom mouthguard!