Are you an avid hockey player or play another type of contact sport?
Did you know that contact sports are one of the leading causes of dental emergencies, such as knocked-out teeth, chipped teeth, and jaw trauma? One of the best ways to prevent a sports-related dental emergency is with a custom mouthguard.
Mouthguards are designed to fit snuggly over the teeth, providing adequate protection against blows to the teeth and jaw. Some research even suggests that mouthguards can help reduce the risk of concussion, as it helps absorbs most of the blow to the jaw and helps stabilize the neck and jaw.
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Victor Gittleman and our team are committed to offering solutions that help protect the integrity, function, and health of your natural teeth. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Gittleman understands the importance of protecting natural teeth. As a general dentistry service, we provide custom mouthguards in Morristown, NJ to the public.
The Ultimate Protection: The Importance of Mouthguards for Sports
Sports-related injuries are far too common, but fortunately, there are protective measures that patients can take to shield their smiles. Mouthguards are designed to protect the upper and lower teeth, jaw, and gums. Without proper protection of the teeth, patients are more likely to experience damage to their teeth.
A properly fitted mouthguard can absorb the force of a blow to the mouth. The energy is equally redistributed through the mouth to reduce the risk of injury to the teeth. Without a mouthguard, the teeth absorb the full shock of the blow and may sustain damage as a result.
The Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards in our Morristown, NJ, dentist office offer several advantages over store-bought mouthguards.
Custom mouthguards offer these key benefits:
- Shields the lower jaw from injury
- Decreases the risk of contact sports-related concussions
- Reduces the risk of fractured and chipped teeth
- Minimizes the risk of knocked-out teeth
- Allows patients to communicate clearly with their coach and teammates
- Reduces stress on the neck
- Reduces the risk of bruising and injury to the soft tissues in the mouth
With a custom-made mouthguard, patients can focus on the game instead of fidgeting with their mouthguards. Our team at Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry works with patients of all ages to create high-quality, effective mouthguards for sports. To learn more about your options, visit our Morristown dentist office near you.
Mouthguards For Tooth Grinding and Sleep Apnea
Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry works with Glidewell Laboratories, one of the world’s most innovative dental labs, to produce high-quality restoration for our patients.
Oral Sleep Appliance Therapy: For patients who snore or have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral sleep appliance can help improve their quality of sleep. An oral sleep appliance is similar to a mouthguard but is designed to keep the airways open to allow for more adequate airflow.
Night Guard: A night guard is an ideal solution for patients with bruxism. Teeth grinding can destroy the surface of the teeth, leading to worn, broken, or sensitive teeth. A custom night guard prevents the biting surface of the teeth from grinding against each other. It is custom-made to fit comfortably over the upper and lower teeth as you sleep.
Custom Mouthguards in Morristown, NJ
Receiving your custom mouthguard will require at least two visits to our Morristown dentist office. During the first visit. Dr. Gittleman will assess the condition of the teeth and take digital impressions of your smile. He will also discuss different design styles with you to ensure your mouthguard not only performs but meets your aesthetic needs. Once the design of the mouthguard is finalized, and impressions are taken, the information is sent to a local lab.
Once your custom mouthguard is fabricated, Dr. Gittleman will check the size and fit to ensure it is right for you. Patients can enjoy the benefit of their mouthguard immediately after their appointment.
We often recommend younger patients visit our office more regularly for mouthguard checks. Due to their growing smile, younger patients may need a new mouthguard every sports season.
Mouthguard FAQs
What part of your mouth does a mouthguard protect?
Mouthguards protect your top teeth, gums, jaw, and tissue. Custom-fitted mouthguards are more protective than general mouth guards because they mold exactly to the crevices in your mouth. Custom mouthguards are also more comfortable for patients and are easier to breathe and speak in.
Can a mouthguard be used to treat teeth grinding?
Mouthguards are often used to protect patients’ teeth if they are prone to grind them. A custom mouthguard is known to provide a protective layer between the teeth so that if/when a patient grinds their teeth there is no direct contact and therefore no damage is done to the surface of the teeth.
Are custom mouthguards good for athletes and in sports?
Custom-fit mouthguards are recommended to athletes with braces or orthodontic appliances, and ones who have difficulty breathing and speaking. They allow athletes to breathe naturally and take in increased oxygen because they fit as an exact mold to the patient’s teeth. In sports, difficulty breathing can cause athletes to become tired quicker, so having a custom mouthguard can increase their endurance and playing ability.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
To learn more about custom mouthguards for sports in Morristown, NJ, visit Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 287-3337 or request an appointment online.