At Hazel Dell Dental Care in Vancouver, WA, Dr. Erik Jenson is committed to protecting your smile both in and out of the dental chair. Custom mouthguards are dental appliances designed to safeguard your teeth and gums from injury during sports activities and to prevent damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Unlike store-bought options, our professionally crafted mouthguards provide superior protection, comfort, and durability to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to protect your smile during physical activities or someone who grinds their teeth at night, our custom-fitted mouthguards offer the perfect solution. Getting a custom night guard or mouthguard is part of general dentistry because it can prevent tooth wear and dental injuries from sports. Dr. Jenson and our experienced team use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to create mouthguards that fit your unique dental structure perfectly.
Types of Custom Mouthguards
Dr. Jenson provides TMJ night guards and custom sports mouthguards. While a night guard is best for patients with TMJ problems, athletic mouthguards help protect kids and adults from hits to the face and mouth during contact sports.
Sports Mouthguards
We recommend sports mouthguards for anyone participating in contact sports or activities with a risk of facial impact. These include high-contact sports like football, basketball, and hockey, as well as activities such as soccer, baseball, martial arts, wrestling, skateboarding, and mountain biking. Our sports mouthguards are designed to absorb and distribute impact forces, significantly reducing the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage. They’re made from durable, lightweight materials that won’t interfere with breathing or speaking during physical activity.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Many people unconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism. Over time, this can lead to worn down or chipped teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep. Our custom night guards create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the damaging effects of grinding.
These guards are typically thicker than sports mouthguards and designed specifically to withstand the constant pressure of nighttime grinding. We may recommend these oral splints for patients who need TMJ treatment.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards from Hazel Dell Dental Care offer numerous advantages over store-bought alternatives:
- Superior Protection: They cover all teeth surfaces completely and evenly, distribute impact forces more effectively, and reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing shock.
- Enhanced Comfort: The perfect fit means no bulkiness or excess material, better breathing and speaking ability, and reduced gagging sensation.
- Durability: Made from higher-quality materials, custom mouthguards last significantly longer than store-bought guards and can be adjusted if needed.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment is higher, custom guards provide better protection, potentially saving thousands in dental repair costs.
- Health Benefits: They can reduce headaches and jaw pain associated with teeth grinding, improve sleep quality, prevent TMJ disorders, and reduce stress on the jaw joint.
The personalized fit of a custom mouthguard also increases the likelihood that you’ll wear it consistently, which is crucial for effective protection.
Getting a Custom Mouthguard at Hazel Dell Dental Care
The process of getting a custom mouthguard is straightforward and comfortable. It begins with an initial consultation where Dr. Jenson will evaluate your dental health and discuss your specific needs. Next, we’ll take precise impressions of your teeth to create an exact model for a perfect fit.
Based on your impressions, we create a mouthguard tailored specifically to your mouth, considering the type of activity you participate in to determine the appropriate thickness and design for sports guards. When your mouthguard is ready, typically within 1-2 weeks, you’ll return to our office for a fitting where Dr. Jenson will ensure the guard fits comfortably and make any necessary adjustments. We’ll also provide detailed instructions on how to clean and maintain your mouthguard to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.
The entire process is painless and requires just two short appointments. The result is a comfortable, effective mouthguard that provides optimal protection for your unique smile.
To ensure your mouthguard remains effective and hygienic, rinse with cool water before and after each use and clean regularly with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. Store in a ventilated case when not in use and keep away from high temperatures that could warp the material. Bring your mouthguard to your regular dental checkups so Dr. Jenson can inspect for wear and damage, and replace it when signs of wear appear or as recommended.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Protecting your smile is an investment in your overall health and well-being. Dr. Erik Jenson is committed to providing you with the highest quality custom mouthguards to safeguard your teeth during sports activities and prevent damage from teeth grinding.
Don’t compromise on protection with one-size-fits-all solutions. Experience the comfort, durability, and superior protection that only a custom-fitted mouthguard can provide.
To schedule your consultation for a custom mouthguard, call Hazel Dell Dental Care at (360) 233-8831 or use our convenient online appointment request form. Our friendly team is ready to answer any questions you may have about custom mouthguards and help you protect your teeth for years.