Mouthguards in Orlando, FL

Custom mouthguards are specially designed oral appliances created from impressions of your unique dental structure. Unlike generic store-bought versions, these personalized devices offer superior protection and comfort because they’re made specifically to fit your mouth’s unique shape and size.

The need for mouthguards extends beyond contact sports. Many patients require protection from teeth grinding (bruxism), which can occur unconsciously during sleep and cause significant dental damage over time. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for anyone experiencing teeth grinding to prevent tooth fractures, jaw injuries, and other oral trauma.

Understanding your options helps you make the best choice for your protection needs. There are several types of mouthguards available, each serving different purposes and offering varying levels of protection. The right choice depends on your specific activities, dental structure, and protection requirements.

Athletic Mouthguards

Sports mouthguards are designed to protect teeth, gums, and the jaw during physical activities. These devices cushion blows to the face and distribute impact forces, reducing the risk of broken teeth, lip injuries, and jaw fractures during contact sports or activities with a risk of falling. Both professional athletes and weekend warriors benefit from the superior protection that custom athletic mouthguards offer.

Night Guards

Night guards specifically address bruxism and teeth clenching that occur during sleep. These appliances create a barrier between upper and lower teeth, preventing wear and reducing jaw muscle strain. Many patients experience immediate relief from morning jaw pain and headaches after beginning night guard use.

How Does the Custom Mouthguard Process Work at Esteem Dental?

Creating your custom mouthguard involves several precise steps to ensure optimal fit and protection. During your initial consultation, our dental team will evaluate your specific needs, examine your teeth and jaw alignment, and discuss lifestyle factors that influence the design of your mouthguard. We take detailed impressions of your teeth using advanced materials that capture every contour of your mouth.

The impressions are then sent to a specialized dental laboratory where skilled technicians craft your mouthguard using high-quality materials designed for durability and comfort. Once your custom device is ready, you’ll return for a fitting appointment where we ensure proper placement and provide detailed care instructions for maintaining your mouthguard.

Who Should Consider Getting a Custom Mouthguard?

Athletes participating in contact sports represent the most obvious candidates for mouthguard protection. However, many other individuals can benefit from custom oral appliances, including those who experience nighttime teeth grinding or clenching, which affects millions of adults and can cause significant dental damage without proper protection.

Children and teenagers involved in sports activities should use mouthguards, as their developing teeth are particularly vulnerable to trauma. Additionally, adults with expensive dental work, such as crowns, veneers, or bridges, should consider mouthguard protection to safeguard their investment in their smile.

How Should You Care for Your Mouthguard?

Proper maintenance ensures your mouthguard remains practical and hygienic throughout its lifespan. Daily care involves rinsing with cool water before and after each use, followed by gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid using hot water, which can distort the mouthguard’s carefully crafted shape.

Always store your device in a ventilated container to allow air circulation and prevent bacterial growth. Additionally, you should:

• Keep your mouthguard away from high temperatures that could warp the material
• Replace your mouthguard when it shows signs of wear or no longer fits properly
• Bring your mouthguard to regular dental checkups for professional cleaning and inspection

Remember to avoid chewing or biting on your mouthguard, as this can damage the material and compromise its protective capabilities.

When Should You Replace Your Mouthguard?

Recognizing replacement signs ensures continuous protection for your teeth and jaw. Most custom mouthguards last between one and three years, depending on usage frequency and individual factors such as teeth grinding intensity or the level of sports participation. Regular wear patterns are standard, but excessive damage indicates the need for replacement.

Visible wear signs include:

• Thin spots
• Cracks
• Loose fit
• Rough edges that could irritate your gums

During your routine dental visits, our team will examine your mouthguard and recommend replacement when necessary to maintain optimal protection.

What Are the Benefits of Professional Mouthguard Fitting?

Professional fitting provides numerous advantages over store-bought alternatives, starting with precise measurements. Our dental professionals in Orlando understand the biomechanics of jaw movement and can create mouthguards that accommodate your natural bite patterns while providing maximum safety during impact or grinding episodes.

Custom fitting also allows for adjustments based on your specific dental work, including accommodating braces, crowns, or other restorations that generic mouthguards cannot adequately address. The superior materials used in professional mouthguards offer better durability and longevity.

Get Your Custom Mouthguard in Orlando at Esteem Dental

Protecting your smile with a custom mouthguard is an investment in your long-term oral health and overall well-being. Our comprehensive approach to family dental care enables us to address all your oral health needs in one convenient location, from routine cleanings to specialized protective appliances.

Don’t wait until dental damage occurs to protect your teeth. Contact Esteem Dental today at (407) 476-5650 to schedule your consultation for a custom mouthguard, or visit our contact form to learn more about our comprehensive dental services for the entire family at our Orlando office.

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Orlando General Dentistry