Protecting Your Smile: The Importance of Custom Mouthguards
A healthy smile and mouth is one of the greatest assets you can have, and protecting it should always be a priority. At Park Crossing Dentistry, we have proudly served the Charlotte, NC, community since 1984 with one mission in mind: to provide compassionate, high-quality dental care for patients of all ages.
As part of our commitment to comprehensive oral health, we place a strong emphasis on preventive measures, such as custom mouthguards. Whether you are an athlete, a parent of a young sports enthusiast, or someone who grinds their teeth at night, a professionally made mouthguard can help protect your natural smile.
What Are Custom Mouthguards?
Custom mouthguards are protective oral appliances designed to fit the unique shape of your teeth and bite. Unlike generic, store-bought mouthguards that come in one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite varieties, custom options are crafted by dental professionals using precise impressions of your teeth. This personalized mouth fit ensures superior protection, comfort, and durability.
Custom mouthguards are used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Protecting athletes from dental injuries during contact or high-impact sports
- Reducing the effects of nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Supporting orthodontic treatments by stabilizing teeth during movement
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards Over Generic Options
Many people are tempted to buy mouthguards off the shelf at sporting goods stores, but the differences between generic and custom appliances are significant.
- Superior Fit – Custom mouthguards are molded specifically for your teeth, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit that stays in place even during intense activity.
- Better Protection – Because they are professionally made, custom guards provide more complete coverage, reducing the risk of broken teeth, soft tissue injuries, and jaw damage.
- Enhanced Comfort – Ill-fitting, bulky store-bought guards often cause discomfort and gagging. A custom fit eliminates these issues, making it easier to breathe and talk.
- Durability – Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand wear, providing longer-lasting protection than cheaper alternatives.
Materials Used and Personalization Techniques
At Park Crossing Dentistry, we use advanced dental materials and techniques to create custom sports mouthguards that are durable yet comfortable. Most custom guards are made from high-grade ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or multilayered laminates, which provide both flexibility and strength.
Personalization also extends to color, thickness, and special adjustments. For athletes, mouthguards can be tailored depending on the type of sport played, with varying levels of thickness for contact vs. non-contact activities. For patients with bruxism, guards are designed to withstand the intense pressure of grinding without wearing down quickly.
The Role of Sports Dentistry
Dental Protection for Athletes of All Levels
Sports dentistry has become an essential field in oral health care, focusing on preventing and treating injuries related to athletic activity. Athletes, whether professional, recreational, or youth participants, face an elevated risk of dental trauma due to collisions, falls, and high-intensity movements.
A well-fitted custom mouthguard is a simple yet highly effective way to protect against these risks. Studies have shown that athletes who wear custom mouthguards are significantly less likely to suffer from dental injuries when they participate in sports than those who use generic versions or none at all.
Dental Injuries in Sports and Prevention
Sports-related dental injuries can be serious Some of the most common include:
- Tooth Fractures – Cracked or broken teeth may result from direct impact. Custom mouthguards absorb and distribute the force, minimizing damage.
- Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Teeth – One of the most severe injuries, losing a tooth during sports can lead to long-term complications. Mouthguards dramatically reduce the risk.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheeks are common in contact sports. Guards can serve as protective face shields.
- Jaw Injuries and Concussions – Some studies suggest properly fitted mouthguards may also help reduce the risk of jaw fractures and concussion severity by absorbing impact.
Tips for Maintaining Your Custom Mouthguard
A custom mouthguard is an investment in your oral health, and like any tool, it requires proper care to remain effective and reduce injuries.
Cleaning Instructions
- Rinse your mouthguard with cool water before and after each use.
- Clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid harsh toothpaste, which can wear down the material.
- Occasionally soak it in a specialized mouthguard cleaning solution or a mixture of water and mild antiseptic rinse to eliminate bacteria.
Storage Tips
- Always store your mouthguard in a ventilated case that allows it to dry fully, preventing bacterial growth.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight or hot environments, such as a car dashboard, as excessive heat can warp the material.
When to Replace or Adjust Your Mouthguard
- For athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers: Replace every season or sooner if the mouthguard becomes damaged or uncomfortable.
- For growing children and teens: Mouthguards may need more frequent adjustments or replacements as teeth and jaws develop.
- For patients with bruxism: Signs of wear such as thinning, cracks, or sharp edges mean it is time for a replacement.
Regular dental checkups at Park Crossing Dentistry may also include a systematic review of your mouthguard to ensure it is still offering the best protection to you in case of collision and contact sports.
Why Choose Us for Custom Mouthguards
When it comes to athletic dental care, the choice of oral care providers and physicians matters. At Park Crossing Dentistry, we bring a unique combination of skill, advanced technology, and compassionate care to every custom mouthguard we create.
Experienced Team for Athletic Dental Care
Our dentists have decades of experience in preventive and restorative dentistry, and we understand the specific needs of athletes and active patients. From young children in local sports leagues to adults playing recreationally, we design mouthguards that provide maximum safety without compromising comfort.
State-of-the-Art Technology for Precise Fittings
We use advanced digital impressions and cutting-edge fabrication techniques to ensure each athletic mouthguard is designed to fit perfectly. This precision enhances protection and performance as well as eliminates the bulk and discomfort typically associated with generic options.
Family-Owned, Compassionate Dental Practice Since 1984
As a private, family-owned practice, we have proudly served Charlotte for more than 40 years. We are deeply invested in our community, treating patients not just as visitors but as part of our extended family. Unlike corporate-owned offices where staff and providers may rotate, our patients enjoy the consistency of care and trust that comes with seeing familiar faces every visit.
Friendly, Warm, and Caring Office Environment
Dental care should never feel intimidating. Our office is known for its fun, friendly atmosphere where patients of all ages feel welcome. Parents appreciate our gentle approach with children, and athletes feel confident knowing their smile is in capable hands. We combine professionalism with a personal touch, making every experience stress-free.
Protect Your Smile With Our Custom Mouthguards
Park Crossing Dentistry follows best practices recommended by the Academy for Sports Dentistry and the American Dental Association to ensure athletes receive the highest level of protection in sports medicine with custom mouthguards.
We bring a compassionate, family-oriented approach to every aspect of dental care. With state-of-the-art technology, experienced dentists, and a commitment to long-term patient relationships, we are proud to be the trusted choice for athletic mouthguards in Charlotte, NC.
Investing in a professionally made mouthguard today can save you from certain sports injuries, such as orofacial trauma. Whether you need oral protection for sports or a treatment for dental caries and related oral diseases, we are here to help. Reach out to us for additional information.
To schedule your appointment, call us at 980-238-3731 or contact us online.