At The Happy Tooth, we provide custom-made mouthguards. They are made especially to fit your mouth and teeth. Not only does a custom made mouthguard offer you better protection, but it also offers you optimal comfort.
The most common type of traumas and injuries we see sustained from participating in contact sports are:
- Broken teeth
- Dislodged teeth
- Broken jaws
- Cut lips and tongue
A mouthguard reduces the impact of a blow to your mouth or face. It assists in preventing or reducing the severity of any mouth or jaw injury.
Dental injuries have a negative impact on your life. They can result in time off school or work until you have recovered. There is also the financial impact associated if you need lengthy and expensive dental work to repair any injuries. Not to mention pain and possible disfigurement.
The cost of an injury to your teeth or jaw far exceeds the cost of a custom made mouthguard.
The Process For Getting A Custom Made Mouthguard
Custom mouthguards can only be made by a dentist. At The Happy Tooth, we will begin by taking an impression of your mouth. We do this using putty-like material so that we can make a plaster model of your teeth. The mouthguard material is then shaped with a special machine for the perfect fit. A custom made mouthguard will only fit the person it is made for.
Another benefit of having our experienced dentists make your mouthguard is that they will ensure the mouthguard is appropriate for your sport. Additionally, your custom made mouthguard:
- Will not fall when you open your mouth, allowing you to speak whilst wearing it
- Is comfortable
- Will not restrict breathing
- Provides the highest level of protection available for your mouth when participating in contact sports or activities
The process for receiving your custom made mouthguard is usually carried out over two appointments. The first appointment for taking impressions and the second appointment for collecting your mouthguard and having your dentist check its fit.
The Problem With Over-The-Counter Mouthguards
In summary, they do not fit well.
- They are significantly less effective than custom made mouthguards at protecting you from injury
- They are uncomfortable
- They do not stay in place when you open your mouth
Most importantly, the ADA (Australian Dental Association) and Standards Australia, do not recommend over-the-counter or ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards. Studies have shown that wearing these types of mouthguards offers only slightly better protection than wearing no mouthguard at all.
Custom Made Mouthguards FAQs
Our friendly front desk team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. For quick reference, here are the answers to some questions about custom made mouthguards that we get asked often:
When should I wear a custom made mouthguard?
You should wear a mouthguard at all times when participating in any contact sport or activity. This includes during training if there is a chance of a blow or contact to your face. Some suggested sports, where a mouthguard is imperative, are football (all codes), hockey, netball, basketball, baseball, martial arts, and even skateboarding and skiing.
How long does a custom made mouthguard last?
A mouthguard only needs replacing if a child has new teeth come through, there is significant growth, or if it becomes damaged in any way. It is important to have your dentist assess your mouthguard at every check-up, or at least before every new season to ensure optimal fit and protection.
What’s the best way to take care of a custom made mouthguard?
To extend the life of your custom made mouthguard, rinse it in cold water after every use and store it in a rigid plastic container. It’s essential to keep your mouthguard away from high heat (like prolonged periods in a hot car). High temperatures can cause a mouthguard to distort. Occasionally, you can rinse your mouthguard in mouthwash or denture cleaner.
