At Garfield Dental Group in Traverse City, Dr. Kristen Guptill provides high-quality custom mouthguards designed to protect your teeth during sports activities and from nighttime teeth grinding. Our custom-fitted mouthguards offer superior protection, comfort, and durability compared to over-the-counter options.
Visit our Traverse City dental practice if you’re an athlete or someone who grinds their teeth at night. Our personalized mouthguards are tailored to meet your specific needs. Visit us for preventive dental services today.
What is a Custom Mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is a protective oral device specifically designed to fit your unique dental structure. Unlike store-bought mouthguards that come in standard sizes, custom mouthguards are created from precise impressions of your teeth and gums. This personalized approach ensures a perfect fit that provides maximum protection and comfort.
Dr. Guptill creates custom mouthguards using high-quality materials that are durable, comfortable, and effective. The process involves taking detailed impressions of your teeth to create a mouthguard that fits snugly and feels natural in your mouth.
Types of Custom Mouthguards We Offer
Sports Mouthguards
Sports mouthguards are essential for athletes participating in contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and martial arts. Even non-contact sports can pose risks to your dental health. Our sports mouthguards provide protection against broken or chipped teeth, reduce the risk of jaw fractures and joint injuries, prevent soft tissue injuries to lips, cheeks, and gums, and decrease the risk of concussions by absorbing and distributing impact forces.
Dr. Guptill’s custom sports mouthguards are designed to stay securely in place during physical activity, allowing for clear communication and easy breathing while providing superior protection.
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 teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even cracked teeth. Our custom night guards help prevent:
- Tooth damage from grinding and clenching
- Reduce jaw pain and tension headaches
- Protect dental work such as crowns, veneers, and fillings
- Improve sleep quality by reducing muscle tension
Our custom-fitted devices are comfortable enough to wear throughout the night. They’ll feel so good that you’ll use them consistently.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards provide better protection than store-bought alternatives because they cover all teeth surfaces completely, distribute impact forces evenly, stay securely in place during activity, and provide the right thickness in critical areas.
The perfect fit of a custom mouthguard means less bulkiness and better comfort, easier speaking and breathing, no gagging or discomfort, and better compliance with regular use. Our custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that last longer than over-the-counter options, maintain their shape and effectiveness over time, resist tears and damage, and provide better value in the long run.
The Process of Getting a Custom Mouthguard
Getting a custom mouthguard at Garfield Dental Group is a simple process. First, during your initial consultation, Dr. Guptill will evaluate your needs and discuss the best type of mouthguard for your specific situation. Next, we’ll take precise impressions of your teeth to create a model of your mouth. Your mouthguard is then custom-made using high-quality materials specifically chosen for your needs.
You’ll return to our office for a fitting where Dr. Guptill will ensure your mouthguard fits perfectly and make any necessary adjustments. Finally, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to care for and maintain your mouthguard to ensure its longevity.
Caring for Your Custom Mouthguard
To keep your mouthguard in optimal condition, rinse it with cool water before and after each use. Clean it regularly with mild soap and water, and store it in a ventilated case when not in use. Keep it away from heat sources that could warp it, and bring it to your regular dental checkups for inspection. Replace it when it shows signs of wear or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Mouthguards
How long do custom mouthguards last?
With proper care, a custom mouthguard can last 2-5 years. Sports mouthguards may need to be replaced more frequently depending on the intensity and frequency of use. Night guards typically last longer but should be evaluated regularly for signs of wear.
Are custom mouthguards worth the cost?
Absolutely. While custom mouthguards cost more initially than over-the-counter options, they provide superior protection, comfort, and durability. The cost of treating a dental injury far exceeds the investment in a custom mouthguard. Plus, the improved comfort means you’re more likely to wear it consistently.
Can children get custom mouthguards?
Yes! Custom mouthguards are especially important for children and teenagers involved in sports. As children grow, their mouthguards may need to be replaced more frequently to accommodate changes in their dental structure.
Will a mouthguard affect my speech?
Initially, you may notice a slight difference in your speech with a new mouthguard. However, custom mouthguards are designed to minimize this effect, and most people adapt quickly. The precise fit of a custom mouthguard allows for clearer speech compared to bulky over-the-counter options.
How do I know if I need a night guard?
Signs that you might benefit from a night guard include waking up with jaw pain or headaches, worn, flat, or chipped teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, a partner who hears you grinding your teeth at night, and tired or tight jaw muscles in the morning.
Can I use the same mouthguard for sports and nighttime grinding?
While both types of mouthguards protect your teeth, they’re designed differently for specific purposes. Sports mouthguards are typically thicker to absorb impact, while night guards are designed for comfort during sleep. Dr. Guptill will recommend the appropriate type based on your needs.
How do I clean my custom mouthguard?
Clean your mouthguard daily with cool water and mild soap. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. You can also use specialized mouthguard cleaners. Never use alcohol-based mouthwashes, as they can damage the material.
Protect Your Smile Today
Don’t wait until after an injury or significant tooth damage occurs. Invest in a custom mouthguard from Garfield Dental to protect your smile and oral health. Dr. Kristen Guptill and our team are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care and protective solutions.
Contact our Traverse City office today at (231) 518-3715 or schedule an appointment online. Your smile is worth protecting.