Store-Bought vs Custom-Made Mouthguards
Store-Bought and Custom-Molded Mouthguards in Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Exploring Custom Mouthguards vs Store Bought
Patients looking for an effective way to protect their teeth may be recommended to purchase a mouthguard. However, deciding between a custom molded mouthguard and a store-bought mouthguard can be challenging. That’s why Cornerstone Dental Centre in Fort Saskatchewan, AB, is here to provide you with all you need to know about choosing the best mouthguard for your needs.
Understanding Mouthguards
From protecting your teeth from impact during sporting events to sleep guards to mitigating grinding, custom dental mouthguards are invaluable dental additions that safeguard your teeth. Mouthguards are often recommended for patients who play contact sports, as well as to wear at night for those with bruxism, also known as involuntary teeth grinding and clenching.
Reasons for a Mouthguard
As the name implies, mouthguards guard your teeth from impact. When playing sports that can result in sudden impact or for those who grind and clench in their sleep, injuries to the teeth and jaw are fairly common. To combat pain, damage, and costly restorative dentistry treatments, mouthguards are to be worn during times when the teeth are most vulnerable.
Types of Mouthguards
When it comes to mouthguards, there are two main types: nightguards and sports mouthguards. However, store-bought mouthguards are not durable enough to protect the teeth in any given situation. As such, it’s best to speak with your dentist to discuss your mouthguard needs. Your dentist can provide you with a custom athletic mouthguard or a nightguard for bruxism.
Store Bought Mouthguards
Store-bought mouthguards are traditionally the more affordable option. However, they are far less effective. Sports store mouthguards are not designed for your unique mouth structure and teeth. This one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t allow for comfortable wear or proper protection of the teeth. Store-bought mouthguards are not suitable for severe teeth grinders.
How Store-Bought Mouthguards Work
Store bought mouthguards require a boil-and-bite process. This means that to shape the mouthguard to the teeth, it must be boiled to make the material malleable and then bitten down on to fit the mouthguard to your bite. However, as these are designed to be altered, the materials are often too pliable, offering insufficient protection against impact and a higher risk of breaking.
Custom Dental Mouthguards
Custom dental mouthguards are prescribed by a dental professional and created to seamlessly accommodate the specific needs of your bite. As they are tailored to your mouth, they do not require constant adjustments. They can be used for an array of reasons, including to protect the teeth of even the most intense cases of Bruxism.
How Does Custom Molded Mouthguards Works
Custom molded mouthguards are designed according to the unique makeup and needs of the patient. Impressions are taken of the patients’ teeth and sent to a lab in order to create a custom-tailored mouthguard that offers snug and seamless wear. These additions can be personalised with thinner or thicker options to suit varying needs.
The Benefits of Custom Dental Mouthguards vs Store Bought
Making the investment to secure a clear custom mouthguard is highly beneficial. While store-bought mouthguards may save you money upfront, they do not offer the protection and durability you need. Fortunately, custom mouthguards boast an array of benefits, including:
- Enhanced protection and reliability
- Resilient to impact and highly durable
- Alleviated jaw tension
Contact Cornerstone Dental Centre
Protect your teeth with best-in-class custom dental mouthguards and Cornerstone Dental Centre. As Fort Saskatchewan, AB’s leading custom molded mouthguard provider, our dental professionals are here to ensure your teeth are protected from sports-related injuries and teeth grinding. Contact us today to discuss your mouthguard needs and schedule your appointment.