Your smile is one of your most valuable assets. At Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fort Wayne, IN, Dr. Ryan Holmes is committed to helping you protect it with high-quality custom mouthguards. Whether you need protection during sports activities, relief from teeth grinding, or special protection for braces, our custom-fitted mouthguards provide superior comfort and protection compared to store-bought alternatives.
Custom mouthguards are specially designed protective devices that fit perfectly over your teeth. They create a barrier that helps prevent damage from impacts, grinding, and clenching. Unlike generic options, our mouthguards are made specifically for your unique dental structure, ensuring maximum protection and comfort.
Why You Might Need a Custom Mouthguard
Many patients benefit from custom mouthguards for various reasons:
- Sports Protection: Athletes of all ages and levels need protection during contact and non-contact sports. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs shock, minimizes the risk of broken teeth, and helps prevent injuries to the lips, tongue, face, and jaw.
- Nighttime Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): If you grind or clench your teeth during sleep, a custom nightguard can protect your teeth from excessive wear, reduce jaw pain, and help prevent headaches and facial discomfort.
- TMJ Disorder Relief: Custom mouthguards can help alleviate symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders by properly positioning your jaw and reducing strain on the joint.
- Protection for Braces: Special mouthguards designed for orthodontic patients provide crucial protection during sports while accommodating brackets and wires, preventing damage to both your orthodontic appliances and soft tissues.
Custom Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Options
While store-bought mouthguards may seem convenient and cost-effective initially, they simply don’t compare to the benefits of a professionally crafted custom mouthguard:
- Custom mouthguards are precisely molded to your teeth, providing a secure fit that won’t slip or fall out during use. This perfect fit makes breathing and speaking easier, especially important during physical activities.
- The precise fit of custom mouthguards distributes impact forces more evenly, significantly reducing the risk of dental injuries. Store-bought options often provide inadequate coverage and protection.
- Made from higher-quality materials, custom mouthguards typically last longer than over-the-counter alternatives, making them a better investment over time.
- The precise fit allows for normal breathing and clearer speech compared to bulky store-bought guards that can feel uncomfortable and restrict airflow.
- Custom mouthguards can be designed with varying thicknesses and materials based on your specific needs, whether for sports protection or nighttime grinding.
Custom Mouthguards for Braces
Protecting your orthodontic investment is crucial. Our special custom mouthguards for braces are designed to accommodate brackets and wires without interference. They provide extra space for tooth movement during orthodontic treatment while protecting both your braces and soft tissues from damage during sports. With a custom mouthguard specifically designed for braces, you can significantly reduce the risk of emergency orthodontic visits due to damaged appliances. Dr. Holmes takes special care to ensure these guards fit comfortably over your braces while still providing maximum protection during physical activities.
The Process of Getting Fitted for a Custom Mouthguard
Getting your custom mouthguard at Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is a simple, comfortable process. Your journey begins with an initial consultation where Dr. Holmes will evaluate your needs and recommend the appropriate type of mouthguard based on your specific situation. Next, we use advanced technology to take precise digital impressions of your teeth, eliminating the need for messy traditional impression materials. These impressions are then used for custom fabrication of a mouthguard that perfectly matches your dental anatomy. We can customize thickness and materials based on your specific needs. When your mouthguard is ready, you’ll return for a fitting appointment where Dr. Holmes will ensure proper fit and comfort, making any necessary adjustments. Before you leave, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to properly care for and maintain your mouthguard to ensure its longevity.
Caring for Your Custom Mouthguard
Proper maintenance ensures your mouthguard remains effective and hygienic:
- Rinse your mouthguard with cool water before and after each use
- Clean it regularly with mild soap and a soft toothbrush
- Store it in a ventilated case when not in use
- Keep it away from hot water and heat sources that could cause warping
- Bring it to your regular dental checkups so Dr. Holmes can inspect it for wear and damage
- Replace your mouthguard when it shows signs of wear or damage, or as recommended by Dr. Holmes
Invest in Your Smile’s Protection
A custom mouthguard from Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is an investment in your oral health and overall wellbeing. The cost of preventing dental injuries is significantly less than the expense of treating them after they occur. Many patients find that the comfort, protection, and durability of a custom mouthguard far outweigh the initial cost difference compared to store-bought options.
Request Your Appointment
Ready to protect your smile with a custom-fitted mouthguard? Contact Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ryan Holmes.
Call us at 260-530-5489 or fill out our convenient online form, and our friendly team will contact you promptly to schedule your appointment.
At Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re committed to providing exceptional dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Let us help you protect your smile with a custom mouthguard designed specifically for your needs.