Athletic mouthguards protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from injury during sports and high-impact activities. At Andover Family Dentistry in Andover, KS, Dr. Howell creates custom-fitted mouthguards that stay in place, allow you to breathe comfortably, and provide superior protection compared to store-bought options.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, a custom mouthguard is one of the smartest investments you can make in your oral health.
Why Athletes Need Mouthguards
Sports injuries account for thousands of dental emergencies every year. An injury to the face can crack, chip, or knock out teeth. Damage that’s painful, expensive, and often permanent.
Mouthguards absorb and distribute the force of impact, protecting your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw. They’re essential for contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing, but they’re also recommended for basketball, soccer, baseball, and even skateboarding.
A custom mouthguard prevents:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
- Jaw fractures
- Concussions
The cost of a mouthguard is a fraction of what you’d pay to repair or replace a damaged tooth.
Custom Fit Vs. One-Size-Fits-All
Store-bought mouthguards may seem convenient, but they don’t provide the same level of protection, comfort, or fit as a custom mouthguard.
Custom Mouthguards:
- Are made from precise impressions for a perfect fit
- Stay in place without shifting or falling out
- Allow you to breathe and speak comfortably
- Provide superior shock absorption
- Last longer with higher-quality materials
Store-Bought Mouthguards:
- Come in generic sizes that rarely fit well
- Can be bulky and difficult to breathe through
- Often slip or fall out during play
- Offer less protection due to poor fit
A custom mouthguard is designed specifically for your mouth, which means better protection and a more comfortable experience.
Comfort That Doesn't Interfere With Performance
Athletes perform best when they’re not distracted by uncomfortable equipment. A custom mouthguard fits so well that you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it.
You’ll be able to breathe easily, communicate with teammates, and stay focused on the game. Because the mouthguard stays in place, you won’t have to constantly adjust it or worry about it falling out at a critical moment.
Protection For All Ages
We create custom mouthguards for youth athletes, teens, and adults. Young athletes with developing teeth need protection just as much as seasoned competitors.
For children and teens whose mouths are still growing, we may recommend replacing the mouthguard periodically to ensure proper fit as their teeth and jaw develop. Adults typically get several seasons of use from a single mouthguard with proper care.
Preventing Serious Injuries
Mouthguards don’t just protect your teeth. They also reduce the risk of jaw fractures and may help reduce the severity of concussions by cushioning impacts to the jaw.
Dental injuries can be devastating. A knocked-out tooth requires immediate emergency care and often leads to expensive restorative treatment like implants or bridges. A fractured jaw can mean surgery, wiring, and months of recovery.
Prevention is always easier and less expensive than treatment.
Keeping Your Mouthguard In Top Shape
Taking care of your mouthguard is simple:
- Rinse it with cool water after each use
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap
- Store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria growth
- Keep it away from heat, which can warp the material
- Bring it to your dental appointments for inspection
Proper maintenance keeps your mouthguard clean, comfortable, and effective. We’ll check it during your routine visits to ensure it’s still fitting properly and providing adequate protection.
Play Hard, Stay Protected
At Andover Family Dentistry, we create custom athletic mouthguards that fit comfortably, protect effectively, and last for years. Dr. Howell and our team are here to help you or your young athlete stay safe on the field, court, or rink.
Call our Andover, KS office or book online to schedule your mouthguard appointment. Protect your smile so you can focus on the game.