Mouth Guards in Hampton, VA

A mouthguard is an oral appliance worn over your teeth to protect them from injury during contact sports or other activities. Mouthguards are available in a variety of colors and can be customized to fit your mouth perfectly. Wearing a mouthguard can help prevent damage to your teeth, lips, tongue, and cheeks. It also relieves symptoms associated with TMJ disorders, including headaches and earaches. To protect your teeth against injuries while playing sports or enjoying other recreational activities, talk to our Dentist Hampton, VA about which type of mouthguard is best for you.

Types of Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards: This is a basic type of mouthguard that you can purchase in a store without a prescription. These tend to be the least expensive option, but they are also the least comfortable because they tend to slide around in your mouth. They are also not customizable to your particular bite. Stock mouthguards may cause problems with speaking and breathing while worn. They are not recommended for patients with braces due to their potential to damage the brackets and the friction they can cause between the brackets and teeth when talking.

Boil and bite mouthguard: This type of mouthguard is boiled in water and then bitten into by the user. This creates a custom fit, but it may not be as effective as a professionally made mouthguard. It also tends to wear out much quicker than a custom one. If you have a misaligned bite or concern for comfort, this may not give you the best results. Some patients also report that they experience more discomfort while wearing boil-and-bites compared to custom-made mouthguards.

Custom-made mouthguard: This is the ideal mouthguard because it offers maximum protection and comfort. Custom-made mouthguards are the best choice when it comes to protecting your teeth, gums, and jawbones. These are made specifically for your mouth using molds of your teeth for the best and most comfortable fit possible. They also help to prevent the effects of teeth grinding and jaw clenching and protect your teeth from injury during sports and other outdoor activities. Custom mouthguards are crafted by a professional dental lab to ensure the best fit possible. 

How Long Does a Mouthguard Last?

A mouthguard can last several years with proper care. However, they can become damaged over time and need to be replaced. This is why it’s important to take good care of the appliance to extend its lifespan. You can care for the appliance by only using toothpaste and warm water for cleaning. Avoid scrubbing it too hard with a toothbrush or using abrasive cleaners. Always store it in a protective case when you’re not wearing it.

You should also consider replacing your guard if you experience any discomfort or if you notice that it no longer fits properly. Schedule an appointment with our dentist right away if you think your guard is cracked or damaged in any way. Always use caution when playing sports to avoid damaging the guard.

To find out more about the dental services offered we offer at Cheng Dental, call (757) 838-9140 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 21 Towne Centre Way, Hampton, VA 23666.