If you play sports frequently, Dr. George Eifler may suggest that you protect your smile by getting a custom sports mouth guard. We can fit you for your sports mouth guard in Phoenix, Arizona, at Valley Dental Group. Our prosthodontist can work with you to make sure you are comfortable while wearing the oral appliance and make sure it assists in protecting your mouth. If you have any questions, you can contact our office at 602-956-2260.
There are a variety of reasons why athletes might wear mouth guards. They can help protect your teeth and gums from injury while you play. It can also help reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing impact and spreading it evenly over the surface of your teeth. Mouth guards are usually made from one of three materials: rubber, plastic or silicone.
The traditional process of creating a mouth guard begins with taking an impression of the athlete’s teeth. This can be done by having the athlete bite down on a pliable material that hardens in order to create a mold of their teeth. This model is then used to create a negative mold, which is then filled with a rubbery material. Once the material has hardened, it is trimmed down to size and then polished to create a comfortable fit.
A more modern approach involves taking a digital scan of the patient’s mouth to create a 3D rendition of your teeth. This rendition will allow our prosthodontist to create customized guards that fit perfectly over your teeth. The final step is to attach straps or other fasteners to the mouth guard so that it stays securely in place during athletic activity.
You should clean your mouth guard with soap and water after each use and store it in a clean, dry place when you are not using it. Be sure to replace your mouth guard if it becomes damaged or worn out.
Our prosthodontist will be happy to create customized mouth guards for our patients, so you can better protect your teeth while playing the sports you love. Call us today to get started.