Are You a Good Candidate for a Custom Mouthguard? By Andrew Mortensen, DDS on October 30, 2014

You may be surprised to learn that millions of Americans could benefit from wearing custom mouthguards, yet only a small fraction of these Americans actually do wear them. In fact, most people probably don’t realize that their local restorative dentistry practices offer custom mouthguards, let alone that they might be excellent candidates for them.

At the cosmetic and comprehensive dentistry practice of Andrew G. Mortensen D.D.S. in Fountain Valley, mouthguard candidates encompass a wide range of people leading a wide variety of lifestyles. Whatever their unique needs, these patients share one trait in common: their teeth and mouths require extra protection from harm. While over-the-counter and boil-to-fit mouthguards offer a small degree of protection, only custom-crafted mouthguards offer full protection with maximum comfort.

Whether you need a mouthguard for a specific purpose or a mouthguard is recommended as part of a comprehensive therapeutic plan, you can depend on Dr. Mortensen to provide you with a solution that is precisely suited to you.

Are you a good candidate for a mouthguard?

Most patients whose teeth require special protection from trauma or wear are good candidates for custom mouthguards. While custom mouthguards are more expensive than their drug-store counterparts, they offer numerous benefits to patients:

They are more comfortable because they are custom fitted to the individual’s mouth.
They are less likely to cause damage to the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth.
They are more likely to keep the teeth from shifting out of place in the event of a collision because of their custom fit and superior materials.
They will maintain their shape longer.

You are also likely to be a good candidate for a custom mouthguard if you:

Are an athlete: If you participate in contact sports such as boxing, football, hockey, or rugby, you would be wise to invest in a custom mouthguard. A generic mouthguard will almost certainly lose its shape and become thin and worn over the course of a season; your custom mouthguard will not. Your custom mouthguard will also be more likely to protect your teeth in the event of a collision and to shield your mouth from cuts.
Suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: TMJ disorder involves the joints located in front of the ears on either side of the head, which attach the lower jaw to the base of the skull. This disorder can cause intense pain in the jaw, ears, face, head, neck, and shoulders. A custom mouthguard is often used as part of a more comprehensive therapeutic plan to alleviate the adverse symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Chronic bruxism (teeth grinding): Many people who grind their teeth do so while they are asleep without being aware of it. This can cause a variety of oral health problems, including enamel erosion, bite problems, and loose teeth. Custom mouth guards help to protect the teeth during sleep and to promote a restful night’s sleep.