Sports GuardNo matter if you play sports for your town, you play professionally, or you have a child who plays a sport for their school, a mouthguard is an important part of the necessary gear. Just like padding protects your legs, chest, and arms, a mouthguard provides essential protection for your teeth and mouth. If you or your child needs a mouthguard, Tim Perry, DDS can help by creating one specifically for you. How Do I Know if I Need a Mouthguard?If you play sports, no matter if it is just for fun on the weekends, you play with an organized team, or if you play professionally, a mouthguard is important. Certain organized sports, particularly those organized through school, will require a mouthguard as a part of your sports gear. There are some sports that pose a greater risk than others. No matter how dangerous the sport, though, a mouthguard can prove to be an invaluable piece of equipment that protects your mouth, your smile, and your wallet. How Do I Choose the Right Mouthguard?If you have been to any sporting goods store, there is a good chance that you have seen countless mouthguards available. There may be a whole section devoted just to them. These mouthguards typically include stock as well as those that you boil and then bite into to create your fit. We can also make you your custom mouthguard using high-quality materials for a more secure, comfortable, protective fit. There are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing a mouthguard. Things to consider include having certain dental restorations such as crowns or bridges, and what sport you are playing. If your child plays sports, an important thing to consider is whether or not they have all of their permanent teeth, if they still have baby teeth, or if they are waiting for the last of their adult teeth to come in. If you are unsure of how to go about choosing the right mouthguard, we can help you to decide. What if I, or My Child, Has Braces?Braces are a fairly common treatment for correcting tooth alignment. They are also fixed to the teeth. If you have braces, a mouthguard is especially important. This is because the metal on your teeth can cause serious damage to the soft tissues in your mouth. Additionally, dental injuries can delay orthodontic treatment. For those wearing braces, a custom mouthguard is particularly recommended. This is because we can create a mouthguard that fits perfectly around the brackets and wires, providing you with optimal protection without compromising your treatment. Does a Custom Mouthguard Need to be Replaced?Custom mouthguards, just like any other mouthguard, are not a forever appliance and they will need to be replaced eventually. At the very least, your mouthguard should be replaced each season. For younger children, who still have growing mouths, replacement may be needed more often. Also, your mouthguard should be replaced at the first signs of wear or physical damage to ensure optimal protection at all times. If you have any questions about getting a custom mouthguard, do not hesitate to call Tim Perry, DDS at (318) 322-0576 today. |
Tim Perry DDS |