Mouthguards in New Port Richey, FL

When athletes play contact sports, they need to protect vulnerable areas of their bodies from injuries, including their teeth and mouths. Getting hit in the face, especially the mouth can result in chipped or broken teeth, bloody lips or noses, and concussions. Fortunately, custom mouthguards can keep teeth and soft mouth tissues injury-free.

Making Custom Mouthguards

Most dental practices, such as Orange Grove Dental in New Port Richey, FL, can make custom mouthguards. When you come, your dentist will examine your teeth and make an impression of them.

To make an impression, the dentist will fill a dental tray with a liquid material and, after inserting it into your mouth, will have you bite down on it for several seconds. The dental material they use may include polyvinyl siloxane or alginate.

Fitting a Mouthguard

After taking the impression, it goes to the laboratory, where technicians mold a special material to make the mouthguard. Once it’s ready and your dentist receives it, he or she will call you into their office to fit the mouthguard.

The mouthguard will go into your mouth, and your dentist will examine how it fits. It should fit over the arches in your mouth, and it shouldn’t affect your ability to talk or breathe. If necessary, our dentist in New Port Richey, FL, will adjust it and will have you try it out again.

Why are Mouthguards important?

Mouthguards for sports can prevent chipped or broken teeth, they can keep you from biting your tongue, and they also reduce the risk of concussions. They can also reduce injuries to your jaw. Custom mouthguards work much better than those found in most sporting goods stores.

Prefabricated mouthguards can be too bulky. They usually don’t fit well, and it can be hard to breathe and talk when wearing one. If you don’t play sports but grind your teeth, a mouthguard will protect them by providing a barrier that keeps them from rubbing on each other.

If you’re interested in getting a custom mouthguard for yourself or a child, please contact Orange Grove Dental to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.