Close your eyes for a moment and picture how your life would be if you lost your front teeth. Suddenly, it would become difficult for you to eat, talk, or even smile. If you’re playing contact sports without a mouthguard, this could happen to you! We know how important your smile means to you, which is why we offer free custom-made mouthguards to local athletes!
Mouthguards are a standard safety precaution that will protect any blow to the face. This protection minimizes the injuries that you would have suffered to your lips, face, tongue, or jaw.
Usually, the upper teeth are exposed to most of the trauma, which is why mouthguards are made to cover the upper teeth.
We’ll make you a custom fit mouthguard right away!
When Should I Wear a Mouthguard?
Your comfort and safety is our number one priority, in and outside our dental offices. Sports and recreational activities can be all fun and games until someone gets hurt! It’s always best to be more safe than sorry. If your child is an athlete, make sure they use a mouthguard during their sports or recreational activities. If you don’t have one, stop by our dental office in El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks
Kids aren’t the only ones who should be wearing a mouthguard. Anyone who engages in contact sports or any other vigorous recreational activity is at risk of facial and mouth injuries, and that is why our offer of free custom-fit mouthguards extends to every local athlete.
Kids aren’t the only ones who should be wearing a mouthguard. Anyone who engages in contact sports or any other vigorous recreational activity is at risk of facial and mouth injuries, and that is why our offer of free custom-fit mouthguards extends to every local athlete.
Gymnasts, skaters, and people in other non-contact sports also face a risk of trauma to the face and mouth. So, stop by our dental office today!
Types of Mouthguards
There are many types of mouthguards out there! Here are the different options:
Custom-made Mouthguards
These are specially made for YOU! At Lyons Orthodontics, we know how important it is to protect your smile. We make sure your custom mouthguards Fit your unique smile. To make sure your custom mouthguard is custom, we’ll need to take dental impressions of your teeth. Once that’s done, you’ll be on your way with your mouthguard! Due to the high-quality materials used to make these mouthguards, they tend to be the most expensive option. Don’t forget, local athletes, get FREE custom mouthguards at our El Dorado Hills and Fair Oaks offices.
Boil and Bite Mouthguards.
The next best option if you are unable to get custom-fit mouthguards at your dentist is the boil-and-bite mouthguard. This type of mouthguard is available at your local drugstores and sports goods shops. When you buy this mouthguard, you will need to boil it in water and then put the softened mouthguard in your mouth so that it can adapt to the unique shape of your oral structures. Boil-and-bite mouthguards come with manufacturer’s instructions, so follow those instructions to get the best possible protection from these devices.
Stock Mouthguards
This type of mouthguard is inexpensive, and it comes ready to use. You just put the mouth guard over your teeth and hope that it fits and does its work. However, orthodontists in El Dorado Hills, CA, explain that stock mouthguards come with a number of shortcomings. They usually provide the least amount of protection to your teeth since the mouthguard doesn’t fit well. Stock mouthguards can also make it hard for you to talk or breathe because they tend to be bulky.
Mouthguards and Braces
You’ve got to protect your smile, especially if you wear braces! Why are mouthguards important for people with braces? The mouthguard acts as a barrier between the brackets, wires, and mouth. In this way, injuries to the cheeks and gums can be avoided.
As already mentioned, mouthguards usually protect the upper teeth, but people with braces or fixed dental bridges on the lower teeth also need this protection. Contact Lyons Orthodontics at the El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks office so that we can make for you a custom-fit mouthguard for the upper and lower teeth!
Taking Care of Your Mouthguard
Our courteous staff and orthodontists at Lyons Orthodontics are always available to check your mouthguard and let you know if it is due for replacement. However, if you notice that your mouthguard has any sign of wear, no longer fits or is otherwise damaged, have it replaced immediately because it will no longer be giving you the protection that you need.
Orthodontists in El Dorado Hills, CA, also say that kids and teens are still in the growing phase, so it is necessary to change the mouthguards more frequently to accommodate the changes in your smile.
Keep the following care tips in mind if you use a mouthguard:
- Rinse and brush the mouthguard. Rinse your mouthguard in clean water and then put some toothpaste on a toothbrush and brush the mouthguard thoroughly. This should be done before and after the mouthguard has been used.
- Have the mouthguard evaluated by your El Dorado Hills dentist during your dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning.
- Get a sturdy container where you can keep or transport your mouthguard.
- Refrain from leaving your mouthguard in hot water or under direct sunlight since your mouthguard could become distorted and will no longer fit.
- Keep your mouthguard out of reach in case your pets think it’s a chew toy.
- Check your mouthguard for damage and fit. Change it if it fails this inspection.
Still have questions about mouthguards? Give us a call or visit us at Lyons Orthodontics in Fair Oaks and El Dorado Hills, CA. Our experienced professionals will respond to all your queries and make you a custom-fit mouthguard if you are a local athlete.