Protect Your Smile with Custom Mouthguards
in Miranda

A custom mouthguard is vital for individuals engaged in sports or activities with a risk of facial impact. Tailored to the unique contours of your mouth, custom-fitted mouthguards provide maximum comfort and protection compared to store-bought mouthguards.

Here are several reasons to consider a mouthguard:

1. Prevention of broken teeth:
   High-risk activities can lead to dental injuries, including broken or damaged teeth. A mouthguard absorbs and disperses impact force, reducing the likelihood of damage.
2. Avoiding tooth loss:
   Serious head impacts might cause teeth to be knocked out. A custom mouthguard serves as a buffer, protecting against such outcomes.
3. Protection for professional teeth work:
   Wearing a custom mouthguard during sports activities protects dental enhancements like crowns or bridges from the effects of head impacts.
4. Reducing the risk of crooked teeth:
   Sudden, forceful impacts have the potential to misalign teeth. A custom-fit mouthguard provides protection from impact and helps keep your teeth aligned by cushioning blows.

Choosing a custom-fitted mouthguard for sports activities is a smart way to protect your dental health. It helps keep your mouth healthy by preventing injuries such as broken or lost teeth and keeps any dental enhancements secure.

Selecting the right mouthguard is essential for anyone keen on keeping their mouth healthy during sports. Here’s how custom-fit mouthguards compare with store-bought ones:

1. Fit and comfort:
   Custom-fit mouthguards are tailored for your mouth, providing a snug fit. This enhances comfort and stability. Store-bought mouthguards may be less comfortable and can interfere with speaking and breathing.
2. Protection Level:
   Custom-fitted sports mouthguards are designed to distribute impact more evenly, significantly reducing the risk of tooth damage and tooth loss. Store-bought versions often offer less protection, which could increase the likelihood of injuries requiring more invasive dental treatments.
3. Durability:
   Made from professional-grade materials, custom-made mouthguards last longer than off-the-shelf options. This makes them more cost-effective over time.
4. Types of protection:
   Unlike store-bought mouthguards, custom-fit versions can address specific needs. These include braces or recent dental work.
5. Long-term oral health:
   A custom-made mouth guard contributes to long-term oral health by offering targeted protection. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the need for extensive dental treatments.

While both mouthguards provide essential protection, custom-fit options offer a more precise fit and protection. They are ideal for those who prioritise their dental health and want to minimise sports-related dental injuries.

The lifespan of a custom mouthguard can vary and be influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you get the most out of your mouthguard:

1. Frequency of use:
   The more frequently you wear your mouthguard, especially during high-impact sports, the quicker it may show signs of wear and require replacement.
2. Care and maintenance:
   Regular and thorough cleaning can extend the lifespan of a mouthguard. It is crucial to keep your mouthguard clean, dry, and stored properly when not in use.
3. Material quality:
   Custom-made mouthguards are crafted from high-quality materials designed for durability. The material’s resilience can affect how long the mouthguard lasts.
4. Changes in dental structure:
   Orthodontic treatment or natural changes in your teeth and jaw structure might necessitate a new mouthguard, as changes in dental structure cause changes in its fit.
5. Signs of wear:
   Monitor for changes in the mouthguard, such as deepening tooth imprints, cracks, or discomfort. These signs indicate it’s time for a replacement.
6. Proper fit:
   A well-fitted mouthguard will last longer than ill-fitting mouthguards.

As a general estimate, custom-made mouthguards can last anywhere from one to three years, depending on these factors. It is recommended that you replace your mouthguard every one to two years or sooner if significant wear or dental changes occur.

This practice is crucial for maintaining the mouthguard’s effectiveness in preventing tooth loss and other potential dental injuries.

Taking care of your mouthguard and keeping it clean helps it last longer and remain effective in protecting your teeth. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean it:

1. Rinse immediately after use:
   After taking your mouthguard off, rinse it under cool, running water to wash away saliva and loose particles.
2. Clean with a toothbrush:
   Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, soap, or a mild dishwashing liquid. Gently scrub the entire mouthguard. Toothpaste should be avoided because it can be abrasive and may alter the mouthguard’s structure over time.
3. Soak for a deep clean:
   Once a week, let your mouthguard soak in mouthwash or a denture cleaner solution for at least 30 minutes. This helps maintain its appearance and eliminates bacteria.
4. Rinse thoroughly again:
   After soaking, give the mouthguard a good rinse under cool water to wash off any cleaning agent residue.
5. Dry completely:
   Let your mouthguard air dry on a clean surface for at least 30 minutes. It must dry thoroughly before you store it to prevent bacterial growth.
6. Store properly:
   Once dry, place your mouthguard in a ventilated case. This helps protect it from damage and minimises the risk of misplacement.
7. Regular check-ups:
   Examine your mouthguard regularly for signs of wear or damage. If you notice significant changes, it should be replaced to maintain continuous protection.

Commitment to proper care can help prolong the lifespan of your mouthguard, keeping it in optimal condition both functionally and aesthetically.

A properly fitted mouthguard is essential for providing protection and comfort and maintaining a pleasing appearance. If your custom mouthguard doesn’t fit right, here’s what you can do:

1. Contact your dental provider:
   Get in touch with the dentist who supplied your mouthguard. They can check to see if adjustments can be made to improve the fit.
2. Avoid DIY adjustments:
   Trying to adjust the mouthguard yourself might damage it, reducing its effectiveness in protecting teeth.
3. Consider a replacement:
   If it can’t be adjusted for a better fit, getting a new impression for a replacement might be needed.

A properly fitting mouthguard is essential to protect your teeth during activities and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Seek professional help for optimal fit.

Yes, you can wear a mouthguard at night, but it’s a specific type known as a night guard. This is different from the sports mouthguards designed for daytime use.

Night guards protect natural teeth from wear, fractures, and damage caused by grinding or clenching during sleep. They act as a barrier to reduce the impact of grinding on teeth and prevent harm.

A custom mouthguard generally costs between $200 and $350. Several factors can influence this price:

1. Material quality:
   Custom mouthguards are usually made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, or silicone. Each material has unique properties of durability and comfort, which can influence the price. EVA offers flexibility and excellent impact absorption. Polyurethane stands out for its toughness and longevity, potentially affecting the cost differently.
2. Customisation level:
   Achieving a precise fit may require extensive customisation, affecting the price. Complex designs might include varying thicknesses for sports-specific requirements or aesthetic customisations such as colours and patterns. Added features like name tags or identifiers within the design also contribute to higher costs due to materials and labour.
3. Dental consultation:
   The cost of the initial consultation and the fabrication of the mouthguard are included in the overall cost. The skill of the dental professional is also a factor in the price.
4. Type of sport:
   For patients involved in high-contact sports, a sturdier sports mouthguard may be required, which could raise the price due to the necessity for stronger materials.

Investing in a high-quality mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth, especially if you participate in sports. While the upfront cost might seem significant, the protection it provides against potential dental injuries can save you from future dental care expenses.

Health fund cover for custom mouthguards in Miranda depends on your policy and level of cover. Mouthguards for sports are often recognised as essential for dental care and may be included in your dental benefits. To understand your cover, it’s advisable to contact your health fund provider.

Your policy may fully or partially reimburse the cost, subject to conditions. Refresh Dental Care Miranda can help patients liaise with their health fund and provide clarity on any potential costs.