Dental injuries are the most common type of facial injury sustained during sports play in America. According to the National Youth Sports Foundation, more than five million teeth will be knocked out in sporting events this year alone. This is no surprise seeing that the number of children playing contact sports has risen significantly over the years. Dr. David J. Weinstock can provide you with a custom mouthguard in Philadelphia, PA to protect your or your child’s teeth.
The American Dental Association estimates that over 200,000 of these injuries are prevented each year by the use of sports mouthguards. A custom fitted mouthguard made by a dental expert is the only way to guarantee a proper fit that will significantly reduce the chance of an injury. Custom fitted mouthguards are one of the dental services that Dr. David Weinstock offers to the public.
Benefits of Sports Mouthguards
Dr. David Weinstock offers custom fit sports mouthguards for the protection of teeth during sports. They provide the most level of protection and wearer comfort for many reasons. Custom fit mouthguards offer many benefits to the athlete.
- Protects teeth from tooth loss
- Secure fit
- Protects past dental work
- Protects teeth surface
- More resilient than cheap mouthguards
- Distributes and dissipates impact forces
- Less likely to fall out than over the counter options
- Can reduce the chance of concussion
Custom sports mouthguards are available for children and adults who participate in contact sports. To learn more about this option for protecting the health of your smile, ask Dr. Weinstock during an upcoming routine dentist appointment or schedule an office visit in our Philadelphia dentist office to begin the process of having one made. We welcome new patients of all ages.
The lifetime dental rehabilitation costs can approach several thousand dollars per tooth for the athlete who loses a tooth (or teeth) in a sporting injury. In fact, replacing a single lost tooth will cost more than 20 times the cost of a custom fit, professional grade mouthguard.
If you or your child plays soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, rollerblading, skateboarding, martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, roller hockey, ice hockey, or lacrosse, wearing a custom mouthguard could reduce the chance of dental injury and reduce the risk of concussion.
Over-the-counter, “boil-and-bite” type mouthguards do not fit as well as custom fabricated types. They are often uncomfortable and interfere with breathing and speaking. Mouth guards bought from a sporting goods store provide a false sense of protection due to the dramatic decrease in thickness created when the athlete bites the softened mouthpiece into place.
Get Your Custom Mouthguard in Philadelphia, PA
No child should be playing sports without wearing a custom athletic guard. Especially when having a dentist make you a custom one is so easy. The process will only require two visits to our Philadelphia dental office.
Dr. Weinstock will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and mouth. He will send those impressions to our dental laboratory where the lab techs will create them.
Once we receive the mouthguard, we will check the fit and design of it to ensure a quality, proper fit. Patients can then take their mouthguard home and enjoy the benefits of their custom oral appliance.
About Oral Sleep Devices
An oral sleep device is a special mouthpiece that helps people with sleep apnea breathe better while they sleep. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing stops and starts during sleep. This type of sleep disorder can harm your overall and oral health.
Many people choose to use a sleep apnea mouthpiece over a CPAP machine. The device works by holding the jaw and tongue in a position that keeps the airway open. The person wearing it can breathe better throughout the night.
There are several benefits to choosing an oral sleep device for sleep apnea treatment:
- Easier to use and more comfortable than a CPAP machine
- It is Small and easy to carry when traveling
- Doesn’t need electricity to work
- It is quiet so that it won’t disturb your partner
- Can improve the quality of your sleep
- May help reduce snoring
- Is It less noticeable than other treatments
People with sleep apnea can often live a more quality life by using an oral sleep device regularly. They sleep better, feel more rested, and their health improves. We will take accurate measurements of your mouth and get molds of your teeth. A dental lab technician will use them to create your custom oral sleep device to help with your sleep apnea. To learn more about the symptoms of sleep apnea, see Sleep Apena.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
If you would like to learn more about custom mouthguards, start by reading our frequently asked questions section. If you have additional questions, please contact our dental office during regular business hours.
Can I use a sports mouthguard at night for teeth grinding?
No. We do not recommend using a sports mouthguard for teeth grinding issues. They are specifically for use during contact sports play. You risk damaging your custom sports mouthguard if you use it improperly.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
Custom mouthguards can effectively protect your teeth for up to 3 years before you need to replace it. If you are getting a custom sports mouthguard for a developing child, you will need to replace it before every sports season.
How do I clean my custom mouthguard?
Cleaning and maintaining a mouthguard is simple and does not require special chemicals or extra products. Rinse the mouthguard with cold water before and after every use. Use hand soap to remove bacteria and store it in a dry case. You can buy products to maintain your mouthguard, but they are not required. With due diligence, you can keep your mouthguard in top shape.
Is a custom mouthguard more comfortable to wear than a store bought one?
Yes, a custom mouthguard is significantly more comfortable than a store-bought one. We will take impressions of your teeth to create the custom mouthguards so that it fits your teeth precisely. This will ensure a secure and comfortable fit. They are less bulky, offer better breathability, and do not interfere with speech, making them a superior and more comfortable choice for sports activities.
How long does it take to get a custom sport mouthguard?
The process of getting a custom sport mouthguard typically takes one to two weeks. After your initial dental appointment, we will first take dental impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be used to create a custom-fitted mouthguard. We can adjust it if necessary once we receive it and try it on you.
Can a custom mouthguard be used for braces or other dental work?
Yes, custom mouthguards can be designed to accommodate braces or other dental work. Dr. Weinstock will examine your mouth to create a specialized mouthguard that offers protection while ensuring a comfortable fit, even with braces or other orthodontic appliances. These custom mouthguards will provide you with essential protection if you are undergoing orthodontic treatments or wearing a dental appliance.
Can children and teenagers wear custom sport mouthguards?
Yes, children and teenagers can wear custom sport mouthguards. In fact, it is highly recommended, especially for young athletes, to protect their teeth and gums during sports activities. Custom mouthguards offer a precise fit, ensuring maximum protection and comfort, making them suitable for individuals of all ages, including children and teenagers.